Spring break is right around the corner, and it’s one of those times of the year when many people like to vacation. This can be a perfect opportunity to head somewhere tropical without dealing with the summer heat!
However, we don’t all have the budget to blow on a crazy holiday. That doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the fun, though! Here are some tips that were recently shared on Canadian TV that could help you save during Spring Break.
Go Places Where Your Money’s Worth More
Many people think that traveling locally is one of the ways to save money on any trip. But that’s not always the case. US travelers, for example, could greatly benefit from traveling to Mexico, where they’ll get more for their money instead of paying dollar for dollar at a domestic location.
Another tip within this realm is to find destinations that aren’t necessarily popular with crowds. Cabo and Cancun may be just as expensive as Miami, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end experience. But Huatulco, a smaller beach city in Mexico, can offer a cheaper and calmer escape than the other two more well-known options. There are also plenty of interesting spots throughout South America that don’t have as much fanfare which you can visit this time of year.
Deals Pages on Facebook
A quick disclaimer here: not all of these pages are valid options. You need to ensure that the links on these pages lead you to actual certified sites where you can make a purchase. When you find a page that works properly, they can be one of the best allies to find good deals, particularly on flights.
If there’s a specific airline that covers a route you’re eyeing, following them on social media is a great way to hunt down deals. It’s a bit late to do that for this Spring Break, but you never know. There could be some last-minute offers that you can still grab!
Travel Credit Cards That Cover Add-Ons
Avid travelers are truly going to be able to benefit from credit cards that partner with airlines. This is one of the best ways to get free add-ons for your trip, especially since airlines are now known to charge for even your carry-on baggage.
Just remember to read the fine print on these and not just go for the “benefits” they offer. These cards can be a real asset if you find the right one. That’s especially the case if the airline, for example, that sponsors the card has many routes out of your home airport.
Beware of Budget Airlines & Their Fine Print
The fine print strikes again in this tip! Budget airlines have always used these types of tricks to get passengers to buy a “cheap flight” that may cost more than one on a non-budget airline because of the add-ons. If you want to use budget airlines, pack light so that you only have to “buy” one carry-on bag. Also, get enough to eat or drink before boarding so you don’t hike up the cost of your flight even more!
Talk to Hotels Directly
These days, people are so used to going to travel sites to look at various hotels and then just directly booking their accommodations through those sites. If you’re a regular traveler and you use Booking, Expedia, or any other site for all of your hotel stays, you may be able to access some decent benefits with them.
But when you just want the best price per night at a specific property, it may be best to talk to the hotel directly. They can upgrade your room quality for the same price or potentially add other elements to sweeten the deal for you. This doesn’t always work, but it is worth a try once you’ve decided you want to stay at a particular property.
Airbnb is Still a Friend
Over the last few years, there’s been quite a campaign against sites like Airbnb and VRBO. If you had to guess who promotes those stories, where would you put your money? That’s not to say that there are no flaws in these platforms. At the same time, you can indeed get a larger accommodation for a fraction of the price. These platforms are still a good option, particularly for families or large groups of friends going on vacation and looking to save money.
Eat With the Locals
Take this tip with a grain of salt! It’s more or less true that locals will be able to point you toward restaurants outside the main tourist attractions where you can eat quality food at a fraction of the price. But consider this: are you in a location where you’ll feel comfortable leaving the main tourist areas? This can be a risky proposition, particularly when you travel abroad.
The question is, how far are you really willing to go to find these hidden gems? In some cities, you can find some truly spectacular dishes, like a mountain of paella with half a bottle of wine for 12 euros near the Atocha station in Madrid. Some cities’ culinary secrets, though, are not worth the risk.
Paying for Everything in Advance
Again, this is a tip that can work better to help you save money for next year’s Spring Break, but it’s completely worth mentioning now. If you’re able to pay things in advance, and maybe even on a month-to-month basis, you won’t feel such a heavy burden that the cost of the trip can put on your finances. There’s an argument to be made that this will actually cause people to spend more on their trips. That could be the case, but at least mentally and financially, you won’t feel as much pressure.
