Low fares to spring break hot spots

South Padre Island

No passport is necessary to enjoy South Padre Island's famous beaches and watersports offerings. Sample March fares for travel from Houston to South Padre Island start at $98, plus taxes, on Continental.

(Photo: Index Open)

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic's popularity among spring breakers is growing, thanks to its combination of sugary white-sand beaches and affordable all-inclusive resorts. For travel to Punta Cana from Atlanta, sample March fares start at $288, plus taxes, on United.

(Photo: Index Open)

Jamaica

Blessed with a seven-mile long beach and calm waters, Negril, Jamaica, is infamous for being laid back during the day and wild at night. Sample March fares for travel from Miami to the nearest airport (in Montego Bay, Jamaica) start at $298, including taxes, on Air Jamaica.

(Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board)

Cancun windsurfer

While March and spring break are fast approaching, there's still time to find reasonably priced airfare to top spring break destinations in Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. It's an even better time to head to an alternative destination in Europe instead, as March is still a low season for travel to countries like the U.K. and Ireland. Here's a look at some of the top destinations worth considering and a sampling of available airfare prices.

With its spectacular long white beaches and huge all-inclusive resorts, Cancun reigns as one of the most popular spring break destinations. Sample prices for travel from Miami to Cancun in March start at $178, plus taxes, on American.

(Photo: Mexico Tourism Board)

Puerto Vallarta

Set on Mexico's west coast, Puerto Vallarta offers a good mix of beautiful beaches and Mexican culture. Sample rates for flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta in March start at $136, plus taxes, on United.

(Photo: Index Open)

Panama City

Easy to get to and built to handle huge numbers of sun-and-fun seekers, Panama City is likely the most popular spring break destination in the U.S. Sample fares for travel to Panama City from Chicago in March start around $278, plus taxes, on Continental.

(Photo: Visit Florida)

Acapulco

One of Mexico's older resort destinations, Acapulco still knows how to throw a great party. Sample fares for March flights from Los Angeles to Acapulco start at $258, plus taxes, on US Airways.

(Photo: Mexico Tourism Board)

Bahamas

Flying to the Bahamas from Miami takes only 35 minutes, but the islands are far enough away to feel like a real tropical escape. Sample March fares for travel to Nassau from Miami start as low as $90, plus taxes, on American.

(Photo: PhotoLink)

Dublin

Another European city worth considering, Dublin (and the rest of Ireland) celebrates St Patrick's Day in a big way in March. Sample fares from New York to Dublin in March start from as little as $364, plus taxes, on American.

(Photo: Photo Disc)

London

Instead of going tropical, go European for spring break. You'll get to experience sophisticated cities such as London when the number of tourists and prices for travel are low. Sample March fares for travel to London from New York start at $190, plus taxes, on Air Canada.

(Photo: Britain On View)