Here's How Far Your Vacation Fund Will Stretch at 10 Top Spring Break Destinations

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Photo: TripAdvisor

It’s that time of year again, when college kids and busy working folk alike flock to the beach for a week of sun, sand and — if you’re this seriously impressive grandma — tequila shots.

But not all tropical getaways are created equal, and trying to decipher which spot offers the best sunbathing benefits for your buck can be more stressful than the job or class you’re trying to escape from.

To help you make the decision, TripAdvisor broke down what the average traveler will get for $2,500 in 10 of the most popular destinations, taking into account airfare, hotel rates and length of stay.

Surprisingly, some international vacations are cheaper or equal to domestic trips. Your money will go a bit farther in Barcelona than in Honolulu. You can say “Aloha” for about $746 in flights and $317 per night for six nights in a hotel. In Spain, you’ll spend a good chunk on your ride over (around $857), but you’ll get to stay in the city for a day longer, as the hotel rate is about $229 per night.

San Diego and New Orleans are two more surprising standouts, with airfare coming in under $400 for both and hotel rates reasonable enough to garner an eight-night stay. To help you narrow in on your perfect vacation place, see the full list below.

  • 1. Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Average Airfare: $396
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $174
  • Trip Length: 12 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $152/night: The Patricia Grand, Oceana Resorts
  • 2. Anaheim, CA
  • Average Airfare: $426
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $213
  • Trip Length: 10 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $194/night: Ayres Hotel Anaheim
  • 3. Orlando, FL
  • Average Airfare: $305
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $241
  • Trip Length: 9 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $175/night: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • 4. San Diego, CA
  • Average Airfare: $376
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $257
  • Trip Length: 8 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $184/night: Bay Club Hotel & Marina
  • 5. New Orleans, LA
  • Average Airfare: $390
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $273
  • Trip Length: 8 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $158/night: Comfort Suites New Orleans

FROM COINAGE: Which Is Cheaper: Disneyland or Disney World?

  • 6. San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Average Airfare: $453
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $282
  • Trip Length: 7 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $134/night: Da House Hotel
  • 7. Barcelona, Spain
  • Average Airfare: $857
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $229
  • Trip Length: 7 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $156/night: EuroPark Hotel
  • 8. Honolulu, HI
  • Average Airfare: $746
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $317
  • Trip Length: 6 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $212/night: Vive Hotel Waikiki
  • 9. Miami Beach, FL
  • Average Airfare: $396
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $403
  • Trip Length: 5 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $146/night: Habitat Residence
  • 10. Cancun, Mexico
  • Average Airfare: $463
  • Average Hotel Rate on TripAdvisor: $422
  • Trip Length: 5 nights
  • High-Rated Value Hotel at $176/night: Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites

Whether you hit the beach in Barcelona or settle for somewhere a little closer to home, knowing how far your money will take you just makes good spring break sense. And once you’ve settled into your hotel room and unpacked that bathing suit, reward yourself with a tropical cocktail (or five) — after all, you’re on vacation!

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