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Stop what you’re doing and look over there. Just there on the horizon. A tiny glimmer of light.
You know what that is? It’s spring, and it’s headed our way at long last!
The long winter is almost over, which means it’s high time to start thinking about your spring travel, and more specifically where you’re going to be kicking back and celebrating your spring break.
To help guide us in our travel choices, we can reference a new study by AirportParkingReservations.com that has calculated where the most popular spring break destinations will be for 2024.
But perhaps more interesting than the initial list of sun-soaked hideouts is a secondary list from the same study that has ranked some of these popular destinations according to how safe they are, based on data from Numbeo.
Spring break is a time to let your hair down and embrace a care-free vacation with sun, sand, and celebration, but it definitely pays to know where the safest places are to do just that – let’s take a closer look.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
This idyllic coastal paradise in Mexico had the highest overall daytime and nighttime safety scores in this study, which is probably one of the many reasons why it’s such a well-loved destination for American travelers.
Offering beautiful beaches enhanced by equally beautiful sunsets, a host of Mexican history in its old town, and a thriving wellness scene, it’s no wonder this Pacific coast gem keeps people coming back for more.
Perhaps the main concern you need to be wary of in Puerto Vallarta is being safe when in or around the ocean.
Ensure you always pay attention to lifeguards and their flags, and make sure you are aware of your swimming ability.
The state of Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta resides, is actually rated Level 3 by the U.S. Department of State, but extra efforts are made by the Mexican government to ensure this tourist hotspot is kept safe.
Key West, Florida
If you want to leave your passport at home but still be transported to an exotic coastal location, then look no further than the Florida Keys.
One of the most unique locations in this region is Key West – the southernmost point of the continental United States and a truly dreamy place to spend spring break.
It’s home to a wide range of luxury accommodations and amazing natural beauty and can be relatively easily accessed via Key West International Airport, which is served by several major airlines.
This destination ranked as the second safest in this study, with a particularly good nighttime safety score.
San Diego, California
The perfect place to take in dramatic cliffs, beautiful bays, and some of the country’s best surfing, San Diego will always be a hit with spring travelers.
San Diego was in fact named as one of the five safest cities in the entire U.S. in a recent study.
It’s also relatively affordable to get to and is trending with major travel outlets around the world.
The climate in spring is pleasantly warm (around 55 to 70F), making it the perfect time to explore the many attractions before the summer heat arrives.
Away from the beaches, hiking is another great outdoor activity you can try in San Diego.
And if that doesn’t suit you, then try taking in some of the city’s great art before chilling in a bohemian bar or high-class restaurant.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
With a record-breaking year for tourism under its belt in 2023, the region of Los Cabos is always bound to be a popular place for spring break revelers to head to.
Cabo San Lucas is one of its most popular towns for a reason – not only is it safe but there are a host of new resorts set to open there in 2024 giving you even more choice when it comes to choosing where to stay.
The state of Baja California is again rated as Level 3 by the U.S. Department of State, but any potential risks can be avoided if you are sensible and exercise caution.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Offering a cheaper and less crowded alternative to nearby Miami, Fort Lauderdale also scores very well on safety for travelers according to this study.
It has the usual stunning beaches and great nightlife that you’d expect from this region, but it also offers some alternative ways to see it, such as great cycling infrastructure.
If you’ve had enough of partying, you can easily seek a retreat to nature by booking a day trip from Fort Lauderdale to see the Everglades or perhaps enjoy a tranquil paddle by hiring a kayak.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Michael Z, NYC
Wednesday 7th of February 2024
David, what happened to Daytona Beach, FL? It was safe but noisy with the thousands of motorcycle bikers.