What started as a swim coach’s winter training trip in 1934 has evolved into a cornerstone of American culture, fueled further by the 1960 film Where the Boys Are and immortalized in countless movies and pop culture moments that followed, firmly cementing Spring Break on the map for millions.
With the holiday season around the corner, thoughts of Spring Break plans may be the last thing on parents’ minds. In 2025, more than 170 million Americans flew during March and April, so experts recommend booking Spring Break family vacations sooner rather than later.
When Is the Best Time to Book?
While there is no magic booking date, with travel at historic highs and Spring Break condensed into a small window, the early bird often gets the worm.
“Spring break is one of the most popular times of year for American families, and our data shows that searches and bookings rise sharply just a couple of months before peak periods, so families who want the best selection and prices should start planning by late fall or early winter,” explains Ben Harrell, Managing Director, US, Booking.com.
“There are historical patterns, and for domestic trips, the data shows that it is often between 1 and 2 months when the price reaches its lowest point. For international trips, it is 3-4 months ahead of time,” adds Summer Hull, Senior Director of Content at The Points Guy.
“Book your Spring Break rental by January,” states Melanie Fish, Head of Public Relations, Expedia Group Brands. “By February, over 70% of vacation homes in popular Florida beaches like Clearwater Beach and Colorado ski spots like Breckenridge will be booked.”
While parents can’t change school break dates, they can avoid going where everyone else is. Here are fresh options to avoid the largest Spring Break crowds by zigging while others are zagging.
Take a Different Cruise
While 72% percent of Americans sail to the Caribbean and most board a Spring Break cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Miami, these itineraries aren’t the only fish in the sea. Spring Break is the perfect time to cross the Galapagos off your bucket list, explore Europe without the summer heat and crowds, or take in Norway’s majestic fjords.
The world’s third-largest cruise brand, MSC Cruises, is the market leader in Europe and offers 7-day spring sailings in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, and Spain. Sail across Norway during Easter week with Dutch families on Holland America Line’s newest ship, the family-favorite Rotterdam.
Families are no longer limited to mega ships or ocean cruises. MSC’s sister luxury brand, Explora Journeys, which brings a luxury boutique hotel vibe to cruising, prides itself on being a true home at sea, even for kids. When not exploring ports in Spain or Italy on their spring cruises, children can participate in on-board sports sessions, technology tournaments, or head to the Nautilus Kids Club.
AmaWaterways, a long-standing top-rated river cruise line, welcomes children over the age of four and offers rooms that can accommodate three or four guests. Their crown jewel, the AmaMagna, sails the Danube River in March and early April. After exploring cities all day on their pick of included tours, kids often hang out in the year-round heated pool, retire to the theater to play video games or watch a movie after dinner.
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit the Galapagos, with calmer seas and comfortable temperatures across its volcanic landscapes. Explore in luxury aboard the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Celebrity Flora, an all-suite mega-yacht designed explicitly for sailing the Galápagos Islands. Or adventure aboard National Geographic Endeavour II and the newly launched National Geographic Gemini.
“Our expanded National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program is designed to be an engaging educational experience for our young explorers. It is not your standard ‘kids club,’ it is a highly acclaimed, age-appropriate expedition program for young travelers,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO, Lindblad Expeditions.
Take a Not-So-Typical Tour
“Spring break vacations are a time for families to reconnect, but I know how stressful it can be when parents are stuck managing every little detail. That’s why at Backroads, we take care of the coordinating—we handle the equipment, the activities, the reservations—all of it. What’s left is time together, exploring places you’d never find on your own and creating memories that last a lifetime,” said Tom Hale, Founder, President, and CEO of Backroads, the only active travel company to segment trips by specific age groups.
Family Twist crafts fully customized, exclusive journeys not available to the masses. Across Europe, they tailor experiences to each group’s interests, ages, and desired pace. Families rave about their private art workshops, treasure hunts in world-famous museums, hands-on cooking classes, and interactive city explorations designed as games.
Family-owned since 1925, Tauck consistently delivers more than guests expect year after year. No wonder they are travel experts’ go-to for guided travel, offering 170 land tours, safaris, river cruises, small-ship ocean cruises, and family travel adventures in over 70 countries and on all seven continents. Skip the summer crowds and tour Costa Rica, Greece, and Italy over Spring Break.
Pick a Different Mexico Destination
Last year’s most popular Spring Break spot, Cancún, is also America’s top international vacation destination yearly. But the country offers so much more outside the tourist hub.
Ten miles north of popular Puerto Vallarta is Punta Mita, a 1,500-acre private peninsula home to four resorts and 16 sub-communities. Families will savor the upscale haven found at Conrad Punta de Mita. From pristine beaches, kid-friendly pools, a full day activity schedule, Turi Kids club, and special spring break offers, it’s a perfect family retreat. Or escape to one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Thompson Zihuatanejo by Hyatt is right on Playa La Ropa’s white sands, one of Mexico’s best beaches. Kids can take surfing or cooking lessons on-site, and families can spread out in their elegant adobe-inspired villas.
Take Advantage of Upcoming Holiday Sales
With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Wave Season cruise promotions on the horizon, now’s the best time to decide on a trip to secure some of the best prices of the year. Travelers who use Expedia can use Price Tracking and Price Drop Protection, or save hundreds of dollars by bundling their family’s flights and hotels.
“Value is top of mind for parents, which is why we encourage travelers to sign up for Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program. Members enjoy free breakfast, room upgrades, and exclusive discounts on stays and rental cars,” adds Harrell.