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-Editorial
Spring break is right around the corner and millions of people are willing to spend a lot of money on their vacations and additional fund stuff. This will be the busiest vacation season since the pandemic, which is good news for the economy.
Whether it’s a trip to escape the cold and snow for sandy beaches, or to find snow to ski and snowboard, half of Hopper users plan to go on a spring break trip this year. Despite recession concerns and tightening budgets in many US homes, 60% of travelers expect to spend $500 or more on their trip this year (33% plan to spend over $1,000). More than half of travelers will be spending on at least one flight and 75% will also be spending on a hotel or a rental home for their stay.
Though travelers are eager to get away, 82% have not booked their trip yet. With prices for travel already high headed into March, now is the time to start planning and booking Spring Break travel to get the best deals.
Today, domestic airfare for Spring Break trips is averaging $264 per ticket, an increase of 20% compared to last year and 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Hotel prices have also risen, with the average daily rate in the US just over $300 per night for March and April stays. Higher costs and ultra-high demand for travel have combined to push airfare and hotel rates higher this year. Despite some sticker shock, Americans continue to book travel at new highs.
Demand for Spring Break trips is surging this year, with domestic searches for March and April getaways outpacing overall search demand growth by ~10%. High demand has pushed domestic airfare for trips in March and April to $264 per ticket, an increase of 20% compared to last year and up 5% from pre-pandemic.
Island destinations in the Caribbean and beachfront destinations in Mexico and Central America have seen a 25% surge in demand for Spring Break travel dates. Lower airfare to these destinations relative to other international hubs combined with shorter flight times and warm weather make these cities exceptionally popular for Spring Breakers.
As demand continues to outpace previous years and jet fuel prices remain high, prices for trips to international destinations this Spring are being pushed above pre-pandemic levels. Airfare to Europe is 16% higher than in 2019, while airfare to Mexico and Central America has reached 30% higher than pre-pandemic. Despite the sticker shock, some Americans are likely feeling, demand for these destinations has not slowed. Cancun, San Juan, Punta Cana, London, and San Jose remain the most booked destinations for Spring Break on the Hopper app this year.
Hotels for Spring Break stays are currently averaging $316 per night, a 64% increase compared to last year. Higher hotel costs combined with ultra-high demand have pushed nightly rates higher across the US and international markets. Despite higher prices, there are still great hotel rates available in many top markets. Nightly rates in Tokyo are below $100 on average, along with Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Houston.
