Spring Break 2025: Travelers Face New Risks Amid Popularity Surge

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As spring approaches, college students will soon flock to sun-soaked beaches across the United States for a much-anticipated break from their academic pressures. While this annual migration offers economic benefits to local communities, it also brings a range of risks that insurers are striving to address.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has rebounded significantly, with Jeremy Murchland, President of Seven Corners Travel Insurance, stating, “All signs point to a full rebound post-pandemic for college spring breakers.” He notes that younger travelers, often feeling invincible, were quick to return to travel.

However, trends in spring break destinations have shifted recently. Murchland observed, “This has less to do with the pandemic and more to do with specific destinations actively trying to deter these types of visitors.” Following increased reports of crime and substance abuse, beachfront areas like Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale implemented measures to reduce spring break crowds.

According to Murchland, these efforts skewed travel patterns, as students who avoided Miami Beach turned to other party-friendly locales, including Panama City Beach and South Padre Island. Popular international destinations for students remain Cancun, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Families, in contrast to college students, are choosing more budget-friendly destinations as they seek alternatives less frequented by large crowds. Murchland noted that cities like St. George, Utah, and Orange Beach, Alabama, are rising in popularity among families looking for spring break options.

Jenna Hummer, Director of Public Relations at Squaremouth, shared the top spring break destinations for 2025: the U.S., Mexico, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. Daniel Durazo, External Communications Director for Allianz Partners USA, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Orlando, Florida, and Cancun, Mexico, remain fan favorites for Americans’ spring break escapes.”

Recent data indicates American travelers plan to spend an average of $4,681 on spring break trips this year, a 7.9% increase from $4,339 in 2023.

What stands out as spring break grows in popularity is the diverse demographic of travelers. “Travel risks vary across destinations,” Murchland said, particularly in areas like Cancun, Panama, and Las Vegas. While domestic policies may be less expensive, Hummer noted that higher-risk destinations like Mexico tend to carry better coverage costs, influenced by travelers’ ages, trip lengths, and overall costs.

As the number of travelers increases, mitigating risks becomes paramount. Murchland highlighted the need for college spring breakers to remain vigilant about safety, particularly regarding alcohol-related incidents in crowded areas.

“Policies state you are not covered for any loss that results from the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs,” Durazo cautioned. This lack of coverage can deter younger travelers from seeking emergency medical services, although not all spring breakers engage in reckless behavior.

Interestingly, younger travelers are becoming more aware of the necessity for travel insurance. Hummer confirmed a rise in purchases among 18–35-year-olds, indicating, “They are comparing policies before purchase on our website.” Colmant, CEO of Qover, supports this trend, stating that the pandemic has heightened awareness of travel risks among younger generations.

Gen Z travelers prefer purchasing travel insurance digitally, favoring self-service options on mobile apps or travel platforms. Embedded insurance options, including coverage offered through credit and debit cards, are also gaining traction among this tech-savvy demographic, offering seamless travel cover solutions.

However, Murchland warned that some of these policies may not adequately address specific risks encountered by travelers visiting high-risk destinations. He emphasized the importance of communication between insurers and younger travelers, stating, “Demonstrating the value of travel insurance is essential to help change perceptions.”

In conclusion, while younger travelers are slowly adopting travel insurance practices, the unique challenges during spring break continue to pose risks. To ensure safety, both insurers and travelers must remain vigilant in addressing these dynamics.