5 Cheap Spring Break Getaways In America
Still haven't yet made your travel plans for spring break? Although many of the best package deals have already been swooped up, there still may be time to find some great student bargains, even at the most popular spring break destinations in the country. But it's time to stop procrastinating and start planning because you're literally running out of time, especially if you want to save money on a fun-filled trip with your friends. Here are five of the cheapest spring break getaways in America.
Las Vegas
www.lasvegas.com
With more than 170,000 hotel rooms, students are guaranteed to get a great deal for lodging, even at the last minute. Places like the D Las Vegas were going for $36 a night just last month but hot properties right on the Strip like the Monte Carlo and Treasure Island were also priced under $95. Of course, the nightlife in Vegas is among the best in the country, with places like Tao Nightclub, Hakkasan and the Marquee all charging reasonable prices for general admission. Students looking for quality food at affordable prices should check out places like the Earl of Sandwich, Ellis Island and Secret Pizza.
Myrtle Beach
www.springbreakguide.com
Myrtle Beach has long been a haven for spring breakers and because of that, students can find great deals for hotels. Some places were being offered for as low as $53 a night last month and properties close to the beach like River Oaks Resort and Long Bay Resort were available for under $95. Of course, with a hot spring break destination like Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of great spots to party, such the beach action on the Grand Strand and evening entertainment at places like Celebrity Square, Heat Ultralounge and Ocean Annie's. When you actually have time to sit down for something to eat, among the best choices are Big Mike's, Pepper's and Farlo's Burrito Bar.
Orlando
www.visitorlando.com
Visiting the big amusement parks may be out of the question, but Orlando is still a smart choice for a cheap spring break. With competition amongst hundreds of hotels scattered across the Orlando area, some rooms can be reserved for as little as $35 a night and an Extended Stay America hotel with a full kitchen goes for about $100. Despite the obvious appeal of going to places like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, there are other, far more affordable attractions to keep your budget in check, such as the Orlando Grand Prix, the CSI Experience and Paddleboard Orlando. For affordable nightlife, try places like the Rising Star and Red Coconut Club at Universal City Walk, House of Blues at Downtown Disney, the Independent Bar and Parallel Nightclub.
Panama City Beach
www.pcbeachspringbreak.com
Sales are fading quickly for the "Spring Break Capital of the World." But if you act fast, there still might be time to grab a package deal that may include lodging, meals, drinks and admission to the mega-parties on the beach. Among the high profile music artists scheduled to appear at the weekly concerts at Sharky's Beach Bash are Steve Aoki and Kaskade. For nightlife, it doesn't get much better than dancing at North America's largest nightclub, Club La Vela, where a Party Card Week ticket can be purchased for as low as $50.
South Padre Island
www.spadre.com/springbreak.htm
Package deals are still being offered for South Padre Island, one of the country's most popular spring break destinations. There aren't many hotels rooms left for under $100 but if you're traveling with a group of friends, you can split the cost at places like Isla Grand and La Copa Inn Beach Hotel, which are both popular amongst the college crowd. Many of the nation's largest beach parties will be held on South Padre Island over spring break, including the MTV Real World Entourage Party, Pool Party at Isla Grand with Snoop Dogg and UME events with Steve Aoki, Tiesto and David Guetta. Among the excellent choices for low-cost food are Yummies Coffee Shack, Burger Fi and Joe's Oyster Bar.
Related: Go From "Spring Broke" to Spring Break! Tips On Student Travel On The Cheap!
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.