Rising geopolitical tensions are prompting some U.S. travelers to switch their spring break trips abroad to destinations closer to home.
Repatriation flights help return travelers from Iranian war zone
Travelers are returning home from the Middle East as the Iran war rages on.
For some travelers, spring break may look a little different this year.
Recent geopolitical escalations, including the death of Mexican cartel leader El Mencho and the war with Iran, have disrupted travel for many people, leaving some stranded in closed airspace and others seeking refuge in shelters. InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Moreau previously told USA TODAY that destinations not necessarily directly affected or located in conflict zones, such as Egypt and Dubai, are also experiencing “ripple effects” of travel disruptions. On February 28, the State Department issued an alert advising “Americans around the world to exercise increased vigilance.”
With spring break just around the corner, some travelers are reconsidering future trips abroad. They worry about their safety and are anxious about crossing the border. So they’re changing their plans to other destinations that seem safer, even annual spring break destinations like Mexico.
“I’m just saying that a lot of people are upset and if I was going to feel safe going somewhere else for spring break, I would choose that,” said Tyler Hosford, security director at global risk mitigation firm International SOS. “It’s more of the idea of relaxing, drinking a margarita, not having to worry about anything, and going. Yes, it’s safe, but can we go somewhere else?”
Let’s go here for spring break this year.
Where is a safe spring break destination for Americans?
Hosford says it varies. He said travel “remains business as usual” for destinations in Europe, East Asia and Australia.
However, travel to parts of Africa and South Asia, such as Sri Lanka and Thailand, has been more affected by the Iran war. “Many travelers from Europe, the United States and Canada will be traveling through these Middle Eastern hubs,” he said, adding that connecting flights would likely need to be changed and travel times would be longer. “People might say, maybe we’ll postpone it.”
Mexico’s recent social unrest has also worried some travelers, with travel insurance platform Squaremas reporting a six-fold jump in customer calls specifically about Mexico.
Hosford said he’s seeing customers change their spring break trips from Mexico to Hawaii, Florida and other Caribbean locations.
Traveling to Mexico is safe in most cases, especially if you stay in a popular resort area. “The areas of Mexico outside of Jalisco where much of the cartel activity was concentrated are actually returning to normalcy,” Hosford said. “Places like Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Cancun, some of them are now safe to go to.”
Popular Spring Break Destinations in 2026
According to Hopper Technology Solutions, the top destinations for spring break in March and April are:
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- san juan, puerto rico
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Sarasota, Florida
Spring break flights to the Caribbean
Interest in the Caribbean is surging among American spring breakers. Here are some of Hopper’s most booked destinations in March and April, along with their average round-trip airfares from the United States.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico – $300
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – $329
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – $402
- Montego Bay, Jamaica – $372
- Kingston, Jamaica – $403
