Spring Break 2025: Destinations Travel Advisors Say Are Attracting the Most Attention

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Wed February 19, 2025

When it comes to spring break, the perennial favorites continue to be sunsoaked destinations like Mexico, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.

There was a brief break from this historic trend in 2024, with many travelers flocking to cold weather destinations instead. Think: Antarctica, Iceland and the like.

But this year, according to the experts at Squaremouth, cold-weather destinations are experiencing a notable decline in interest, with some seeing a drop of 60 percent or more over last year.

Meanwhile, the warm weather favorites – Mexico and the Bahamas – are the two top spring break destinations for travelers in 2025.

That's not to say there aren't any curveballs at all this year. For instance, the far flung, bucket-list country of Japan also sits atop the spring break destination rankings this year (in the number three slot, according to Squaremouth.) The traditional summer hotspot, Italy, is also becoming a spring break haunt as well, landing among the top 10 for this year.

Travel advisors largely concur with this assessment of how spring break 2025 is shaping up when it comes to the most popular destinations being booked by globetrotters.

But to find out more, we asked advisors to weigh-in on the most popular spring break locales this year. Here's what they're seeing.

Italy

For years now, Italy has been the place to visit come summer. But now the eternally popular destination is also attracting spring break crowds. And it stands to reason really. If you want to avoid the crush of visitors in June, July and August, why not visit the country during another time of year?

"We have seen a lot of interest in Italy for spring 2025. Specifically, travelers are mindful to avoid Rome around Holy Week since 2025 marks a Jubilee year, however that has not stopped travelers from planning trips to Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast," says Tara Busch, founder of the Conscious Travel Collective, a company that specializes in artfully crafted, intentional, and highly personalized travel experiences.

The Amalfi Coast in particular, has always been a big hit from mid-May through September, but this year Busch says she's seeing travelers visiting much earlier.

"I think travelers understand that summer travel will come with more crowds and a higher price tag," continues Busch. "For those uninterested in swimming and sunbathing, the spring offers a perfect alternative. The sun is usually still warm and skies are blue, plus flowers and lemons are blooming in abundance."

Those interested in joining the trend, however, should take note: Since many accommodations and restaurants on the Amalfi coast operate seasonally, the typical open date for many businesses is within a week of Easter, which in 2025 lands on April 20th.

"Travelers will want to take extra care to ensure the places they plan to visit will be open before booking their flights," says Busch.

Thailand

Are we oversaturated with White Lotus news yet? To be fair, the third season of the wildly popular HBO show has just begun. But hype and buzz surrounding the show has been off the charts leading up to its return and is now in overdrive.

Needless to say, the setting of the third season of the show (Thailand for those who missed the memo) is poised for an influx of travelers.

"Ahead of The White Lotus Season 3 premiere, Thailand has emerged as a top destination for 2025," says Fora Travel Advisor, Rabia Malik. "In February through March 2025, Thailand trips are already outpacing overall travel growth on Fora."

The 'set-jetting' trend similarly gained momentum back in 2022 when Season 2 of White Lotus premiered, leading to a 900 percent surge in bookings to Sicily (that season's locale) on Fora from November to December 2022.

Beyond being the filming location for White Lotus, what specifically does Thailand have to offer, you ask? Well, pretty much everything.

"It continues to be one of my top booked honeymoon destinations for clients – it has everything couples could want, from relaxation on the Thai islands, to glitz and glamour in the city of Bangkok, along with immersive cultural and wellness experiences in authentic Thai cities," continues Malik.

In addition to all of that, the food in Thailand is also incredible. It's a country where the foodie options range from Michelin-star restaurants to street food stalls.

Antarctica

While Squaremouth's list shows Antarctica on the decline this year, that's not necessarily what Jason Block, CEO WorldVia Travel Group, is witnessing.

"Unique destinations such as Antarctica are experiencing a surge in popularity due to new fly-in experiences and more affordable options, making the continent’s interior more accessible and potentially increasing tourism," says Block.

Cruise and tour operators that serve Antarctica are beginning to offer fly-in options that bypass the traditionally lengthy Drake Passage crossing, making the journey to the continent shorter overall.

Spring also happens to be among the best times to visit, says Block, offering slightly warmer temperatures and increased opportunities for native animal sightings. "Daylight hours can last almost the whole day,"adds Block. But note to prospective spring break visitors, this reality does begin to shift as you get into April.  

Mexico

It's no secret that plenty of travelers are making a beeline for Mexico over spring break this year. And there's more than a few reasons why that's the case, says Merceds Zach, a travel agent with ASAP Tickets.

"It has a great climate and rich culture," notes Zach.

But what if you want to avoid the crowds in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta when unwinding in Mexico over spring break? The good news is there's plenty of options.

"The first Mexican town that comes to my mind when looking for a budget-friendly beach getaway, is the surf town of Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca. It is known for its untouched beaches, bohemian vibe and plenty of things to see and do," says Zach.

