5 Budget-Friendly Spring Break Alternatives to Popular Hot Spots

After months of winter storms and subzero temperatures across much of the U.S., a warm-weather escape sounds pretty tempting. But spring break travel can get expensive fast, especially in popular destinations like Cancun, Miami, or Palm Springs.

The good news? Not every spring getaway has to come with peak-season prices. Some destinations offer similar vibes, weather, and activities for far less money, and using points and miles can stretch your budget even further.

Below are popular spring break hot spots paired with more affordable alternatives that may be easier on your wallet without sacrificing the experience.

Trade Punta Cana for La Romana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana‘s white-sand beaches and massive all-inclusive resorts make it a classic spring break choice, but that convenience often comes with premium pricing.

La Romana offers a quieter, less touristy alternative. Long popular with Dominican locals, it features luxurious resorts, quiet beaches, and championship golf courses. Bayahibe Beach (the jumping-off point for Saona Island) and Dominicus Beach are especially popular for snorkeling or diving.

You don’t have to give up your all-inclusive stays, either. Travelers with World of Hyatt points can book resorts like Dreams La Romana starting at 24,000 points per night. As of March 24, 2026, you can also earn or redeem Hyatt points for Bahia Principe stays.

Other standout options include the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, a massive seafront property with 4 pools, and the Casa de Campo Golf Resort (an American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts property known for its Altos de Chavón village).

Flying to La Romana is flexible, too — you can arrive via Punta Cana (under an hour’s drive) or Santo Domingo (about an hour and 45 minutes), doubling your flight and award options.

Trade Miami for Tampa, Florida

Tampa is less chaotic than Miami and ideal for a family-friendly spring break vacation or a low-key couples or friends getaway. Overall, Tampa’s cost of living is about 14% lower than Miami’s, which translates to cheaper dining, activities, and accommodations.

Visitors can explore the Tampa Riverwalk, visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, check out the Zoo at Lowry Park, or head to nearby beaches like Clearwater, St. Pete, and Indian Rocks Beach.

To put pricing in perspective, March rates at Marriott’s Tampa EDITION ran about $506 or 98,500 points per night, including resort fees.

The Miami EDITION, by contrast, topped $1,000 or 128,500 points per night, plus higher fees.

Clearly, you’ll save significantly with a Tampa EDITION stay, whether you’re spending cash or points.

Flights are also improving. Breeze Airways is expanding service to Tampa, and Southwest Airlines already serves around 45 nonstop destinations from Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Trade Scottsdale for Tucson, Arizona

Scottsdale’s premium resorts and rejuvenating desert spirit have long since been a favorite of travelers seeking wellness and luxury. But Tucson offers similar scenery and wellness-focused experiences for far less.

High-end travelers can still splurge at Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa – Adults Only, an iconic spa and resort nestled among the saguaros and peaks of the Sonoran Desert. With activities like equine therapy and sound healing, you’ll head home feeling much better than when you left. If you can’t manage a full stay, the resort does offer day passes (spring overnight rates start at $2,688 or 65,000 Hyatt points per night for double occupancy).

If Miraval is out of budget, Tucson has plenty of Marriott Bonvoy options:

• The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (from 34,000 points per night)
• JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa (from 52,000 points per night)

Outdoor lovers can hike paths like the Douglas Spring Trail in Saguaro National Park, visit the Desert Museum, or take a tram through Sabino Canyon. And, Tucson Airport (TUS) serves 19 nonstop destinations, making it easier to reach than people expect.

Trade Cancun for Oaxaca, Mexico

Cancun may be famous for all-inclusive resorts, but Oaxaca offers incredible cuisine, culture, and beaches — often for much less. It’s also Upgraded Points’ top pick for the most family-friendly destination in Mexico.

Oaxaca works well as a split trip: Explore the city’s UNESCO-listed architecture and food scene, then head to Puerto Escondido for a laid-back beach stay.

Start your trip with a visit to the Mercado 20 Noviembre. Stroll past colorful buildings and street art, watch the world go by from a bench in the zocalo, or do a mezcal or chocolate tasting.

While nonstop flights are more limited, points make the trip affordable. Recent examples include:

• 7,500 Alaska Atmos Rewards points from Dallas (DFW) to Oaxaca (OAX)
• 12,500 Virgin Australia points from Houston (IAH) to Puerto Escondido (PXM)

In Oaxaca City, you could stay at City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca, where rates drop as low as 18,500 points per night.

Consider spending some time in Puerto Escondido, where you can take yoga classes, participate in turtle releases, hit the beach, or dine and drink at very affordable prices. Meals in both cities are inexpensive, and activities like mezcal tastings, market visits, and walking tours are easy on the budget.

Trade Palm Springs for Joshua Tree, California

It’s true that Palm Springs shines in the spring, but prices also spike. Joshua Tree is the perfect swap. While it’s not quite as glamorous, Joshua Tree National Park is ideal for families or groups of friends who enjoy hiking, stargazing, and rock climbing.

Airbnb rates in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Desert Hot Springs often start around $140 per night, compared to $200 (or more) in Palm Springs. You can still day-trip over to Palm Springs if you’re seeking nightlife, but the town of Joshua Tree has great affordable options, including pizza joints, saloons and diners, and coffee shops.

Flying into Los Angeles (LAX) instead of Palm Springs International (PSP) opens more flight options, and often some lower prices.

Final Thoughts

Spring break doesn’t have to mean crowded beaches and inflated prices. By looking beyond traditional hot spots, you can often enjoy similar weather, activities, and scenery for far less.

Whether it’s Oaxaca instead of Cancun or Tucson instead of Scottsdale, these alternatives can make your 2026 spring break both memorable and affordable. Price out everything, consider using points and miles, and factor in on-the-ground costs to build the most budget-friendly family trip possible.