Spring break is shaping up to be more expensive than ever. This year, average vacation costs from March 12 to 21 hit an astonishing $8,306. That’s over double what travelers spent in 2019 and up 26% from last year. This data comes from Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison service.
Squaremouth analyzed about 6,000 trips booked between February 20 and April 15, 2025. They also surveyed 8,000 travelers, revealing that 40% plan to finally visit those dream destinations they’ve been dreaming about since 2020.
Italy and Japan are among the hottest destinations this spring. Japan, in particular, stands out as it welcomed a record 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, with American tourists up by 58% since 2019. Interestingly, trips to Japan average nearly $10,000, thanks in part to favorable exchange rates.
People are eager to take those big trips they’ve postponed for years. Popular warm-weather locations like Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic are also seeing increased interest, while places like Antarctica and Iceland are seeing fewer visitors.
The costs for hotels and flights continue to rise. Hotel rates have significantly increased since 2019. In the Bahamas, the average nightly rate for luxury accommodations during spring break has soared by 58% to about $623. A five-star hotel can now cost around $1,049. Similarly, the Dominican Republic has seen a 67% price hike, with average rates reaching $362.
On a brighter note, some travel costs are leveling off. Short-term rental prices haven’t changed much compared to last year. Meanwhile, flight prices are relatively steady. The average domestic flight for spring break is about $280, a slight increase of 4% from last year, while round-trip tickets to the Caribbean and Mexico sit in the mid-$400s, up 3% from last year.
However, there are still ways to save on your spring break trip. To find better flight deals, consider traveling in the first two weeks of March. For example, a direct JetBlue flight from New York to Punta Cana costs $537 from March 1-9 but rises to $638 from March 15-22. Choosing to fly on a Saturday and return midweek could save you another $100.
If short-term rentals suit your needs, look for places with plenty of availability. Las Vegas and Miami offer competitive rates, with some discounts compared to last year. For greater savings, consider lesser-known destinations like Barbados (flights from New York for about $245), San Diego (cross-country flights under $200), or Belize City. Asheville is also a charming option, welcoming back visitors as it recovers from recent challenges.
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