Source:CBSNEWS

Spring break 2022 kicks off in just a few weeks. With COVID-19 cases on the decline, domestic and even international travel continues to pick up, and popular destinations and flights are booking up fast. Some experts even believe the spring-break travel season will return to pre-pandemic popularity. So, if you haven't booked your trip, get on it now. 

The only question: Where should you go? According to a recent survey conducted by Vacasa, more than half (56%) of Americans are planning a trip this spring and 37% are planning to travel during spring break, specifically. As for destinations, 75% are planning a domestic trip, 23% are opting for a staycation and 18% traveling internationalyl.

Whether you plan on hopping in the car for a domestic roadtrip, or have your passport ready to go, CBS Essentials did some of the legwork for you, pinpointing the hottest destinations in the country, and even a few abroad. And, while packing for your beach, mountain or city vacation, don't forget the most essential travel accessory, an N95 mask, required on all domestic and international flights and in public and private business in some areas.

One of the hottest spring break destinations in the country, Orlando boasts spring sunshine, amusement parks, a wide range of accommodations for varying budgets, world-class dining and culture to boot. Disney World tends to be the main attraction, but Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort and even the new Peppa Pig theme park make the Central Florida city the theme-park capital of the world.

Obviously, where you stay should depend on the attractions that interest you the most and who the trip is for. Families with little ones should consider staying at themed resorts, while child-free travelers might prefer more sophisticated lodgings. Disney World Resorts seldom disappoint travelers looking to experience the magic of Disney, Epcot and the other parks. (FYI, masks are now optional for all vaccinated Disney guests.)

For a wellness-inspired trip, stay at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, a sleek, tech-forward property. Popular for families, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa recently unveiled its new family suites, so bigger broods can relax after taking advantage of the 10,000 square foot spa; two outdoor pools with chic cabanas; seven onsite restaurants; and shuttles to and from the nearby Disney World theme parks.

 

One of the more popular island destinations for spring break -- thanks to three-hour direct flights from New York, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte and Philadelphia -- Turks & Caicos offers an experience for everyone from families to couples to friends. For vacationers looking to splurge, the Shore Club, on Long Bay Beach, or The Palms, over on the other side of the island at Grace Bay Beach, deliver luxury lodging, sprawling beaches, pools and activities galore.

Spring breakers looking for a more zen experience should check out Amanyara, a wellness-oriented resort that includes an environmentally-conscious program for young guests.

For travelers on a budget, book a room at Ports of Call. TripAdvisor reviewers praise it for excellent service and location, right next to the swanky Ritz-Carlton, and just a brief walk from the beach and all the Grace Bay action.   

 

Miami, another popular destination for spring breakers year after year, caters to families, singles and couples alike. With crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, this location is all about its shoreline. However, for people who get bored sitting on a beach, the city boasts great museums, gardens and one of the hottest art scenes in the country. Full-service resorts such as Eden Roc, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach and the Fontainebleau in the Bal Harbor area offer everything from world-class nightclubs to award-winning spas, while The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne functions as a private oasis tucked away on the mostly residential island. The newly opened Balfour Hotel offers more bang for the buck, especially for travelers seeking a more boutique hotel experience while remaining close to the South Beach action.

If you're planning a trip, consider making dinner reservations now. Some of the hottest restaurants in Miami, such as Nobu, the newly reopened Bagatelle at The Ritz Carlton South Beach and Carbone, book up a month ahead of time.

 

Once upon a time, Cancun was associated mostly with high-school seniors and college kids during spring break months. However, the region famous for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear oceans and Mayan ruins now hosts couples and families during the spring break season.

The newly opened Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun, an all-inclusive optional property in Playa Mujeres, just 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, aims to satisfy foodies with their "Gourmet Culinary All-Inclusive" experience. Spring breakers looking for a wellness experience might find tranquility up the coast in Riviera Maya at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a five-diamond eco-resort offering retreat-like stays. (Think breath meditation by the sea, daily yoga sessions and other activities.)

Vacationers who want to be closer to the Cancun action might prefer the Hilton Cancun, a large, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with plenty of dining options, activities and amenities, including its own water park. Also consider one of the two Marriott properties in the area, The Marriott Cancun Resort and the recently renovated JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa.

 

With temperatures hovering between 70 degrees and 80 degrees during the spring months, plus easy accessibility via plane or car from most major cities, and a wealth of lodging options, Las Vegas remains a top-spring break destination for college kids, singles, couples and families. With some of the most impressive hotel pools, water parks, theme parks and aquariums for kids, plus spas, casinos, nightclubs and world-class dining for adults, so much fun can be packed into a few days. For this spring, book tickets for the highly anticipated Evening with Silk Sonic at Park MGM, featuring Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, running select weekends now through May. Or spend a night with John Legend as part of his Love in Las Vegas residency.

As for where to stay, high rollers will appreciate the newly redesigned Aria Sky Suites, which offers sweeping views of the Strip in addition to VIP perks like luxury airport transportation, a personal concierge, private pool and private entrance, or the Bellagio, home of the famous fountains, a fine-art gallery and several world-class restaurants. Just steps away from Mandalay Bay Beach, an 11-acre waterpark, lies the non-smoking Delano Las Vegas, which makes for a great family-friendly trip. The Venetian Resort or Paris Las Vegas harken to Europe and are also tempting options for people of all ages. Partiers can be close to all the action at Park MGM Las Vegas, which is connected to the Dolby Live Theater, where most of the top residencies and big events take place, and MGM Grand, home of Wet Republic, a 54,500-square-foot pool.