Nothing speaks fun and sun better than Spring Break, the mid-term break we all need and deserve. Fortunately, you can now soak up the sun and have an amazing vacation without spending a fortune on expenses like accommodations, fuel, and food.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the best tips and tricks that will help you have an exciting Spring Break that won’t hurt your wallet. Are you ready to find out how to plan ahead, travel affordably, and come up with a destination that won’t blow your budget? Let’s get started!
Find Out What Your Budget Is
Determining a realistic budget isn’t as easy as it sounds. Grab a pen or open your laptop – it’s time to do some number crunching and figure out what you’re working with. Consider your paychecks, expenses, and savings to come up with an accurate amount you can set aside for your upcoming trip.
Try not to overestimate your budget, as it could lead to undesired alteration or cancellation of your plans.
Plan Ahead
No one likes planning more than the actual fun. But making plans for your Spring Break well ahead is a must to ensure a budget-friendly trip. Flights, accommodation, and activities can easily cost extra money when last-minute decisions are made.
To make the most of your trip while sticking to the budget, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- Where will I stay? Did I scout the surrounding areas and properties for better deals?
- How long will I be staying?
- What activities will I partake in?
- Where and what will I eat?
- How will I get around? What modes of transportation will I take?
- Who am I traveling with, and how will we split the bills?
Join a Group
Traveling with friends and colleagues or total strangers can help you cut down on expenses big time. Try calculating how much you could save by sharing accommodation and fuel costs with three or four other people.
If you want to travel at your own pace, that’s fine. But remember that everyone who joins you on your escapade could mean the difference between staying at a beachfront property or a low-cost hostel across town.
Travel During the Week
Everything has to be considered when traveling on a strict budget. This includes the time of the week you wish to move around. Since more people travel on weekends, flight tickets and accommodation cost more on Saturdays and Sundays.
Midweek rates are much more attractive, so consider taking your deserved break between Monday and Friday if your responsibilities allow you.
Avoid Mainstream Spring Break Destinations
Popular Spring Break hot spots like Miami Beach and Cancun are expensive enough as they are. And during the beloved American holiday? Things only get more terrifying!
You can avoid mainstream Spring Break destinations and find just as beautiful but less congested spots to hang out with like-minded vacationers. Compare the offers and choose uncrowded destinations like New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, and the Florida Keys. Islands like Nevis, Barbados, and Molokai are also less jammed and often come with more affordable offers.
Try Camping or Renting an RV
Hotels can quickly run your wallet dry, especially when the prices are inflated due to huge demand, such as is often the case during Spring Break. Consider renting an RV and spending the week on wheels or settling at campgrounds. This could be up to four times cheaper than staying at a fancy hotel or resort.
If you want to save even more for fun activities and sightseeing, go camping!
Consider Going to a National Park
Camping brings us to the country’s many vast and gorgeous national parks.
While privately owned campgrounds may be even cheaper, national parks often have full amenities and activities waiting for visitors. Not to mention, they’re still more affordable than most hotels and hostels.
If you go to a national park, research and choose one that best fits your needs. Are you after scenic views while you sit and read your favorite book, or do you want to have fun hiking a trail in the mountains and riding a jet ski?
Do You Fancy All-Inclusive Resorts? Don’t Rule Them Out Just Yet…
Yes, vacationing at an all-inclusive resort at a popular Spring Break destination can be costly. We’re talking $500 a night easily. But not all fancy properties come at such a price if you’re willing to compromise on location.
Do a check on an online travel agency like Booking, Travelzoo, Agoda, Trivago, Groupon, and Expedia to discover promo deals within your budget. If you find something to suit your taste, don’t hit the ‘reserve’ button just yet. Double-check the small print and see what’s included in the price and what’s not.
Use Public Transportation
Swearing by public transit goes a long way in reducing your traveling expenses. If you plan to stay in a city, get familiar with their bus, trolley, and train lines and opt for affordable daily or weekly passes. Alternatively, you can look for ride-sharing opportunities if traveling far and alone.
If you want to travel independently and do some sightseeing, consider looking for a low-cost rental car via pages like Hotwire and Kayak. Don’t forget to consider fuel prices, parking, and tolls!
Prepare Your Own Food
Let’s be honest, restaurants can be quite expensive, especially if you have a refined taste. But if you’re running on a budget this Spring Break, you’d be better off preparing your food. If you’re camping, bring a portable gas stove. If you’re staying at a rental property, ensure it has a kitchen.
While out and about partying or sightseeing, always bring snacks with you. This way, you’ll stay full and capable of resisting the temptation to walk into a restaurant and order half the items on their menu.
Avoid Impulse Buying
See that T-shirt with a cool print? Leave it. How about that mug with a laughing monkey’s face on it? Just move on already! When we’re out there traveling, we typically want to make the most out of our trip by spoiling ourselves with all kinds of treats, ranging from souvenirs to expensive menu choices.
But think about it this way. The more you save on materialistic things that you’ll forget about, the more memories that last forever you’ll be able to forge.