Travel

Two chairs on a beach under umbrella
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13 Last-Minute Beach Trips To Book Now

Click through for some of the best domestic and international beach destinations to book this spring, whether you’re looking for something family-friendly or all-inclusive with a no-kids-allowed policy.

by Ashley Ziegler

If you’re planning to leave the country, read up on Covid protocols. The U.S. requires tests for everyone over age 2, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, to return.

Fort Lauderdale is home to some fantastic beaches and a large airport, making it very easy to get to. Since it’s a hot spring break destination, beachfront hotels book quickly, but there are plenty of places to stay within walking distance of the ocean. Philipp Walter / EyeEm / Getty Images
Puerto Rico is fantastic because it feels like you’re leaving the country but you don’t need to worry about passports, and as long as you’re vaccinated you don’t need a Covid test. Check out hotels around San Juan, like the Condado Plaza Hilton. Hilton
Cancun has beautiful weather all year long and the water will be plenty warm enough for you to swim in early spring. There are tons of great hotels and resorts to stay at, but do a little research if you’re looking for something kid-friendly. Gerard Puigmal, Getty Images
Another beautiful vacation spot in Mexico is Cozumel. It’s much less rowdy than Cancun, so it’s a better option if you’re trying to plan a family vacation with the kids. There are resorts around the island, but check out the home rentals, too. Grafton Marshall Smith, Getty Images
If your passport is up to date, you can always find good deals in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It has a major airport, so it’s easy to get to and from, and is full of adult-only and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts that surely have space. Manfred Muenzl / EyeEm, Getty Images
Believe it or not, Texas is home to some beautiful beaches, including the ones on South Padre Island. The ocean water will be a bit colder until April, but the pool at the IHG Beach Resort at South Padre will be plenty refreshing in March. IHG Beach Resort at South Padre Island
If you’re traveling in April, then definitely consider visiting the Gulf Shores in Alabama. These beaches are absolutely gorgeous, and it’s not nearly as hot of a destination as Florida, so you might be able to score a room pretty easily. Gregory Kurpiel / EyeEm, Getty Images
There are so many beach and spa resorts in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the large airport makes the destination easy to get to. For deals and help booking your flights and stay, check out CheapCaribbean.com. Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa / CheapCaribbean.com
Looking for white sand and clear water? Consider a quick trip to The Bahamas. Nassau is a well-known destination, but don’t be afraid to expand your search to find less popular areas that may have more last-minute accommodation options. Justin Crowder / EyeEm, Getty Images
If you’re okay with a little extra travel time, the beaches in Costa Rica are gorgeous in early spring. Unless you live near a major airport in the south, expect a connecting flight and to spend an hour or two getting to the beach from the airport. F.J. Jimenez, Getty Images
For those on the west coast, you might find some last-minute deals in Hawaii. Look for rooms in the hidden gem hotels that are less popular, like Hotel La Croix in Honolulu. Or, call up a larger hotel to see if they have space, instead of trying to book online. Hotel La Croix
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a good destination if you’re planning your trip in mid to late April. Since it’s just starting to warm up, it’s not nearly as busy as other southern beaches, so you can find a spot to stay pretty easily. Susan Agate / EyeEm, Getty Images
If you don’t care how long it takes, consider making the trip to Belize. It’s in Central America and has some beautiful Caribbean beaches (as well as lush jungles). Just be sure to get caught up on their Covid restrictions before you book your trip. Laurent Giraudou, Getty Images

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