Sun and sand remain top priorities for American travellers planning their spring break in 2026. New data from Spirit Airlines and Upgraded Points confirms that Florida and the Caribbean are still the most popular destinations, fuelled by a winter marked by prolonged record-breaking cold temperatures.
Rana Ghosh, Spirit Airlines’ senior vice president and chief commercial officer, notes that “spring break is all about soaking up the sun’, adding that after a harsh winter, ‘travellers are eager for warmer weather”.
Spring break travel typically runs from mid-March, from around 12 March to the end of the month.
Florida still rules, but hotspots vary
Florida, widely known as the Sunshine State, dominates nearly every ranking, though different datasets highlight different hotspots.
Spirit Airlines’ search data, based on searches from January 2025 to early February 2026, puts Fort Lauderdale in first place and Miami in third, while other Florida destinations such as Fort Myers and Pensacola also attract considerable interest.
A broader analysis of Google search trends by Upgraded Points paints a slightly different picture, with Key West emerging as the most searched destination overall and leading in 17 states. Destin and Panama City Beach also rank highly, particularly among travellers from the Midwest and the South.
Florida’s appeal goes beyond beaches, offering nightlife and cultural attractions that attract both college students and families. Miami, for instance, combines party scenes with culture, while Key West draws literature aficionados to Hemingway’s former home alongside historic sites, art districts and tropical gardens. Add easy flight access, and you have the perfect spring break mix.
However, the same factors that make South Florida attractive can also deter some visitors: travellers heading there this spring should prepare for crowded beaches, long queues for brunch, and longer waits for ride-sharing services during the peak weeks, experts warn.
@lvinlife_ Two friends brought the heat for spring break 2024 and so we had to bring them back for 2026!! #twofriends #mexicotrip #cabosanlucasmexico ♬ Down on the Floor (Vox) – Ah2
Students look beyond Florida
Florida is no longer the only game in town. Students and young travellers are increasingly searching for destinations that better suit their needs and budgets.
South Padre Island in Texas remains a popular destination thanks to its wide beaches, long-standing reputation for partying and affordable accommodation. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina continues to attract families with its beaches, golf courses and attractions, while also drawing in students thanks to its beachfront parties and live music scene.
Further inland, Lake Havasu City in Arizona is proving popular as an alternative desert destination to coastal areas. It offers warm weather, large gatherings on the waterfront and vibrant nightlife, but without the high prices of coastal destinations.
@amandavill0517 Blessed to have a beach so close to home 📍🏝️☀️🌊#southpadreisland #southpadreislandtx #spi #beachvibes #playa #summervibes #summertime #beachday #vacation #fypシ #parati #trending #viralvideo ♬ Callaita – Bad Bunny & Tainy
Caribbean and Mexico remain strong draws
The search for warmth also extends beyond US borders. Spirit Airlines has noted strong demand for San Juan in Puerto Rico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Upgraded Points has reported that Cancún has actually outperformed all other international destinations in terms of search volumes across 13 states.
Familiar tropical favourites such as St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and Aruba also remain firmly on travellers’ radars.
@_.lia_ltx_ Punta Cana 🇩🇴 #puntacana #pourtoi #foryou #magique #vacaciones #vacanes #reve #saona #2024 #republiquedominicaine ♬ Me gustas tu x Missili – Tio
Staying closer to home – and watching prices
A notable trend this year is travellers’ preference for staying closer to home. Aside from Caribbean and Mexican hotspots, the most popular destinations remain within the United States, likely due to easier access and lower costs, as low-cost carriers continue to expand domestic and regional routes.
However, travellers should keep an eye on the industry’s health. Spirit Airlines entered 2026 in the midst of a serious Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and while they are still operating nearly 10,000 flights this season, the downward pressure they put on fares affects prices for all travellers across the market.
