Spring Fever: Beachy Destinations YOU Can Fly to for $300 (or less!) from the Midwest

It's that time of year where a beach vacay sounds like a slice of heaven. Usually when I travel, I try to squeeze in as many excursions and tours and day trips as possible. But whenever this springtime stretch rolls around - you know, that odd time when the holiday joy has wound down but the next holiday and warmer temps seem forever away - I just want to sit on a beach and do absolutely nothing.

If you're raising your hand like "same girl, I get you", then I have nothing but good news ahead. Using my favorite airfare finder, Skyscanner.com, I've been tracking flights over the past few weeks to beachy paradise destinations that won't hurt your wallet ($300 or less for roundtrip tickets). Read on for my round-up of sunny, warm destinations that you can easily and cheaply fly to from the Upper Midwest!

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Disclaimers: All airfare prices below are as-of the date this was written and for departure dates through April 2019. While fares definitely fluctuate, I've made sure to track trends over the past few weeks and only included destinations that have been consistent with the fares listed below. ALSO - no sponsorships or affiliations with any brands or companies mentioned below!

Soak up the Art Deco vibes along with the sun in this Florida escape. Hit up South Beach for nightlife and maybe a celebrity sighting or spend a day at one of the many high-end spas around town. While this destination is a Spring Break hotspot, it's got some widespread airfare deals, making a weekend getaway entirely within reach.

From Chicago - from $87 nonstop on Frontier Airlines From Minneapolis - from $115, routes with layovers in Orlando or Houston on United Airlines

From Milwaukee - from $214, routes with layovers in Detroit or Atlanta on Delta

From Detroit - from $177 nonstop on American Airlines

(PS - there also similar fares for other Florida destinations, like Tampa, Fort Myers, or Siesta Key)

Not only are flights here crazy cheap, Cancun is one of the best places to snag deals at all-inclusive resorts. Spend plenty of time getting your tan on along the white sand shores and take a daytrip out to see some Mayan ruins when you need a break from all that relaxing. This is one of the first cities in the world planned to be a tourist destination, so you're bound to find everything you need for a great vacation in Cancun.

From Chicago - from $137 nonstop on Spirit or Frontier Airlines

From Minneapolis - from $246, routes with a layover in Houston on United Airlines

From Detroit - from $240, routes with a layover in Houston on United Airlines

San Juan makes for a stunning historical, colorful display against the white sandy beaches of this Caribbean gem. The island continues to bounce back after the devastating Hurricane Maria, but today you'll find resorts, hotels, and restaurants welcoming tourists with open arms. Hit up the Bacardi rum factory for some extra fun and don't overlook other cities (like Aguadilla) that offer less-crowded beaches that still check all the boxes.

From Chicago - from $220, routes with a layover in Fort Lauderdale on Spirit Airlines

From Detroit - from $226, routes with a layover in Fort Lauderdale on Spirit Airlines

From Minneapolis - from $282 from Minneapolis, routes with a layover or two in Fort Lauderdale or New Orleans on Spirit Airlines

Saint Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands and is one of the most popular cruise ship shops and you'll find the bays filled with boats. If you want to get in touch with your inner pirate, check out Blackbeard's Castle, where he supposedly lived at one point. You'll find plenty of shopping, high-end hotels and resorts, and gorgeous reefs here. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a jet ski for an afternoon and enjoy the turquoise waters yourself!

From Minneapolis - from $307 (okay, slightly over the $300 threshold....), routes with a layover in Fort Lauderdale on Spirit Airlines

From Detroit - from $292, routes with a layover in Orlando on Spirit Airlines

Beach lovers rejoice - you can enjoy 60 miles of South Carolina coastline for a STEAL. Spend some time exploring the Boardwalk and eating your bodyweight in seafood in this tourist-friendly beach town. Golfing is another staple for this destination - whether you're a pro at putt-putt or a true golfing master, you'll find a course for you somewhere out of the 120+ that have set up shop in Myrtle Beach.

From Chicago - from $108 nonstop on Spirit Airlines

From Minneapolis - from $148 nonstop on Sun Country

From Detroit - from $89 nonstop on Spirit Airlines

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Already having visions of swimsuits and fruity drinks? There's nothing like a beach vacation to reset the soul and truly cast your troubles away. It doesn't have to be just a dream when airfare deals are so widespread in the Midwest. With some deals coming in under $100, you don't need to save for months to make a warm getaway happen. Which beach destination is calling your name?