Emerging Spring Break destinations are increasing in popularity, however perennial spring break favorites still remain hotspots for students and their parents over the holiday according to a recent study by Orbitz. For 2016, the state of Florida accounts for 40 percent of the top Spring Break destinations, with Fort Myers and Tampa joining Orlando and Miami in the top ten rankings. The top three spots also remain consistent with repeat performances from Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas. This year, Orlando and Las Vegas traded rankings, with Orlando rising from third to first, Vegas dropping from first to third and Cancun holding on to second place for the second year in a row.
| Rank | City | Average Daily Rate (Hotel) | Change YOY | Average Airfare |
Change YOY | ||||||||
| 1 | Orlando, Fla. | $ | 216 | 21 | % | $ | 311 | -13 | % | ||||
| 2 | Cancun, Mexico | $ | 335 | 6 | % | $ | 515 | -7 | % | ||||
| 3 | Las Vegas, Nev. | $ | 126 | 7 | % | $ | 311 | -11 | % | ||||
| 4 | Phoenix, Ariz. | $ | 174 | -3 | % | $ | 322 | -10 | % | ||||
| 5 | Los Angeles, Calif. | $ | 184 | 17 | % | $ | 294 | -20 | % | ||||
| 6 | Fort Myers, Fla. | $ | 236 | 29 | % | $ | 339 | -14 | % | ||||
| 7 | Chicago, Ill. | $ | 170 | flat | $ | 208 | -27 | % | |||||
| 8 | Tampa, Fla. | $ | 154 | 3 | % | $ | 296 | -11 | % | ||||
| 9 | Miami, Fla. | $ | 228 | 4 | % | $ | 322 | -16 | % | ||||
| 10 | New York City, N.Y. | $ | 252 | -4 | % | $ | 243 | -21 | % | ||||
The study shows that spring break travel is evolving in America, with data showing the rise of new destinations and shifting traveler priorities. According to the Orbitz Insider Index, travelers are looking for relaxing alternatives to historically popular Spring Break locations. Fifty-three percent of Americans said relaxation is the main reason they are traveling over Spring Break this year. The Index also found that 61 percent of Americans are traveling with spouses, family or children. With the added element of family travel, it’s not surprising that over half of travelers feel they need a vacation from their vacation.
“The need across America to get off the fast track is driving travelers to seek a new Spring Break experience,” said Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor of Orbitz.com. “While crowd favorites like Cancun and Orlando will keep their status as top spring break destinations, we are seeing people take a more thoughtful approach to their spring break options, expanding their trips to locations like Mesa, Ariz., Houston, Texas and even international destinations like Dublin and Panama City.”
Costs are also driving travelers to make different decisions about Spring Break travel than they have in the past. Thirty percent of travelers listed either cheaper airfare or cheaper gas as key influencers of their Spring Break travel plans in 2016. However, that does not mean travelers are tightening the purse strings. Macro trends like the strength of the U.S. dollar have allowed travelers to upgrade their Spring Break trips without breaking the bank, leading to a rise in travel abroad. In fact, 39 percent of travelers said they were looking for a Spring Break destination they have not been to before.
For more information visit www.orbitz.com.
