For Canadians and Americans seeking affordable places to travel for March break, there are several options that offer both value and enjoyable experiences. The lower overall costs of living in places like Eastern Europe and Central America compared to major cities in North America and Western Europe means more affordable accommodations, dining options, and activities for travelers.

Here are some great affordable March break destinations to consider for your next trip!

Top Affordable Places to Travel for March Break

Affordable Places to Travel Deerfield Beach FL
Photo by Benjamin Basch on Unsplash

Deerfield Beach Florida

Looking for a quieter place on Florida’s coasts? Deerfield Beach is the perfect place to experience South Florida’s stunning beaches without the large crowds, and it’s an affordable place to travel. The small town of Deerfield Beach is situated between Boca Raton and Pompano Beach. It’s a slice of beachy paradise without all the hustle and bustle in other areas like Miami or Clearwater.

Deerfield Beach is a quaint little town with a fishing pier that stretches almost a thousand feet. It has an award-winning “Blue Wave” beach which means it is one of the cleanest and most environmentally safe beaches in the U.S. If you enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, camping, water skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, or paddleboarding, Deerfield Beach should be on your radar.

After you’ve had your fill of adventures, swing by the Historic Butler House for a tour and peek into the Deerfield Beach Historical Society Museum for a bit of local history.

Where to stay? The Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa has lovely views of the Atlantic. This boutique resort offers a complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening reception at the on-site Beach Terrace Restaurant. Families can enjoy Spring Break savings using the Stay Longer & Save promotion – save 10% off one night, 20% off two nights or 30% off three nights on travel booked through April 2024. Affordable rates start at $200 per night!

Photo courtesy of Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa

Shores & Islands Ohio

Who said road trip? Shores & Islands Ohio is one of the top affordable places to travel for March break for Canadians and Americans. It’s especially a great option for families with younger children. It’s centrally located in the Midwest and an easy drive around Lake Erie from Ontario.

The region is home to three indoor water park resorts – Castaway Bay, Great Wolf Lodge, and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. They’re all-under-one-roof getaways for the family located in Sandusky, Ohio.

Castaway Bay’s tropical theme makes guests feel like they have just landed on an island paradise. It boasts a 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark loaded with water activities for all ages, including a 100,000 gallon wave pool and 10 water slides. 

Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky is a popular family vacation destination located midway between Cleveland and Toledo. This 33,000 square-foot indoor water park is maintained at a 84 degrees year-round. It also has other exciting local attractions and events, diverse dining options to satisfy every palate, and more all under one roof. 

Kalahari is the mid-west’s largest indoor waterpark America’s with an array of activities for children of all ages. There are water slides, tube slides that multiple people can ride together, a wave simulator for surfing, a splash pad area for little kids, a multi-level water playground, and a wave pool. Guests can also enjoy the arcade, escape room, mini-golf, laser tag a safari adventure with up-close animal encounters, and more.  

Outside of the resorts, there is a Cheers Trail with more than 20 wineries, breweries, and distilleries, fantastic dining options (Sandusky Restaurant Week is March 4-10), a number of local museums, and fun family amusements.

Affordable places to travel for march break Kalahari
Photo courtesy of Kalahari Resort

Montreal, Quebec

Bonjour Montreal! Montreal is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and a European feel. Montreal has affordable accommodations, delicious food, and plenty of attractions to explore. You can do a lot of site-seeing on foot and what’s best? It can be free or low cost. Visitors can explore Old Montreal and  public parks like Mount Royal Park. There are plenty of cultural events and festivals. Many museums and galleries offer discounted admission on certain days or during specific times.

While March in Montreal can still be chilly, it’s generally considered off-peak tourist season compared to the summer months. Accommodation prices may be more affordable, and attractions may be less crowded.

In addition to the site-seeing and bustling nightlife, Montreal is known for its diverse culinary scene. There are many dining options to suit various budgets. From casual eateries like the famous Schwartz’s Deli and food trucks to affordable bistros and cafes, travelers can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. Make sure to grab some bagels and cannoli before heading home!

