Cheap beach destinations for the ultimate spring break experience

Spring break 2022: the moment students everywhere have been waiting for. If you’re currently studying in the US, you’ll know that spring break is particularly held in high regard — and it’s likely that your fellow university peers are busy making plans for the best vacation they can think of.

However, unless you’re one of the lucky few with a beach nearby — Florida being a prime example — if you want to spend your spring break 2022 the way every other student is, you’re going to have to dig into your wallet, and as a student, you’ll not always be in the best position to splurge on a fancy break. 

The bad news? Vacation spots all over the US are gearing up for spring break 2022, and are likely to charge exorbitant prices for a room. Luckily for you, though, there are just as many places that will fit your budget — and will give you a cost-friendly but still exciting break that you’ll remember for years to come.

Here are some of our top picks for affordable spring break 2022 destinations in the US for international students:

Cheap spring break 2022 destinations

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach offers an exciting location for spring break. Source: Sean Rayford/AFP

Most students will look to the more obvious Florida or California for spring break 2022, and may not turn towards South Carolina for their holiday plans. Fortunately, this makes it ideal for any student on a budget. Located halfway between the beginning and end of The Grand Strand, you’ll be treated to a beautiful, wide expanse of sand and sea at Myrtle Beach.

More than that, Myrtle Beach is home to many fun attractions you can visit in between spending time on the beach. You’ve got Broadway at the Beach, a huge entertainment complex with over 100 shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. Or perhaps you’d like to visit the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Centre, a sight that will immediately capture your eye given that it’s got King Kong hanging off the Empire State Building.

Many hotels and rentals are currently giving out spring break 2022 deals right now that you can take advantage of. This includes the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark and the Beach Colony Resort, where you can get a room for less than USD $130 a night between a few friends. 

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island has welcomed performers like Steve Aoki for spring break. Source: Brandon Bell/AFP

South Padre Island is on the southernmost part of Texas, bordering the Gulf of Mexico. While Texas may not immediately come to mind for your spring break, you’d be surprised — the island is bustling with the best parties one can offer. Performers like Cardi B, Migos, and Steve Aoki have been known to put on a show for spring breakers such as yourself, alongside waterfront nightclubs, pool parties, and more. 

That’s not to distract from the multitude of outdoor activities you can experience for free. Swim, sunbathe, watch dolphins, fly kites — you can spend afternoons relaxing and enjoying nature around you before getting ready for a wild night. 

There are many packages on offer for students, and cheap hotels that start as low as USD $40. 

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach offers a classic Floridian beach escape for your spring break 2022. Source: Julio Aguilar/AFP

If you don’t want to miss out on the fun, you can always head over to Panama City Beach — which, for all its popularity, offers a huge range of affordable hotels and rentals for you to stay in. From Springhill Suites to Laketown Wharf Resort, there are many hotels that are catering to the swarm of students coming in for spring break 2022. 

All the while, you won’t have to worry about missing out — you’ll be right in the centre of some of the best parties spring break has to offer. Considered the “Spring Break Capital of the World”, you’ll be treated to 27 miles of white beaches and bustling evenings of nightclubs, events, and more. It’s certainly the place to be if you’re looking to have a truly American spring break experience. 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 

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For students looking for a more relaxing spring break 2022, Punta Cana is the perfect place to be. With miles of white sand, a tropical breeze, and palm trees lining the way, Punta Cana is a haven on earth. Here, you can indulge in all the traditional island activities: snorkeling, dolphin-watching, horseback riding, and parasailing.

Despite this, Punta Cana has a surprising number of affordable resorts on offer. Lock in a Spring Break deal or search for a resort to your liking, all of which have prices below USD $150 during off-peak seasons and up to USD $200 when it’s busy.