5 Cheap Spring Break Vacation Ideas (2024)

According to the online travel agency Expedia, travelers in 2024 will check into rentals withpickleball courts, voyage to places where theirfavorite TV series are set, and visit “destination dupes” — vacation spots that duplicate the features of well-traveled attractions but draw fewer crowds and offer more savings.

Although the notion of alternatives isn’t new, dupe mania is rooted in recentovertourism. “People have been flocking to popular destinations in record numbers, which is driving an uptick in travelers who are seeking less crowded andless obvious alternativesto these popular vacation spots that still offer all the charm,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations.

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Nearly 60 percent of travelers surveyed by the market research firm Future Partners agreed with the finding that dupes will grow.

“Even more than thelower price, a dupe holds out the promise of a great experience,” says Arnie Weissmann, the editor in chief ofTravel Weekly, a travel business publication. “Chief among the risks that can ruin a trip are your fellow travelers — other travelers are competitors for the same resources you’re looking for, from an upgraded room to a good table at a fine restaurant.”

Consider the following five destination dupes to help you make the most of spring break.

Surfing at sunset is one way to spend spring break in the town of San Pancho.

Greg Vaughn / Alamy Stock Photo

See Also

5 Great Getaways in the Caribbean for a Winter Escape

Popular pick: Florida

Dupe destination: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

From Pensacola to the Keys, Florida is a perennial spring break beach destination. Sun and sand lovers will find an alternative in Riviera Nayarit, the Pacific coast stretch of Mexico’s state of Nayarit just north of well-knownPuerto Vallarta. The beach town of Sayulita offers the bohemian appeal of Key West — easy to navigate on foot and full of fishing charters and small hotels — with the beachcombing access of the Florida Panhandle and surfing akin to New Smyrna Beach. It’s more expensive to stay at a beachfront resort such as Amor Boutique Hotel compared with a town option such as El Pueblito Sayulita, but both are walking distance to the water where waves are gentle enough for beginners to take a swimming lesson. Travelers renting a car can explore even quieter beaches in the nearby towns of San Francisco (a.k.a. San Pancho) and Lo de Marcos.

Popular pick: South Padre Island, Texas

Dupe destination: Miches, Dominican Republic

If you’re looking for the long strands associated with South Padre Island, consider Miches on the northeast coast of theDominican Republic. About 90 minutes from the Punta Cana airport, the developing town of Miches offers more than 30 miles of beach, including Playa Esmeralda, a palm-fringed strand lapped by inviting turquoise waters. Birders looking to swap coastal Texasbirding siteswill find many different water birds and migrating land birds at nearby Limón Lagoon. Adventure travelers and photographers can take excursions to plunging waterfalls, including Salto de la Jalda and the mountain viewpoint Montaña Redonda. All-inclusive resorts are springing up along the coast, but there are more budget-friendly options closer around town, including condo rentals, homes and eco-friendly glamping-style dome tents.

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Travelers to Sandpoint, Idaho, have access to Schweitzer, the largest ski area in Idaho and Washington.

Avery Liebren / Alamy Stock Photo

Popular pick: Vail, Colorado

Dupe destination: Sandpoint, Idaho

Ski towns are popular with spring breakers looking for fun in the snow. Travelers who want amountain destination and great savingsshould turn their attention to the northern Rockies where Sandpoint, situated on Lake Pend Oreille, offers a charming downtown and access to Schweitzer, the largest ski area in Idaho and Washington. The region has plenty of winter hiking and cross-country ski trails, as well as old-fashioned sleigh rides at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Bargain lodging options range from the Outdoors Inn, a classic motel updated with woodsy decor, to cabin rentals from Twin Cedars. Similar to other great ski towns, Sandpoint has cozy coffee houses such as Monarch Mountain Coffee, craft beers and burgers at Matchwood Brewing Co. and films and concerts at the 1927-vintage Panida Theater — all within walking distance of each other.