5 International Spring Break Destinations That Won't Break The Bank

After spending the winter locked up indoors, it's not uncommon to feel a bit stir-crazy when spring begins to blossom. The winter season has been bumming people out for generations, and some scholars actually trace the idea behind spring break all the way back to Ancient Greece. Clearly, those of us who feel inclined to let loose and celebrate the end of winter are not alone. Unfortunately, with the current cost of living in the United States, going on a spring break vacation may seem a bit financially irresponsible. 

The majority of Americans opt for easy domestic trips for spring break and flock to southern states with warmer temperatures. Florida remains one of the most popular spring break destinations, but coastal regions in the United States experience huge increases in tourism and can become overcrowded and expensive. As demand increases, prices surge. If cost is a concern, you might actually be better off opting for an international trip. Spring is considered tourist "shoulder season" in many international destinations, so prices on international plane tickets and accommodations abroad are often lower than usual. 

Whether you're a college student who dreams of exploring a lively city with friends or a parent who wants to plan a tropical getaway full of family-friendly fun, there are plenty of places around the world that you can visit without breaking the bank. Plan a trip to one of these affordable international destinations, and you're sure to have an unforgettable — and affordable — spring break getaway.  

When it comes to planning the perfect beach getaway for your spring break trip, Mexico is an obvious choice. It's a wonderful option for families with kids and college students looking to party. If you're traveling from the United States, you can find multiple direct flights departing each day at affordable prices. Low-cost carriers like Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and Volaris all offer direct flights from various cities across the United States with prices starting at under $200 round trip. On average, food and fun costs much less in Mexico than the United States. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant in Mexico costs about $20, a domestic beer costs around $2.25, and a fancy coffee drink will put you out about $3.

Tourist hot spots like Cancún are popular among spring breakers, and booking a stay at one of the many all-inclusive resorts is a great way to ensure that your trip is hassle-free and budget-friendly. You can find all-inclusive resorts on the beach for as low as $150 per night for two people. Make sure to save a little room in your budget to experience Mexico's beautiful scenery and rich culture. Car rentals cost about $20 per day, and you can easily plan day trips to see ancient ruins, go snorkeling, and swim in budget-friendly beaches in Mexico. If you'd rather explore with a guide, most resorts offer tours.

If you're looking for a unique trip with less crowds, consider visiting one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos (destinations promoted by Mexico's Secretariat of Tourism), where you can experience a taste of authentic Mexican culture. Spring breakers who dream of visiting Napa Valley but don't want to blow their entire savings should consider a visit to Mexico's renowned wine region, which is less than two hours from San Diego by car.

If you've spent the winter daydreaming about a glamorous vacation in Europe, spring break is the perfect time to scratch that itch. Portugal, which is quickly becoming one of Europe's most popular destinations, is also one of the most affordable. You can find round-trip tickets from the United States for under $500. Direct flights from the eastern United States take around seven hours, making it an excellent choice for a short getaway.

The country is known for its rich history, exciting nightlife, and beautiful beaches, so it's perfect for spring breakers who love to party but still want to experience a little culture during their time abroad. In the capital city of Lisbon, you can spend hours getting lost on the winding medieval streets, sipping wine at quaint cafés, or listening to traditional fado music. Once the sun sets, hit the clubs and bars located in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Many bars and clubs stay open until around six in the morning, and Lisbon is home to a handful of the world's best hostels. Food and drinks are very affordable — a three-course meal at a nice restaurant will cost about $30, beer or wine costs less than $5, and a cappuccino costs less than $3.

Although it may be too cold to swim in the spring, you should still visit Portugal's beach towns, which have bohemian vibes and lively surf communities. Praia dos Galapinhos, located in Arrábida Natural Park, is considered one of Europe's best beaches. You'll find plenty of lovely hotels at affordable prices throughout Portugal, with rates for 4-star accommodations starting at just $40 per night. 

Colombia is an underrated gem in South America that has long been popular among backpackers and digital nomads. If you're looking for a luxurious spring break trip without a luxury budget, it's an ideal destination. The beautiful coastal Caribbean city of Cartagena is only three hours from Miami by plane. Low-cost airlines make it possible to find round-trip tickets for under $300 (depending on where you're flying from). You can stay in a five-star hotel in Cartagena for under $200 per night. Three-course meals will cost about $15, local beers cost about $1.50, and a coffee drink can be purchased for under $2.

Cartagena's old town is full of colorful Spanish-colonial architecture. The walled part of the city dates back to the 16th century and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to include a little wiggle room in your budget because there's some incredible shopping. Colombia is known for handmade goods, including fantastic leather work and textiles. Traditional Wayuu bags made by Indigenous artisans, colorful handwoven clothing, or a piece of jewelry crafted from Colombian emeralds are just some of the treasures you'll see while browsing the shops.

Watch the sunset over the ocean from a rooftop bar and then hit the town where you can dance all night at Cartagena's lively clubs. Locals love to dress up, so be sure to pack your favorite going-out clothes. When you're not exploring the city, consider booking a boat or snorkeling tour to the nearby Rosario Islands. Tayrona National Park, which is just under five hours from the city, is a wonderful place to experience some of Colombia's natural scenery. 

Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America. Flights to Costa Rica depart daily from across the United States, and many low-cost carriers offer round trip flights for under $300. The entire country is about the size of West Virginia, so you can experience a lot in a short amount of time. Car rentals cost as low as $10 per day – but be cautious of the extra fees that may get tacked on when you choose a budget rental company. You can also take tourist shuttles or public buses. A three-course meal will cost around $30, a local beer costs about $3, and a coffee drink will cost about $4.

The culturally rich city of San José, where most flights arrive, is a top destination for solo travelers. It's full of museums, restaurants, and affordable accommodations, and it's definitely worth exploring for a day or two. After exploring the city, immerse yourself in nature. There are 31 national parks and over 150 nature preserves to choose from. During your trip, you can hike through pristine primary rainforest, climb to the tops of a volcano, swim underneath a jungle waterfall, go surfing, and soak up the sun on miles and miles of unspoiled tropical beaches. If you're looking for a family-friendly beach getaway, consider the coastal town of Nosara. If you're looking for more of a party, the surf town of Santa Teresa can't be beat.

The cost for accommodations in Costa Rica are comparable to those in the United States, but it's totally possible to find some affordable options for around $100 per night. There are plenty of fun hostels where you can rest your head for around $25 per night.

If lounging on soft, sandy beaches while sipping cocktails is your spring break vibe, you've likely already dreamed of visiting the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is one of the most budget-friendly islands in the region, and you can get there in a little over two hours on a flight from Florida. It's possible to find round-trip flights for as low as $200. For a three-course meal, expect to pay about $25. A local beer costs under $3, and a coffee drink costs about $2. Hotel prices in the Dominican Republic start at around $50 per night. All-inclusive stays start at around $150 per night.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination, and there are tons of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, which means you can eat or drink as much as you want without driving up your budget. The beaches are beautiful with sugary-white sand, palm trees blowing in the breeze, and vibrant turquoise-colored water. You'll probably want to spend most of your days soaking up the sun, but there's plenty more to keep you busy. You can choose to visit historic sites, swim underneath waterfalls, paddle along a river, or go snorkeling off the coast. 

Jaragua National Park is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is full of pristine beaches and dry forests. Valle Nuevo National Park has lovely pine forests, and Los Haitises National Park has beautiful cliffs that can be visited by boat. Some tourists do not feel safe driving around the Dominican Republic due to road conditions, aggressive drivers, lack of law enforcement, and crime. If you're concerned or you aren't an experienced traveler, opt for a guided tour instead.