Puerto Escondido is another noteworthy option, one that offers everything from snorkeling, swimming among the marine life to seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. Puerto Escondido also offers sport fishing, surf lessons and potentially even the opportunity to take part in a baby turtle release.

"In my opinion, Mexico offers the best of both worlds: a rich history and vibrant culture in combination with a fantastic tropical climate and ultimate relaxation by the beach in one of many all-inclusive hotels or resorts that have plenty of great deals," says Zach.

And one last important point, says Zach: April also happens to be one of the hottest months in Mexico with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures of 85 to 95 degrees.

The Caribbean

No pun intended, but the Caribbean is a hot spring break destination for 2025.

"I am booking so many last minute cruises this March through May on a variety of cruise lines all over the [Caribbean's] tropical islands," says Melanie Kostrab, a travel advisor with Travelmation.

"Clients, especially multi-generational families, are seeking destinations where they can soak up the sun and make memories while enjoying all the activities and perks of being aboard a cruise ship," continues Kostrab.

Greece

The experts at Sky Vacations have been busy booking spring 2025 trips for a few months now, and during that time they've definitely noticed some emerging trends, particularly when it comes to top European destinations.

One key pattern they're seeing is many travelers are aiming to explore Europe before the summer crowds arrive and prices spike. And the country topping many visitor's lists for spring break 2025 is Greece.

"Greece continues to be the most requested destination, though travelers are seeking more than just the popular spots like Mykonos and Santorini," says Richard Krieger, director  for Sky Vacations. "Instead, they’re looking for a more authentic Greek experience, traveling through the Peloponnese to places such as Olympia, Kalamata, and Nafplion."

Portugal

Portugal comes in second among Sky Vacation clients when it comes to popularity for this year's spring break getaways.

And when it comes to Portugal, it seems many clients are opting for a self-drive tour of the picturesque country.

"The most popular route begins in Porto, where travelers enjoy a few days of sightseeing and wine tasting before picking up a car and heading toward Lisbon," says Krieger. "Along the way, they stop at places like Fatima, Coimbra, and Nazare. In Lisbon, most drop off their car and spend a few days in the city, while others head to the Algarve and return to Lisbon to wrap up their trip."

Croatia

And in a surprise to the experts at Sky Vacations, the country of Croatia has become a spring break favorite this year among travelers.

"Travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path European adventure are discovering this gem," explains Krieger. "It’s not just beautiful Dubrovnik that’s drawing attention—programs we’ve designed also take travelers to Zagreb, Zadar, and Split. Croatia offers a rich variety of experiences (food, wine, beaches, history) at fantastic prices, making it an appealing choice for savvy Spring travelers."

The big takeaway?

The overall trend for spring break 2025 is travelers looking for highly unique and exciting journeys in places that offer a better value compared to some of their neighboring counterparts, says Krieger.

The Maldives

Now turning our attention to the planet's glitterati jet-setters, it seems spring break 2025 will see them unwinding in The Maldives,

Celebrity travel planner, Gabriella Di Falco, co-founder of ELECT Travel and Lifestyle, says the stunning island getaway is one of two top spring break destinations among her clients.

"The Maldives is a tropical paradise hidden in the northern Indian Ocean. With 1,200 small islands, the Maldives is known for its white sands, bright blue waters, and exotic coral reefs," says Di Falco.

As for where to stay if money is no object, don't miss Soneva Secret, which Di Falco calls the new jewel of the Maldives. The property opened in 2024 and features 14 private overwater and island villas accessible by boat.

Activities at the luxe resort include zipline, dolphin sunset cruises, swimming with stingrays and turtles, and savoring the island's melting pot of Sri Lankan, Indian, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and African influences that bring some of the world's most brilliant chefs to create unique dining experiences.

St. Barths

And last but not least, the other most popular spring break destination among Di Falco's celebrity clients is St. Barths. Not entirely surprising, given the island's history of luxury and exclusivity.

"Located in the heart of the Caribbean Islands, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, for decades, St. Barth has been popular with Hollywood and French stars thanks to the island’s privacy," confirms Di Falco.

It wouldn’t be uncommon to be eating lunch next to a British pop star, a famous model, a millionaire tech CEO, or even a Rock & Roll legend here, adds Di Falco.

Want to ensure you'll have some celebrity sightings?

Stay at Eden Rock, which has welcomed generation after generation of Old Hollywood royalty, rock stars, supermodels, and recent arbiters of pop culture as they seek to escape public life for a taste of privacy amidst casual glamor and barefoot luxury.

"Film stars, musicians, and socialites have all been spotted sun-worshipping on the deck of their private suites at Eden Rock or unwinding on the mention-worthy beach like Baie de Saint Jean St Barts," says Di Falco.

Serious pop culture followers may want to request the Howard Hughes Villa, which was the legendarily reclusive billionaire’s preferred suite during his extended stays in the late 1950s.

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