As you know I am a global ambassador for Allianz Global Assistance. They analyzed U.S. travelers’ Spring Break travel plans this year, and found that Orlando and Cancun are once again the top 2018 Spring Break destinations domestically and internationally. I went to Cancun for Spring Break back in March 2000 and while I would never do it again, it’s something all college kids should experience!
Upon Allianz Global Assistance’s review of trips planned for the Spring Break season – February 23, 2018 through April 16, 2018 – for travel between five and eight days in length, the results showed that Orlando (9.5 percent) was the number one domestic destination for Spring Breakers. Following in popularity are Phoenix (5.2 percent), Honolulu (4.7 percent), Fort Lauderdale (4.4 percent), Las Vegas (4.2 percent), Fort Myers (4.1 percent), New York (3.8 percent), Los Angeles (3.4 percent), Miami (3.3 percent) and Maui (3.2 percent).
While I find it interesting that the top two are places I wouldn’t have ever thought to go for Spring Break, I think the allure of Disney and Universal; plus golf and affordability play a big role. The greater Phoenix area, including Scottsdale, has hundreds of gold courses at very cheap prices.
Internationally, the top three destinations are in Mexico, with Cancun (14.2 percent) leading the list, then San Jose Del Cabo (6.3 percent) and Puerto Vallarta (5.1 percent). The next most popular destinations are Higuey, Dominican Republic (4.9 percent); Montego Bay, Jamaica (4.8 percent); Aruba, Aruba (4.5 percent); Nassau, Bahamas (4.3 percent); Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (3.4 percent); and Cayman, Cayman (3.3 percent). Rounding out this year’s Top 10 list as the only European ranking is London, United Kingdom (2.8 percent).
With the exception of London, where I actually went for Spring Break back in 1999, the other listings shouldn’t be a surprise. Mexico and the Caribbean are warm, close and most of these places cater to Spring Breakers with all-inclusive deals including flight packages. It makes sense.
“Americans are opting for sun and fun this Spring Break, with a majority of travelers planning domestic and international beach getaways, whereas last year many travelers opted for a ski destination,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications for Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Given recent concern over travel to Mexico, our data shows the resilience of the country’s top destinations and the confidence that Americans have in Mexican resorts. Travel insurance will be an important consideration for spring break travelers this year, especially for those who want protection from covered unexpected events that may occur before or during their trip.”
My friend Dan makes a great point. Americans are not deterred from going to Mexico despite recent issues with violence and of course politically. Mexican resorts are generally overrun by Americans around Spring Break and everyone there speaks English so Americans, especially college students feel comfortable. The sun and the amazing weather don’t hurt either!
Methodology: The data for U.S. travelers’ 2018 Spring Break plans was gathered by analyzing the number of travelers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights from the U.S. airports during Spring Break season (2/23/2018–4/16/2018) for trips between five and eight days in length. The findings are listed below:
| Top Spring Domestic Break Destinations | ||||
| Rank | 2017 Domestic City | % of Domestic Offers | 2018 Domestic City | % of Domestic Offers |
| 1 | Orlando | 8.62% | Orlando | 9.5% |
| 2 | Las Vegas | 5.29% | Phoenix | 5.2% |
| 3 | Phoenix | 4.38% | Honolulu | 4.7% |
| 4 | Fort Lauderdale | 4.13% | Fort Lauderdale | 4.4% |
| 5 | Los Angeles | 4.00% | Las Vegas | 4.2% |
| 6 | Fort Myers | 3.94% | Fort Myers | 4.1% |
| 7 | Denver | 3.69% | New York | 3.8% |
| 8 | Salt Lake City | 3.35% | Los Angeles | 3.4% |
| 9 | San Francisco | 3.14% | Miami | 3.3% |
| 10 | Tampa | 3.04% | Maui | 3.2% |
| Top Spring Break International Destinations | ||||
| Rank | 2017 International City | % of Int’l Offers | 2018 International City | % of Int’l Offers |
| 1 | Cancun, Mexico | 16.73% | Cancun, Mexico | 14.2% |
| 2 | Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | 5.27% | San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico | 6.3% |
| 3 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 4.84% | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 5.1% |
| 4 | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 4.74% | Higuey, Dominican Republic | 4.9% |
| 5 | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 4.41% | Montego Bay, Jamaica | 4.8% |
| 6 | London, United Kingdom | 3.95% | Aruba Island, Aruba | 4.5% |
| 7 | Montego Bay, Jamaica | 3.16% | Nassau, Bahamas | 4.3% |
| 8 | Aruba Island, Aruba | 2.97% | Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands | 3.4% |
| 9 | Nassau, Bahamas | 2.85% | Cayman Islands, Cayman | 3.3% |
| 10 | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | 2.81% | London, United Kingdom | 2.8% |
Disclaimer: I work as an ambassador for Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and receive financial compensation.
I would never go to Orlando for spring break.
Great read. so far Los Angeles is my favorite spring break destination. I’m so having a great time the last time I visit.
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Interesting