The Most Popular US and International Spring Break Travel Destinations
The Hottest Spring Break Destinations for 2023
This spring break travel season is poised to be a busy one but some destinations will host more travelers than others. To find out where spring break travelers are heading this season, award-winning travel insurance and assistance company Allianz Partners has released its annual Top 10 Spring Break Destinations review. The study analyzed more than 2.6 million itineraries to uncover the most sought-after spring break destinations this year.
The company examined the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports between February 17 and April 17, 2023. Only trips between 5-8 days in length were considered.
Here’s a look at the 10 most popular domestic and international destinations right now.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
It turns out that the West Coast is quite popular with spring break travelers. Salt Lake City ranks in the top 10 for another year, dropping just one spot from ninth a year ago. The Utah capital recently hosted NBA All-Star Weekend and rewards visitors with amazing views and access to some of the country’s best skiing.
9. Seattle, Washington
In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a newcomer to the top 10 this year, ranking as the ninth most coveted domestic destination for spring break travel. The Emerald City boasts a phenomenal foodie scene, some of the region’s most iconic attractions and access to glorious nature both on land and water.
8. Miami, Florida
Miami, which is down one spot from last year, is one of four cities in Florida to make the top 10 in 2023. The South Florida metropolis welcomes visitors this time of year with not only spectacular weather and beaches but vibrant neighborhoods and big events including popular music and arts festivals.
7. Tampa, Florida
Elsewhere in the Sunshine State, Tampa is up three spots from a year ago, ranking as the nation’s seventh-most sought-after spring break vacation destination. A plethora of family-friendly attractions and access to stellar beaches and great weather help set this Gulf Coast city apart.
6. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
On the other side of the state, Fort Lauderdale ranks sixth domestically, falling one spot from fifth in 2022. The coastal destination continues to offer travelers plenty of fun in the sun at a cheaper cost compared to nearby Miami.
5. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles drops one spot from a year ago but is still comfortably in the top five. Interestingly, it’s the only California city in the top 10. Nonetheless, its reputation as a sun-drenched city by the sea and star power alone help it stand out this time of year.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
The Entertainment Capital of the World also falls one spot this year, slipping to fourth. Las Vegas’ appeal is undeniable and its desert climate certainly doesn’t hurt either. The city has put in a lot of work to expand its offerings in recent years, treating visitors to not only an endless selection of casinos and sportsbooks but premier restaurants, world-class shopping and renowned acts and performers.
3. New York, New York
New York City’s post-pandemic rise up the spring break destination rankings continues in 2023 as the Big Apple jumps three spots to number three in the nation. The city has always been in a league of its own in terms of iconic attractions but the return of major in-person events has aided its rise in popularity.
2. Phoenix, Arizona
Unsurprisingly, the Valley of the Sun is drawing springtime visitors from all over the country. Phoenix’s balmy temperatures and outdoor attractions like Camelback Mountain and Papago Park are ideal this time of year. What’s more, visitors will discover a booming food and arts scene downtown before venturing out to explore exciting cities like Scottsdale, Tempe and Gilbert.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s reign as the nation’s favorite spring break destination continues in 2023. This year marks the eighth straight that Orlando ranks number one in Allianz Partners’ Top 10 Spring Break Destinations review. The Theme Park Capital of the World not only boasts some of the country’s most famous family-friendly attractions but also features welcome temperatures for those looking to escape winter’s wrath.
10. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The Dominican capital of Santo Domingo replaces the more resort-friendly Punta Cana in this year’s international top 10. One of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, Santo Domingo is full of exciting sightseeing opportunities and is a can’t-miss destination for culture seekers.
9. Paris, France
One of two European destinations to make the top 10 this year, Paris was left out of last year’s list but is clearly gaining momentum as international travel picks up steam in the wake of the COVID crisis. The City of Light’s allure is unquestionable and remains a bucket list destination for many.
8. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is one of four Mexican destinations to make the top 10 this year. In addition to easy access from the U.S., Mexico City is a diverse destination drawing visitors in with rich history, fascinating culture and unrivaled food and traditions.
7. Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba continues to be a hotspot for spring travel despite falling two spots from last year. The island country’s capital city, Oranjestad is the logical starting point for visitors eyeing endless sunshine and Caribbean charm.
6. London, UK
London climbed four spots from 10th in 2022 all the way to sixth this year. The city may not have the most enviable spring break weather but it more than makes up for it with unparalleled history and culture.
5. Montego Bay, Jamaica
On the island of Jamaica, Montego Bay has something for everyone, including beloved beaches, great golf courses like Cinnamon Hill and one-of-a-kind activities and attractions like horseback riding through the Caribbean Sea.
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
It’s not only Mexico City that is piquing travelers’ interest this winter. Americans are itching to head south of the border, and more specifically, to Mexico’s coastal destinations like Puerto Vallarta. The LGBTQ-friendly resort town is down one spot from a year ago, ranking as the fourth-most-popular international spring break getaway in 2023.
3. Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is one of the big risers in this year’s review, catapulting from seventh to fourth. Many springtime travelers choose to visit this destination on a cruise but flying is an option for travelers seeking the ideal starting point for a Bahamian getaway.
2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Los Cabos remains a huge hit with spring break travelers in search of serene landscapes, beautiful beaches, world-class golf and luxe all-inclusive resorts. Just a short flight from major West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Jose del Cabo is an easy choice for a late-winter trip abroad.
1. Cancun, Mexico
Like Orlando, Cancun has a stranglehold on the annual Allianz Partners review. Cancun’s unbeatable weather and locale in the Mexican Caribbean as well as tourist-friendly infrastructure, accessibility and affordability make it a no-brainer for a pre-summer vacation.