by Stefanie Michaels
International spring break is a great opportunity to immerse into a different culture, learn a new language, and gain a new perspective on the world.
Not only does it grant a break from a usual routine of school or work, but it also allows for personal growth. It’s also an optimal time for students to explore new places, try new foods, and forge new friendships from around the globe.
For those looking for a meaningful experience, many international spring break programs offer volunteer and service ops, giving back to local communities and making a positive impact for all involved.
Here’s my list of affordable destination ideas for Spring Break:
Cancun, Mexico – Cancun’s spring breakers come to the area in search of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and an incredible nightlife scene. It also has a ton of affordable accommodations along the strip and and inexpensive dining options for those on a budget.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Playa del Carmen makes for an alternative to bustling Cancun, with a more laid-back vibe and a variety of activities to suit different interests, such as beaches, cenotes— deep sink holes great for diving, Mayan ruins, and boho-chic shopping. It also boasts a variety of affordable places to stay and dining options.
Costa Rica – Costa Rica is a great locale for nature lovers, with its many national parks and wildlife preserves that can be visited. Miles of beaches lend to a bevy of water sports. Depending on where you stay in the country, travellers can decide which area to visit— one of the most popular is where the Arenal Volcano and one of the world’s best rainforests is.
Thailand – Thailand is a budget-friendly destination and if you are a backpacker, it’s an excellent spot to explore inexpensively. Known for its beaches, ancient temples, and delicious street food, travellers visit from all over the world for the beauty, friendliness of the locals and low cost of living.
Vietnam – Vietnam offers beautiful landscapes and delicious food. Also a popular backpacking haven, affordable hotels and hostels offer those on a budget good options. The most popular destinations include the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the ancient town of Hoi An— in the middle of the country also known as the Lantern town, the stunning Ha Long Bay, and the hilly town of Sapa far to the north.
TIP: Destination pricing can vary depending on the time of year, and depending on currency exchange rates.
Did you know?
Hollywood has produced more than twenty movies about spring break. Starting in the 50s, movies have included everything from comedy, drama and reality based stories.
A little history:
Spring break can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s when college students would go on a week-long vacation to escape the stress of their studies.
The first recorded spring break trip occurred in 1936 when a group of college students from Colgate University in New York traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a week of sun and fun.
Spring break became increasingly popular in the decades that followed, with more and more students traveling to warm weather destinations like Florida, Texas, and Mexico.
By the 1960s and 1970s, spring break had become a cultural phenomenon, with students from all over the country flocking to popular destinations like Panama City Beach, Miami Beach, and South Padre Island.
Spring break has recently become more commercialized, with many destinations offering special packages and events specifically designed for college students. Despite this, spring break remains a popular tradition, with hundreds of thousands of students taking advantage of the opportunity to escape their studies and enjoy a week of relaxation and fun in the sun.
