Travel Experts: 4 Budget Destinations for Spring Break 2025
Cities like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Daytona Beach, Florida, have traditionally been synonymous with spring break. But these beachside cities may not be as affordable as you think. For instance, the average traveler can expect to spend roughly $215 per day on a Myrtle Beach vacation, according to Budget Your Trip. Meanwhile, Daytona Beach can cost an average of $269 per day.
On top of that, experts predict that family travel will rise an average of 5% in 2025 compared with last year. Accommodation costs could jump even higher in premium locations, according to Rebecca Saint Martin, a travel business owner, in a LinkedIn Pulse article.
This will leave many travelers seeking budget spring break destinations. You can save even more money by booking early, using Google Flights or another travel app to track airline ticket prices before your trip, being flexible about your dates, and even planning a road trip instead of flying.
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“Road trips are a much more flexible and cost-effective way to travel — from setting your schedule to deciding where and how to stay each night,” said Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts, a membership that connects RVers to free stays at unique vacation destinations. “For people looking for unique spring break experiences, road trips are a great way to bond as a group, form core memories and have fun before even arriving at their destination — all at their own pace and budget.”
Whether you choose to fly or drive, here are four budget spring break destinations that won’t break the bank.
Savannah, Georgia
Embrace southern hospitality in the historic city of Savannah and perhaps enjoy a pint at the award-winning Coastal Empire Beer Company while you’re there. This brewery is part of the Harvest Hosts network, Holland said. “After the annual membership of $99, there are no additional camping fees,” he explained. “Instead of nightly rates, we simply ask that our members patronize the local business in some way.”
Savannah provides plenty to do for families and college students alike. Visit the botanical gardens, take in an action-packed Savannah Bananas game (a twist on minor league baseball with all-you-can-eat concessions) or relax on a trolley ride through the city.
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North Charleston, South Carolina
North Charleston is another member city in the Harvest Hosts network, with businesses such as the Striped Pig Distillery, Tideland Brewing and Herd It Here Farm welcoming RVers on spring break.
“The location is a great jumping off point to explore the surrounding area,” Holland said. He recommended visiting the beaches at Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, strolling the Ravenel Bridge to take in the Charleston Harbor, and walking around the historic downtown area.
And you can further reduce your travel costs here by camping at your destination. “RVing is a great way to combine two of the most expensive parts of travel — transportation and lodging,” Holland said. “You can go out to eat if you choose or save money by cooking meals in the RV or around a campfire.”
New Orleans
New Orleans remains a top spring break destination for party lovers. “Spring break is actually a bigger draw to our city than Mardi Gras,” said Christopher Falvey of Unique NOLA Tours.
And better yet, it’s affordable. “Louisiana has about the lowest cost of living in the U.S., so New Orleans trends to being one of the least expensive, yet popular places to travel for any reason,” Falvey explained. He said that prices don’t tend to rise dramatically during spring break, either.
To make the most of your trip, he said, consider a ghost tour or a guided tour of the historic French Quarter.
“New Orleans is unique in that it has both a party atmosphere as well as historical charm. The city has 300-plus years of stories, while Bourbon Street sits there waiting for people to let loose 24 hours a day,” Falvey said.
As in many cities, you’ll find you can reduce costs even further by staying in a hostel or vacation rental home instead of a hotel.
Panama City Beach, Florida
A spring break destination roundup would not be complete without a Florida beach on the list. Silvia Lupone, travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa, recommended Panama City Beach in the Florida Panhandle, bordering the Gulf of Mexico.
“This place has long been associated with spring break, and it consistently meets the demands of fun-seeking students and families. Warm weather, no-cost beaches and reasonable group rates drive everyone there,” she said.
Play volleyball, listen to live music, and enjoy locally caught fresh fish and signature beverages at Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant. Swim with dolphins in Gulf World, shop in Simon Malls’ Pier Park, or hike and fish at St. Andrew’s State Park.
“The most memorable spring breaks don’t necessarily mean breaking the bank,” Lupone said. “All it takes is a bit of strategy and these places give you memories to treasure at a fraction of the cost.”
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