Doing Spring Break On a Budget? Here are 5 Destinations You Can Actually Afford

Spring break is a rite of passage for most college students, but choosing the perfect destination to cut loose and party with your friends isn’t always easy, especially if you’re paying for school tuition, meal plans and housing expenses (even if your parents are covering some of the costs). Luckily, having a memorable spring vacation doesn’t necessarily need to cost a fortune. Regardless of whether you’re looking to hit the beach, go dancing or bar-hopping with friends, we’ve found the perfect budget-friendly vacations to heat things up this spring. Here are five of our favorite inexpensive places to go for spring break!

Miami Beach

If nightclubs, surf, sun and sand are your scene, Miami should be at the top of your wish list. Book a room at the trendy-yet-affordable Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, which boasts a free happy hour, rooftop pool and iPod docking stations and is conveniently located one block from the beach. Once the sun goes down, get glam with your girlfriends and hit South Beach for a memorable night of dancing, cocktails, and celebrity sightings at Story or Cameo.

South Padre Island

This Texas Gulf Coast resort town is consistently one of the hottest destinations in the South. Lucky for you, it’s also one of the most affordable options. Make a reservation at the waterfront Isla Grand Beach Resort, then party from sunrise to sunset at the hotel’s daily pool parties. Looking to epitomize your spring break experience? Strut your stuff in the Hawaiian Tropic bikini contest, team up for a game of beach volleyball, or check out the foam parties and live concerts at Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill.

Cancun

There are plenty of reasons why this tropical paradise became the original spring break destination for MTV in the ’90s. Cheap accommodations, rowdy beach parties, and non-stop nightlife are just a few of the attractions for students looking to cut loose. Book a room at Melody Maker, an all-inclusive beachfront hotel with free WiFi, four restaurants, three bars and 24-hour room service (perfect for late-night munchies). And don’t miss clubbing at Coco Bongo, cocktails at Senor Frogs or a night out at sea on one of Cancun’s infamous party boats.

Bahamas

If you’ve been fantasizing about far-flung locales, Nassau, Bahamas should fit the bill for your dream vacation. Although it has a slightly higher price tag, a room at Breezes Resort & Spa will cover all of your costs upfront. The hotel is a longtime favorite among spring breakers, thanks to all-inclusive perks like free-flowing cocktails, a pulsating nightclub, and three freshwater swimming pools. Want to venture off property? Be sure to check out Bond Nightclub and Blackbeards Sunset Party Cruise.

Myrtle Beach

If you’re looking for white-sand beaches, great parties and inexpensive lodging, book your tickets for Myrtle Beach today. With 60 breathtaking miles of shoreline, this South Carolina beach town attracts 14 million visitors each year. Party like a rock star at The House of Blues, have a beer on the boardwalk at Sharkey’s, or ride the SkyWheel before you catch some zzz’s at Dayton House, a newly renovated, wallet-friendly hotel in the heart of Myrtle Beach.

What are your favorite inexpensive places to go for spring break? Tell us in the comments, then shop more vacation essentials for a very stylish getaway!