It kinda seems like winter’s allure disappears with the holidays, right? When Christmas and New Year’s have passed, what we once jollily called a “Winter Wonderland” is now less wonderful and more just, well, wintry, with tons of snow, minimal daylight, and freezing temperatures (oh my!). Fortunately, you can escape these harsh conditions and head to a balmy destination on the sand. Unfortunately, a mid-winter or spring break getaway can get quite pricey, especially because so many travelers have just the same idea, thereby creating a price spike among hotels and flights. But, fortunately yet again, there are some beach locales that aren’t inordinately expensive. Take a look at our picks for this year’s most amazing (and affordable) beach destinations for spring break. You’ll definitely be surprised by a few (yes, we see Thailand in your future).
— Jane Reynolds, Oyster.com
It’s no secret that Greece’s economy has been struggling for some time, so the country has found itself on plenty of European getaway lists as of late. But for our affordable beach destination roundup, we’re highlighting the Greek island of Corfu. While most jet-setters head for the better known, more popular, and significantly pricier Cyclades (made up of islands such as Mykonos and Santorini), Corfu is a great pick for those on a budget. Travelers can often score relatively inexpensive flights directly to the island by booking through smaller, regional airlines and once there, visitors will find that hotels, restaurants, and activities can be pretty cheap. Be wary of hotels advertising four stars (take a look at our photos first!), but even if they aren’t quite up to a luxury standard, many Corfu beach resorts offer all-inclusive options and feature numerous pools, a range of dining, and simple, clean rooms.
Our Hotel Pick: Aquis Pelekas Beach Hotel
Continually ranked as one of America’s best family beach destinations, Myrtle Beach offers visitors one-of-a-kind nightlife, more than 100 golf courses, and 60 miles of sandy shoreline — all at affordable prices. Flying there doesn’t put a huge burden on the wallet, and it’s an easy enough drive from cities such as Charleston, Charlotte, and Augusta. This locale may be known to get a bit jam-packed, but hotels account for this with massive pools and water park complexes, as well as plenty of meeting spaces and large rooms. In fact, many properties feature condo-style accommodations with kitchens and living rooms.
Our Hotel Pick: Captain’s Quarters Resort
N.B. You can score a room here this March for less than $60/night!
Though it has a tropical, Caribbean vibe, Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth and therefore flights to the island from the mainland are often inexpensive, especially when compared to those to nearby islands such as Turks and Caicos and the BVI. In Puerto Rico, huge malls, golf courses, and casinos meet tropical…
