South Carolina Has The Cheapest Spring Break Destination
The weather here in the CSRA can be unpredictable. One day it can be really cold, and the next day it feels like Spring. Then you realize it’s only mid-February. But it won’t be long before Spring truly arrives. As we wait for its arrival, maybe you’re already thinking about a Spring Break trip. The question is, where is the cheapest Spring Break destination?
Cost Of Spring Break Travel
Over the past few years, we’ve all felt the affects of inflation. Everything costs more these days, including travel. Whether you’re planning a road trip, or jet setting on a plane, the costs can definitely add up. And of course, when you plan to go also will affect the cost. College students typically have an earlier Spring Break than other schools. Here in the CSRA, most of the school systems base their Spring Break schedule on Masters Week, which is April 8th through 14th this year.
Depending on the source, the cost of travel could go either way. KAYAK says that Spring Break travel costs are cheaper this year than last year. But most of their research is based on air travel. And if that’s the route you plan to go, when you book your flight will play a big role in the overall cost.
On the other hand, Travel Pulse references a new report from the top travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth. This report shows record levels of spending for spring travel this year. It’s expected that travelers will spend $800 more on trips this year versus 2023. The data also shows how travel costs have increased for 3 years in a row. But the biggest jump is from last year to this year, with an 11.2 percent increase.
Even if you aren’t traveling via airplane, you know the cost of gas continues to vary. Thankfully, here in the CSRA, we average lower gas prices than a lot of places. But as of this article, gas prices are averaging around $3.13 per gallon in the Augusta area. It will depend on how far you have to drive to make it to your destination, but there are some places that aren’t too far away that you can explore and enjoy without breaking the bank.
Cheapest Spring Break Destination
There is one destination that’s under 4 hours away, and it actually ranked as the number one cheapest Spring Break destination according to The Frugal Expat. And if you’re hoping for a beach getaway while saving some money, this is a win-win!
According to The Frugal Expat, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the cheapest Spring Break destination this year. Spring weather is nice enough there to enjoy the beaches, without having to pay the peak summer tourist rates at hotels.
While it is deemed the cheapest place, the cost of a trip to Myrtle Beach can be more costly, depending on your tastes and entertainment preferences. In Myrtle Beach, you have everything from luxury beach resorts, to hotels, beach houses, motels, and campgrounds.
In addition to the beaches, there are many other things to keep you entertained during your time in Myrtle Beach. There are plenty of golf courses, theaters, live entertainment venues, the Ripley’s Aquarium, and more. And you also can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants from seaside tiki bars to high-end fine dining.
There’s also a lot of shopping opportunities… but we’re talking about cheapest Spring Break destinations. So maybe you just enjoy some beach time or taking in the beauty of nature at some of the local gardens.
Other Cheap Spring Break Destinations
There are a few other drivable spots on The Frugal Expat’s list. At number 9, you’ve got the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And at number 10, a beautiful, historic Georgia city made the list… Savannah! It’s not really thought of as a beach vacation spot, but there are some beaches close by, plus the riverside too.
See the other Spring Break destinations on this top 15 list!