Photo: amotherworld.com
Top Affordable Places to Travel for March Break - Montreal
Photo: amotherworld.com

Costa Rica

Known for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and eco-friendly tourism, Costa Rica is one of the top affordable places to travel, though it’s becoming more popular (which means more expensive). But Costa Rica still offers affordable accommodations and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife tours. March is typically towards the end of the dry season in Costa Rica, which means it’s still a popular time to visit, but it’s slightly off-peak compared to the peak tourist season from December to February. During off-peak times, you may find lower prices for accommodations and activities.

Many of Costa Rica’s natural attractions like their beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and national parks, are free or have low admission prices. Enjoy time in nature by doing outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and  watching wildlife, all of which can be both affordable and memorable too! Costa Rica does have many budget-friendly activities such as snorkeling, surfing, zip-lining, and hot spring visits. Look for discounted packages or deals offered by tour operators to save money on these experiences. Costa Rica has a thriving hostel and guesthouse scene, especially in popular tourist destinations like San José, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna.

Photo: amotherworld.com

Nicaragua

If you’re like adventure and exploring places that aren’t overrun by tourists, Nicaragua should be on your radar. Nicaragua is one of the most affordable places to visit for March break and other times of the year too! It has affordable accommodations with access to breathtaking beaches and volcano treks. 

When it comes to budget travel, Nicaragua’s a winner; it’s in the top 25% for affordability worldwide. There are budget-friendly hostels and cozy family guesthouses to fancy eco-friendly resorts that won’t break the bank. Getting around won’t cost you an arm and a leg either with their busses. And you can chow down on street food, hit up local eateries, or splurge on fine dining too.

Nicaragua’s slowly but surely getting on the map for adventurous surfers and backpackers. They’re loving the low prices, local vibe, and the eco-friendly adventures it offers. Whether you’re shredding waves in San Juan, paddling around Ometepe Island on Lake Nicaragua, or zooming down the slopes of an active volcano (yep, you read that right!), Nicaragua’s got something for every active traveler out there.

If relaxing is more your vibe, Ometepe Island offers tranquility too. You can rent a motorbike or scooter to explore the island. Visit San Ramon Waterfalls and Ojo de Agua which is like nature’s own gem, tucked away in the most stunning surroundings, with lush tropical plants all around. People say its water has some magical healing powers and it’s as clear as crystal.

Punta Jesus Maria is the hotspot on Ometepe, known far and wide for its stunning beach vibes. This point juts out into the lake, splitting it in two and treating visitors to jaw-dropping views of Ometepe’s twin volcanoes. It’s the go-to spot for catching the most mesmerizing sunsets on the island.

Affordable Places to Travel - Nicaragua
Photo by Ale Romo on Unsplash

Eastern Europe

Wanting to escape North America and travel to Europe? Eastern European countries like Hungary (especially Budapest), Poland (Krakow and Warsaw), and the Czech Republic (Prague) offer vibrant history, and breathtaking architecture and best of all – affordability. In these charming cities, you’ll find a range of accommodations to suit your budget. From cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels, all accommodations are priced quite lower than their Western counterparts. Plus, with Airbnb options aplenty, you can snag affordable and one-of-a-kind lodging experiences.

Choosing where to go is difficult! The architecture of Budapest is stunning as is the picturesque landscapes of the Czech Republic and Poland. Regardless of where you choose, you’ll find rich history, diverse cultures, and captivating traditions. Whether it’s strolling along the Danube River or hiking in the Tatra Mountains, there are plenty of things to do and see.

Many attractions offer free admission or charge only nominal fees. Site-seeing on foot is the best way to explore and discover. Wander through cobblestone streets and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the neighbourhoods. Public transportation is efficient and budget-friendly too (compared to Toronto!) so navigating these cities is easy. You can get around well without worrying about expensive fares. Eastern Europe beckons with boundless adventures and unforgettable experiences that won’t cost you a fortune.

Photo by Ouael Ben Salah on Unsplash    

Top Affordable Places to Travel for March Break
Photo by Byron Castillo on Unsplash

Author

Maria Lianos-Carbone is the author of “Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year”, and publisher of amotherworld.com, a leading lifestyle blog for women.

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