Spring Break 2010 Hot Travel Trends

Top Destinations, All Inclusive Packages, More for College Students

Oct 25, 2009

Spring Break student travellers are opting for domestic travel, alternative volunteer trips, and all-inclusive packages. Here's what's hot for Spring Break 2010 travel.

So where are U.S. college students going this year for Spring Break 2010? With the economy in as sad a shape as it was during Spring Break 2009, one trend that's continuing is that students need to find ways to spend less money with cheap Spring Break travel ideas. In addition, because U.S. passport rule changes in 2009 have made it a little more difficult to travel to Mexico, more students are choosing to stay in the country this year.

Spring Break Travellers More Welcome than Ever

Here's one big advantage to Spring Break travel during a recession: hotels and other businesses need student travel dollars more than ever. According to the New York Times, it's become common for hotels and other businesses that have previously tried to drive away Spring break travellers to lift travel bans and to openly encourage Spring Break travel. This is especially true in the Bahamas and in Panama City, Florida, two places that have become Spring Break hot spots in recent years[1].

Does this mean that student travellers will be welcome everywhere during Spring break? Of course not. However, in a poor economy, students are less likely to have their travel dollars turned away. It's important to work with a travel agent and to ask around to find out where Spring Break travellers are welcome and where they are not.

Alternative Spring Break Trips 2010

One of the fastest growing trends in Spring Break travel is to ditch the traditional beach vacation and instead enjoy an alternative Spring Break volunteer experience. These trips are especially popular during a recession for two reasons. First, while these trips aren't always cheap, they're generally quite a bit cheaper than the traditional week in the sun. Second, during a recession, more people need help, so there's more of a need for students to spend time volunteering. Here's more information about alternative Spring Break trips.

Domestic Travel for Spring Break 2010

No, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are never going to go out of style for Spring Break. However, with the economy and airline prices as they are, many students are looking for vacations that don't require expensive air fare. Road tripping with a group of friends to a domestic venue comes with perks: it's cheaper, it's environmentally friendly, and it's a fun way to extend vacation memories with college buddies.

Another reason why domestic travel is hot is because as of June 2009, U.S. citizens now need a passport (or the new PASS card) to re-enter the country when travelling to Canada or Mexico. Previously, only a birth certificate and driver's license were necessary. It's still pretty easy to get a passport, but for students planning last minute travel or who don't want the hassle and expense of getting a passport, domestic travel is an easier option.

According to STA travel, a leader in U.S. student travel packages and travel, some of the most popular U.S. spring break venues for 2010 will include:

All Inclusive Spring Break Deals for Students

All inclusive trips to resorts, cruises, and other destinations include all or most of the expenses of a trip for one price, and this option is becoming increasingly popular for Spring Break trips. While these price tags can look like anything but a bargain, sometimes the cost of an all inclusive trip is actually quite a bit cheaper than the same kind of trip when air fare, hotel, food, tips, and other hidden costs are included.

Like all travellers, students need to be careful when choosing an all inclusive trip to avoid Spring Break scams. It's important to find out what's not included in all inclusive packages, and exactly how much this will cost. Working with a reputable travel agent is one way to find all inclusive deals that don't come with surprise expenses. It's also to book package deals early, as good deals go quickly.

Spring Break 2010 Trends

While many students will continue to enjoy travel to Mexico and Europe, the trend seems to be for students to stay closer to home in 2010. When they do go abroad, all-inclusive vacation packages will be more popular than ever.

[1] Higgins, Michelle. "Ban on Spring Breakers? Not this Year." New York Times, March 1, 2009.

The copyright of the article Spring Break 2010 Hot Travel Trends in Campus Life is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Spring Break 2010 Hot Travel Trends in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.