Got the winter blues? We’ve got the cure: imagining yourself relaxing in one of the top Spring Break destinations for 2017!
But where will you go this year? Has Panama City lost its charm? Are you less than thrilled by the thought of Cancun?
Here are 7 cutting-edge Spring Break destinations for 2017, plus the passport requirements to get there.
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: Nicaragua
Travel experts from Nomadic Matt to Conde Nast Traveler are calling Nicaragua the next “it” Central American country to visit. Find out why this spring! Whether you want to laze on the unspoiled beaches of the Corn Islands, learn to surf, or hike an active volcano, Nicaragua is the place to be in 2017. Can’t decide between learning to surf and hiking a volcano? Why not do both at the same time! In Nicaragua, volcano boarding is a thing!
Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for your length of stay, and you’ll need one blank page per stamp in the back.
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: Turks and Caicos
It’s Winter.. You should be here.. #turksandcaicos #paradise #wonderful_places A photo posted by Turks and Caicos Islands (@turksandcaicos) on
Want a picture-perfect Caribbean getaway without the heavy crowds? Check out Turks and Caicos before everyone else does! New resorts and hotels are opening up, making the island’s white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs more accessible than ever before. The beach at Grace Bay was rated one of the top 25 beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.
Passport Requirements: You do need a passport, but it only has to be valid for the length of your stay. A blank page in the back is NOT a requirement, oddly enough.
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: Portugal
Why Portugal? Well, why not? Getting to Europe is now cheaper and easier than it’s been in years. Portugal is one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Places to Travel in 2017, thanks mostly to the resurgent art scene in Lisbon. But it’s also home to amazing food, wine and incredible beaches, including Praia da Marinha, another TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award-winner. And the excellent exchange rate makes it quite affordable.
Passport Requirements: Your passport needs to have at least 6 months left before it expires, and two blank pages in the back.
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: Costalegre, Mexico
Lindo día! #costalegre #playa #mar #cielo 🌊🌊🌊🌊 A photo posted by Yolitzin Ochoa (@ylilugo) on
Next, we have Costalegre. Want a quieter, more luxurious and much less crowded alternative to the better-known Mexican Spring Break hotspots? Consider Costalegre, Mexico, which Conde Nast Traveler recommends for “beaches, lagoons, and untouched jungles.”
Located along the Pacific coast, Costalegre includes the following areas: Bahia de Navidad, Bahia de Tenacatita, Costa Careyes, Majahuas and Cabo Corrientes. Here, you’ll find ecotourism opportunities nestled in with exclusive luxury resorts, and all the quiet beach time you need to relax and unwind.
Passport Requirements: If you’re flying in, you’ll need a valid passport with at least one blank page in the back. If you plan to drive, you may be able to use a passport card (but consider what would happen if you needed an emergency flight home!) For more information, see Do You Need a Passport to Go to Mexico?
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: Bermuda
Want a warm Caribbean vacation without having to worry about Zika? Bermuda’s Zika-free status is drawing in a younger, hipper crowd than ever before. Conde Nast Traveler says the island is one of the best places to travel in 2017. What makes this tiny island so attractive? Exciting new hotels and restaurants, art galleries, scuba diving and of course, incredible beaches. Horseshoe Bay Beach features pink sand and blue waves and is also on TripAdvisor’s list of the world’s best beaches. March and April are considered the best times to visit, so Bermuda is perfect for Spring Break.
Passport Requirements: A valid passport with one blank page in the back. You may be able to get by with a passport card or a driver’s license/birth certificate if you’re on a closed-loop cruise. But again, it’s much better to have a passport book in case of emergency. For more details, see Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Caribbean?
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: Uruguay
Uruguay? Really? Yes!
This South American country is one of the hottest new places for American travelers to visit. Conde Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure both selected it as a top destination for 2017. It’s a relatively short flight away from Miami. And whatever you want out of your Spring Break experience, whether that’s a hedonistic party or a week to unplug on a deserted beach, you can probably find it in Uruguay.
March is one of the best months to visit Uruguay . . . it’s right at the beginning of autumn, so the weather is still quite warm but the beaches won’t be crowded.
For more on some of the best beach towns to visit, check out this guide.
Passport Requirements: You’ll need a valid passport with at least one one blank page in the back.
Spring Break Destinations for 2017: St. Kitts
Finally, one of the quieter, more laid-back Caribbean islands is getting a luxury makeover this year. When the new Park Hyatt St. Kitts resort opens in spring 2017, it will be the first luxury resort on the island.
Of course, there are still plenty of comfortable hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses available even if your spring break is over before the Hyatt opens. Fill your days with scuba diving, sailing, fishing, lounging on the beach or exploring the tropical rainforests and you won’t miss the nightlife!
Passport Requirements: To visit St. Kitts and Nevis, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after entry with one blank page in the back.
When to Get a Passport for 2017 Spring Break
Planning to leave the country for Spring Break?
Pro Tip: Apply for your passport as soon as possible! Right now, routine service takes 6 weeks from the time you apply. If you’re leaving in the next 3-6 weeks, you can pay an additional $60 to expedite your passport application at the post office.
But what if you’ve waited until the last minute? No worries – it IS possible to get a passport in 2 weeks or less! You have two choices:
- Make an appointment at the nearest passport agency office. (Here’s how to find the closest one to you).
- Don’t want to make an appointment or wait in line? No passport agency nearby? No problem! Use an expediting company like RushMyPassport.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets, get your passport and make this the best Spring Break ever!
Looking for passport requirements for the most popular Spring Break destinations? Look no further!
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