Priceline’s Top Spring Break Destinations (And How to Travel on the Cheap)
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Spring break is not just for college students, though there will be plenty of them in some destinations. Many grade schools and high schools are also closed and families are also looking to get away. Others are seeking a warm weather spot after months of experiencing the winter cold.
So what destinations are expected to be popular this year? Priceline looked at its vacation package booking data for 2018 and 2019 to determine the top 10 spring break cities. Florida cities hold four of the 10 locations, but other warm locales also made the list:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Phoenix
Tampa, Florida
Miami
Cancún, Mexico
Orlando, Florida
Honolulu
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
San Diego
The average spring break flight costs approximately $228 per ticket 14 days prior, but then prices begin to rise, according to Priceline. So if you haven’t booked your trip yet, prices might be going up. Yet there’s still time to book a last-minute trip, especially on travel rewards.
» Learn more: Landing the best airfare is a matter of timing
If you have a flexible travel rewards credit card that gives you options when it comes to hotels and airlines or have lots of points stashed away, now could be the time to visit one of Priceline’s top destinations. Here’s how to get to a few of them on travel rewards.
Fort Lauderdale
A round-trip flight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from other U.S. cities on American or United will cost you 25,000 miles plus taxes and fees if you can find award seat availability at the saver level for your dates of travel.
If you’re looking for a traditional beach stay at Ft. Lauderdale, Priceline recommends the Royal Beach Palace, which has rooms for $171 a night. It’s not part of a chain so you can’t use your hotel points to book it, but you could apply your travel credit from a premium travel credit card.
Phoenix
Southwest Airlines is a good choice if you’re flying into Phoenix, and you could use your Rapid Rewards to get there. For example, travel from Seattle to Phoenix for under 23,000 points round trip.
If you’ve got Marriott Bonvoy points and you’re eyeing this spring getaway destination, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Phoenix Midtown is available for 25,000 points a night. Loyalty program members get a fifth night free when they book four nights on points.
Cancún
If you are a Delta SkyMiles member, like tequila and can take an extra day off work, Cancún might be the place for you. Delta award pricing can fluctuate depending on the demand for certain flights. But if you’re flexible on dates, there are bargains to be had. If you travel midweek instead of on the weekends — which would cut into the traditional spring break week — you can redeem flights for as little as 40,000 miles, plus taxes and fees.
Pair that with a midweek stay at the all-inclusive, adults-only Hilton Playa del Carmen resort a half an hour from the airport. It will cost 80,000 Hilton Honors points a night for a junior suite room with a garden view, but that rate includes unlimited food and beverages as well as non-motorized water sports.
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice:
