Is spring break sold out? This is what it's like in Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas
"Crowds" is the first thing that comes to mind when you think "spring break." However, during the coronavirus pandemic, being in crowds is heavily discouraged. Therefore, this spring break will be different and unlike any we've experienced. Some people are opting for vacation home rentals where they can maintain social distance, while others are favoring road trips and visits to state and national parks.
But, for some, it's just not spring break without visiting places like Orlando, Las Vegas or Cancun. And, those destinations are still high on the list and busy right now.
With vaccinations becoming more available, confidence in travel is gaining. Of course, it's still important to remain vigilant since COVID-19 continues to be a serious threat. International hotels (including points hotels) have started to offer on-site testing to make a return to the U.S. more convenient, while domestic hotels and destinations have continued to follow their pandemic safety policies.
Here's what three major spring break destinations will look like this year.
Orlando theme parks are heavily booked
Theme park enthusiasts can still look to visit Orlando this spring break as both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are open. The regional destination has a health and safety program called "Safer, Stronger, Together," a campaign that asks visitors to follow certain practices like hand washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing.
Disney World bookings appear strong (given the parks' capacity restrictions) for the rest of the month and into April for spring break and locals on holiday. The booking calendar, shown below, displays only limited availability.
According to Daryl Cronk, senior director of Market Research & Insights at Visit Orlando, "Orlando has seen a rise in visitors and bookings as a result of increased vaccinations and decreased travel restrictions around the country.
"We believe a reasonable estimate for spring break this year would mirror occupancy from Christmas/New Year's Eve, which was around 50%," says Cronk. The destination reports that the spring break time period last year (the two weeks around Easter) were the lowest points of the year at 12.5 % occupancy.
Both theme parks have their own COVID-19 policies in place for spring break visitors. Universal Orlando has pandemic policies for staff that include mask-wearing, social distancing and temperature checks before coming on-site, while Disney World has measures that include enhanced cleaning, social distancing and reduced contact where possible.
Is it possible to take a beach break in Cancun?
If you're looking to head south to Cancun for a bit of sea and sand, then entry will be easier following the easing restrictions ahead of spring break. The Quintana Roo government (which includes the state of Cancun) announced on its Twitter account recently that it is raising capacity limits from 30% to 60% at hotels, restaurants and beaches.
Visiting Cancun is also easy as you do not need a negative COVID-19 test to enter. However, when your spring break vacation is over, it is important to note that the U.S. requires international travelers to get tested before returning. The test must be taken three days before your departure for the states.
"We offer a complimentary COVID-19 antigen test to guests staying at least three nights," says Jonathan Urban, director of sales and marketing for SLS Cancun. The property is not alone in offering on-site COVID-19 testing, as most properties in Cancun are offering the same.
Here is a partial list of the properties that are offering on-site COVID-19 testing:
- SLS Cancun
- JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
- Marriott Cancun Resort
- Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
- Secrets Riviera Cancun
- Secrets the Vine Cancun
- Grand Fiesta Americana
- Coral Beach Cancun All-Inclusive Spa Resort
- Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All Inclusive
- Fiesta Americana Cancun Villas
- Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun
- The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa
- Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Garza Blanca Cancun
- Villa del Palmar Cancun
- Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- Hyatt Zilara Cancun
- Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort
It is important to note that not all properties offer complimentary testing; some have fees. For example, Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Mexico, has on-site testing starting at $92 per guest, where the Hyatt Ziva Cancun offers complimentary antigen tests, but it costs $29 for a PCR test.
That feeling of holding your breath for your results? I felt that way on my recent return trip from the Caribbean, where you can't help wonder what happens if you or your travel companion tests positive on departure.
Related: What happens if you test positive for COVID-19 and can't fly back to the US?
It is important to check with the resort to see what type of quarantine or extended stay provisions are available. For example, according to Dean Sullivan, vice president of marketing and communications, Playa Hotels & Resorts, "The Extended Stay Protection at Hyatt Ziva Cancun provides accommodations at no additional charge for up to 14 nights for guests who cannot complete their travel due to test-related reasons."
Related: This Bahamas resort offers free quarantine and private-jet flights to guests who get COVID-19
Las Vegas lights up for spring breakers
The pandemic hit most destinations and travel industries quite hard, and Las Vegas is no exception. In 2020, Las Vegas experienced its lowest visitor volume since 1989, with only 19 million guests, down 55.2% from 2019.
However, many businesses and casinos in Las Vegas are welcoming people looking for a place to spring break. According to Casino.org, Circa Resort owner Derek Stevens says his March bookings are soaring, most likely due to confidence in the vaccinations happening across the country.
MGM Resorts, which includes several properties like Bellagio, MGM Grand and ARIA, are welcoming visitors as usual with their Seven-Point Safety Plan that includes mask-wearing, temperature checks, social distancing and enhanced sanitation measures.
Bottom line
Following CDC guidelines while traveling domestically or internationally is key to a healthy and safe spring break experience during the pandemic. Some of those guidelines include wearing masks, social distancing as much as possible and avoiding crowded areas. And, for the time being, those guidelines still apply if you've had one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
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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.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.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.