Getting your passport used to be a snap. Now, not so much.

Caita Rich planned to head to Europe at the end March. Now it's probably not going to happen, since the passport process is now taking 10-12 weeks on average.

Caita is among thousands of spring breakers who won't go away this year.

PHOTOS: Popular Spring Getaways

Why? For the first time, a trip to Mexico, Canada, The Caribbean and Bermuda requires a passport. This has created a rush at passport services.

So for many students, their dreams of a spring break outside the country may remain just dreams. But with the amount of great beaches in the U.S., such as South Beach and South Padre Island, students will have many sunny locations to choose from.