by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Fri March 20, 2026
When it comes to spring break getaways, beach vacations are often top of mind for many travelers. And in many cases, those vacations take place in popular beach destinations like Florida, Southern California and the like.
But it seems there’s a new style of beach vacation emerging for spring break 2026: expedition beach destinations.
According to a new trend report from Priceline, even when vacationing in a beach destination, travelers are no longer content spending all of their days doing nothing more than basking in the sun and swimming. They’re looking for destinations that blend sandy dunes with an adrenaline rush.
Translation: Travelers are leaving the beach reads at home in favor of high-energy activities like jungle hikes, parasailing, jet skiing and cliff diving.”
“Travelers aren’t just looking to sit on the beach anymore, they want destinations that give them more to do once they get there,” Priceline’s Christina Bennett, a consumer travel trends expert, explained to TravelPulse.
Underscoring that point, Priceline’s 2026 trends report found that 83 percent of travelers say they want more from a beach vacation than just relaxing, and 74 percent are actively seeking out destinations that offer a mix of beach time and activities.
What does that mean in terms of destination choices? The Priceline report explains that we can expect more beachgoers to opt for exotic, active coastal destinations that deliver a healthy dose of versatility and excitement including a wide range of adventurous experiences.
In other words, places that give these thrill-seekers a chance to connect with nature, challenge themselves, push their limits and return home with far more than just a tan. Namely, the stories, experiences and unforgettable memories that will spark future adventures.
“We’re seeing that shift play out in search data too, with year-over-year increases in searches for places like San Pedro, Belize, Phuket and St. Lucia, which pair traditional beach appeal with experiences like diving, hiking and exploring beyond the shoreline,” adds Bennett.
With all of that in mind, here are the top trending expedition beach destinations (based on the biggest year-over-year increases in hotel searches) according to Priceline’s latest spring break data.
- San Pedro, Belize (+39% YoY): Set along the Belize Barrier Reef, this trending hotspot delivers world-class snorkeling and diving–including bucket-list experiences like the Great Blue Hole.
- Phuket, Thailand (+28% YoY): Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and sea cave kayaking and jungle treks make for the perfect full-scale island expedition.
- St. Lucia (+20% YoY): With the iconic Pitons, volcanic beaches and rainforest trails, St. Lucia delivers scenery that’s as thrilling as it is stunning.
- Grand Cayman (+14% YoY): Crystal-clear waters and legendary reef diving make this destination a must visit for unforgettable underwater explorations.
Some of the other notable expedition beach destinations called out by the report include Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam where visitors can hike jungle mountains and relax on pristine beaches with coral reef snorkeling; and Kahuku, Hawaii, where adventure seekers have the opportunity to do everything from swimming with sharks to surfing, horseback riding and explore James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge.
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