Go on Spring Break without blowing a year's tuition.

 

 

 

by Kaili Xu  

 

A great Spring Break is something college students look forward to all year, as well as a well-earned escape from school in the middle of the semester. Unfortunately, the biggest danger most students face at Spring Break is to their wallets. A travel to hot Spring Break destinations such as Florida, Europe, or a ski resort can break a student's budget for the rest of the semester. Here are some tips to save money and still enjoy a fabulous time during your Spring Break travels.


Plan Early

Spring Break is a peak travel season, so bargain hotel and airfare prices go very quickly. The most important advice for saving money is to start planning in advance and to be flexible. It would be a nightmare if students wait until the last minute due to lack of availability and astronomical prices.


A Road Trip

Though with the rising price of gas, road trips are not the bargain they used to be, but if a bunch of people is piled into a vehicle, students can still get to anywhere cheaply.


Alternative Destinations

Looking beyond the typical Spring Break destinations can save money, too. Warm areas in Georgia and South Carolina may offer the same experiences as Florida with lower prices. Taking a few days in a city like Toronto or Chicago is a good way to get away without spending too much.


Online Agencies

College students can find cheaper plane tickets via online agencies such as Priceline and Expedia. An important tip with those online searches is to always look for reliable brand names.


All-Inclusive Packages

Another option for students is purchasing an all-inclusive package. An all-inclusive package includes airfare, hotel, food and, sometimes, additional activities and tips. It can cost more when students book it, but less overall, and there will be fewer or no surprise expenses to absorb later.

However, do not pay for any Spring Break trip packages (including deposits) until a detailed contract is signed. The contract should include travel dates, the airline and flight numbers, hotel reservations, and information about cancellation and other policies.


Food Expense

Students don't always consider the food expense when traveling, but actually, it can be super-huge if students are not careful enough. One tip to avoid this is to budget meals every day and try to stick with it on vacation. It is a good idea for students to bring snacks along with them. Another tip is to stay at a hotel that has refrigerators in the room or that offers a continental breakfast. Students can also buy some groceries when getting into town. And if money is really tight, avoid eating three meals a day.


Pictures as souvenirs

Pictures make the best souvenirs. If your budget is meager, don't waste money on souvenirs. When all is said and done, pictures are probably all that you need to remember the Spring Break travel.