by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 5:05 PM ET, Thu March 13, 2025
Spring break 2025 is not exactly a bargain.
It seems travel costs are reaching record levels this year, with the average trip totaling more than $8,000, according to the metasearch engine trivago. That's more than double what travelers spent for a spring break getaway in 2019 and 26 percent higher than just last year.
Increased ticket prices for airfare are contributing to part of that uptick for spring break 2025. AAA has said that, on average, domestic airfares are up 7 percent from last year.
Hotel stays are also a contributing factor; they cost 8 percent more this year, according to AAA.
Amid this reality, it should hardly be surprising that nearly a quarter (24 percent) of travelers plan to spend more than they usually do on a vacation this year.
But what if you're among those for whom maintaining a budget is still a thing? (Raising hand…).
There's good news and well…less good news.
Let's start with the less favorable side of the ledger. Budget-oriented travelers may want to avoid some of the pricier spring break 2025 haunts (read: most popular), which are as follows:
- Las Vegas, Nevada (average booking value per night: $181.82)
- New York, NY (average booking value per night: $354.51)
- Orlando, Florida (average booking value per night: $199.51)
- Key West, Florida (average booking value per night: $534.21)
- Miami Beach, Florida (average booking value per night: $400.05)
These are the top searched domestic destinations for the travel period of March 10 through April 21, per trivago.
"Travelers are flocking to big cities like Las Vegas and New York to take in the wide range of entertainment and cultural activities both cities have to offer," says trivago.
Now, the silver lining. There are plenty of immensely appealing and very budget-friendly alternatives.
For travelers who have their sights set on domestic travel without the hefty price tag, some of the top options, per trivago, include:
- Ocean City, Maryland (average booking value per night: $139.42)
- Kissimmee, Florida (average booking value per night: $133.13)
- Reno, Nevada (average booking value per night: $151.99)
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee (average booking value per night: $165.62)
"To save, travelers are seeking smaller cities located near larger
metropolitan markets," says trivago. "For example, Kissimmee—located
outside of Orlando—boasts more affordable accommodation rates while
still providing convenient access to all of Orlando's amusement parks.
And for those seeking nightlife and gambling, Reno provides a
budget-friendly alternative to Las Vegas."
The key takeaway here, is to consider less touristy locales and options for your spring break vacation. The benefit will be not only saving money, but also, escaping the crowds.
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