Break free! Plan a great Spring Break 2023

March 16, 2023

Every year, people across the U.S. are confronted with a dilemma: where to go for Spring break?

For those with children still in school, finding a family-friendly destination with plenty of things to do over Spring break is the goal, while more sedate settings might attract adults looking to take a breather. College-age kids typically look for a place to blow off some steam — and cram as much fun as possible into a single week. For all, the destination makes or breaks the vacation.

Where to go for Spring Break

We’ve researched some of the best spring break destinations, pulling together favorites for different types of travelers 

For families

Getting back to nature is a popular choice for families during spring break, with trips to national parks such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon topping many lists. For families looking for a balance of beach getaway with extra fun within driving distance, destinations like Orlando, Florida or Anaheim, California combine world-famous amusement parks with sunny ocean settings.

For adults

Traveling without the limitations of a school-year schedule? Spring break isn’t just for families or college kids. In fact, it’s a great season to head to some of the most popular destinations in the world, as you’ll avoid summer tourist crowds while still enjoying nice weather. This is your chance to take that dream getaway, whether it’s wine country in California or Caribbean destinations such as Belize or the delights of Europe (tulip season in the Netherlands, anyone?).

For college-age students

Spring is when college kids seek a getaway to recover from a long year of studying — and to enjoy a little release before diving into end-of-year exams and papers. At the same time, student budgets typically mean Spring Breaks need to be easy to get to, and affordable once you arrive. For that reason, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and Daytona and Miami Beach in Florida are popular with college crowds. Other popular destinations include Las Vegas, Punta Cana and New Orleans for a mix of sun, fun and nightlife. In addition, the serendipitous timing of St. Patrick’s Day makes Boston or Chicago a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for party seekers — or go all-in with a trip to Dublin!

Considerations for planning a dream spring break

Once you’ve decided where to go for Spring Break, there are a few things to keep in mind as you put together your plans and make reservations.

Destination and budget

Determine how much you have available for the trip, and which destinations will fit your budget. As you’re figuring out your potential costs, make sure to anticipate expenses such as in-town transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities.

Travel dates and reservations

Spring break dates for families and college-age travelers can vary depending on their schools, but it’s a time of year that’s very popular with tourists, raising the prices of flights and hotels. If you can be a little flexible, sometimes traveling a day or two earlier or later than the most popular days can change your costs. Research and book accommodations well in advance, as best-ranked destinations fill up quickly this time of year 

Travel documents and packing

Make sure to have all necessary travel documents, such as a passport or visa, if you are traveling internationally. The U.S. Department of State provides up-to-date info about travel requirements around the world, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers health guidance for travelers as well. In addition to packing documentation, research your destination’s weather forecasts to be sure you have the right clothing and essentials (a good supply of sunblock is always a great idea).

Plan for adventure — and safety

If your spring break activities include plans for parasailing along a beach, scuba diving into the depths of a lagoon, or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails in a canyon, you might want to consider travel insurance. For instance, SafeTrip travel protection plans are available with an Extreme Sports add-on, which ensures you have coverage if there is an accident during your extreme activity.

Even if extreme sports are not a part of your itinerary, check out travel insurance to see the ways it can protect your investment in your vacation ahead. 

• Travel Protection plans cover domestic U.S. travel and give you protection from the unforeseen costs of delays, cancellations and lost baggage — it covers canceled flights, hotel rooms, and more.
• Headed to an international destination? A plan like our International Travel Medical provides medical insurance for needs small and large, including an unexpected illness or accident. Many U.S. domestic health care insurance plans will not cover your medical costs if you are out of the country, but no matter where you’re headed in the world, you’ll have access to medical care and coverage with SafeTrip.
• Want to have combined coverage? Our International Travel Medical Plus includes medical insurance as well as trip protection in case your vacation is interrupted or canceled due to health, emergency or other reasons.

*Policy availability varies.

This website contains highlights of the plans, which include travel insurance coverages underwritten by Centurion Casualty Company or H&W Indemnity SPC Ltd. for and on behalf of Global Solutions SP. The plans also contain non-insurance Travel Assistance Services provided by United Healthcare Services Inc., or its applicable affiliate operating as UnitedHealthcare Global. Claims Administration is provided by Co Ordinated Benefit Plans, Inc. Coverages may vary under applicable law and not all coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Insurance coverages are subject to the terms, limitations and exclusions in the plan, including an exclusion for pre-existing conditions. UnitedHealthcare Global does not guarantee clinical outcomes. UnitedHealthcare Global is not responsible for the content of third-party websites and links to such websites do not imply recommendation, approval or endorsement of that website.