Sunny Spring Break Destinations for Travelers on a Budget
Tired of the dreary winter? It's not too late to escape the cold and snow for a sunny spring break — even if you're on a budget. Here's the TPG hotlist of sun-filled destinations where your money will stretch just a little bit further. Whether they're cheap to get to, affordable once you arrive or include a secret travel hack to save you money, these spots will ensure you get that tan without overspending.
Sri Lanka
It's a bit of a trek from the US, but once you're there, you can enjoy long stretches of sandy beaches, cultural sites and wildlife safaris, staying for as little as the backpacker price of $15 per night. Even luxury resorts with all the bells and whistles won't cost you much more than a couple hundred per night. Once you fly into Colombo (CMB), you can head south to the more popular tourist areas of Galle, Mirissa and Tangalle, or if you're really on a budget, head to the east side of the island to surf and relax.
Arugam Bay is the spot for surfers on a budget. You can even arrange to snorkel and dive with sharks in Basses Reefs. From there, you can also hop over to nearby Kumana National Park, where a day safari will take you around to spot elephants, leopards and close to 255 different species of birds in the wild. If you're into unique accommodation, there are several treehouses and glamping options around Ella and Kandy. Plus, the train ride between the two cities is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world — and tickets are only a few dollars! Book your trip in second class, because it's nicer than third but still sans A/C, meaning you can hang out the windows and enjoy the scenery more.
Canary Islands, Spain
This seven-island archipelago belonging to Spain but off the coast of North Africa is an easy fix of sunshine, especially if you've already snagged one of those winter airfare deals to Spain we've been posting all fall and winter long. Once in Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN), you can take a cheap Ryanair flight to Gran Canaria (LPA), Fuerteventura (FUE), Tenerife (TFS) or Lanzarote (ACE), which are the largest and most popular of the islands.
Fuerteventura is ideal for surfers, and you'll get a taste of both beach and culture in Lanzarote, where you can wine taste and check out some of artist and architect Cesar Manrique's work. Tenerife has epic black-sand beaches, and you can hike the famous Teide volcano. Gran Canaria has several national parks and miles of sandy white beaches, and you'll love strolling around the historical city center of the island's capital, Las Palmas. Airbnbs and hotels are relatively cheap, especially in February, March and April, as the islands see the most tourism during summer and over the Christmas holidays.
Puerto Rico
I know it sounds like we're on repeat here, but Puerto Rico is ready and waiting for you. It's close to the US, there's a variety of flights that will get you there (and especially on the cheap via JetBlue), and you don't even need your passport (which will soon cost you more).
Although not all parts of the island are cheap, you'll save money in San Juan if you plan to use points and miles, because there are many hotels you can choose from there, like the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Juan, AC Hotel San Juan Condado, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and the InterContinental San Juan. Plus, you'll be helping the territory recover. Puerto Rico still needs tourist dollars to get the economy back to where it was before the hurricane.
Colombia
JetBlue and Spirit offer flights from the US to Colombia for as low as a couple hundred dollars round-trip, or roughly the same price it might cost you to fly from Cincinnati (CVG) to Philadelphia (PHL).
Salsa lovers should head to Medellín, an up-and-coming city currently doing a great job of shaking off its turbulent past and becoming a sought-after destination. Bogotá is for dining and culture — you can chow down on a three-course lunch for under $5 at many cool cafes. Cartagena, though more touristy, is the place to be for colorful history and white-sand beaches, as you're just a boat ride away from many exotic islands, some of which you can pay $15 at for a night in hammock! Plus, all three cities are full of hotels where you can burn those points and miles, like the W Bogotá or the Hyatt Regency Cartagena.
India
India is so much more than crowded Mumbai markets and Instagram photos of the Taj Mahal. Roughly five times the size of Texas, the country offers endless opportunities to explore, starting with Himalayan peaks or the ancient Ayurvedic traditions of Kerala in the south. Gokarna, which is a few hours south of Goa, is a place of serenity, combining sandy white beaches with local craft markets and Hindu temples. The Andaman Islands, between Thailand and India, have some of the most breathtaking beaches in Asia.
Little known fact: India has among the most affordable wildlife tourism in the world. Glamp outside of Bandhavgarh National Park for as low as $40 before you check out the Bengal and white tigers that roam the space, or relax in huts outside of Kaziranga National Park, home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses for roughly the same price.
Brazil
While living large in Rio may cost you a pretty penny, you can finally save on the visa, as the cost has recently dropped and you can apply online. You can spend your savings exploring Sao Paulo, a city that's cheaper and less touristy than Rio. Or you can hop between beach towns between Rio and Recife, finding small villages and quiet, affordable beach towns.
You can save by going in April or May too. Since high season is technically December to March, you should still have nice weather in the shoulder season, but prices will drastically drop in many beach areas and resort towns. Florianopolis is often said to be one of best spot to live in in Brazil, so it's probably not a bad spot to visit either. Think surfing, seafood and boating — definitely not a bad way to spend a week in April.
Arizona
Arizona is one of the few places in the US that won't break your budget but has hot and sunny temperatures in spring. Ideal for the outdoorsy, it can also be a peaceful place where you can relax by the pool and rejuvenate at the spa. Plus, golfers can practice their swings year-round. If you have points to burn, head to Scottsdale, home to seriously amazing resorts from all the major hotel chains.
Tucson is smaller but just as beautiful, and it's a budding affordable foodie destination. Plus, world-class resort and spa Miraval is now a Hyatt property where you can use your points. Many snowbirds will head back to their northern and eastern homes in April or May as mercury rises, but this means prices will be lower for your spring getaway. Southwest flies from both Phoenix (PHX) and Tucson (TUS) from many different spots around the US, so grab your favorite travel companion and start working up to the Southwest Companion Pass.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.