Save more, spend smarter, get more out of your money
Spring break never comes early for most college students. While winter break has family obligations and summer vacation often includes full-time or part-time work, spring break is one time of the year to explore and unwind.
But for many students, expensive resort packages and crowded tourist destinations don’t appeal. Here are some.
enjoy the great outdoors
if you are trying save money If you want a different spring break experience, go camping. Camping is generally inexpensive as long as you prepare accordingly.
First, decide what kind of camping experience you want. Want to visit a state park near you or travel to places like Grand Teton or Yosemite?
Your location also determines the type of gear you need. If you don’t have camping gear, choose a location that doesn’t require special equipment.
As an alternative to purchasing camping equipment, you can rent it from an outdoor supply store. This allows you to experiment with tents, packs, and other necessary gear without overspending. can.
If you love the outdoors but camping is a little too rustic, rent a cabin somewhere in the mountains or foothills. Depending on the location, there are winding snow-covered roads that can be difficult to navigate depending on the season, so be sure to choose a location that is easy to reach during spring break.
Choose an unusual locale
The laws of supply and demand apply to just about anything, including spring break trips. If you choose a popular location, you are likely to pay more than if you choose a secluded location. It also makes it harder to enjoy your trip by getting stuck in a crowd of people.
For example, visiting Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Denver during spring break means fewer people and less bills. If you want an exotic trip, choose Costa Rica or Puerto Rico instead of Mexico.If you like Southern history, choose Savannah or Charleston instead of New Orleans. If you like trendy cities, choose Asheville over Austin.
As you envision your dream spring break trip, think about what kind of trip you’re looking for. Want a neighborhood with a lot of history? Want a completely different place than where you live now? Want a city full of live music and ethnic restaurants?
Use travel sites like Google Flights, Hopper, and Scott Cheap Flights to get ideas for travel destinations based on cheap flight ideas.
go to a cold place
Most people travel for spring break to escape the winter weather. If you don’t like the cold, go somewhere warm. For example, visiting New York City in March may cost less than going to Miami. Try to avoid cities like Boston and Chicago that can be too uncomfortable in winter.
Choose a city with plenty of indoor activities, such as museums, art galleries, and restaurants. Then you will have a memorable vacation.
network
If you’re planning a spring break trip with friends, make a list of places you can crash for free. For example, does anyone have a family cabin? Do you have a sibling with an apartment in a cool city?
Make a list of possible ideas and start asking people if they would like to stay with you. If you go this route, make sure you are a polite and respectful guest. Take care of your home, bring host gifts or buy dinner when you’re there.
Find ideas on social media
Social media is a gold mine when it comes to finding spring break alternatives. Start by following hashtags like #midwestvacation and #springbreakideas. Click a post you like and scroll down for hashtag ideas.
You can also use hashtags like #travelblog and #traveblogger to find travel bloggers. Create a special folder on Instagram with ideas that you can share with your friends.
take a road trip
Visiting one city over spring break is fun, but traveling across the country is even more fun. Search Google for driving directions starting in your city and see what you can find. You can return home the same way or take a different route to see a different area.
Find out the best places to stop by marking possible attractions before you leave. If you’re on a tight budget, choose a pre-departure hotel or Airbnb home. But if you want to be spontaneous, use an app like HotelTonight to find deals while you’re on the move.
go by yourself
Most people envision taking a trip with their friends over spring break and making memories that will last forever. But if you’re an introvert or don’t want to follow friends on expensive spring break trips, consider traveling alone.
You may need to plan ahead to find the cheapest accommodation, but it’s entirely possible to make a budget-friendly spring break trip on your own. You can save even more.
Start planning now
No matter where you decide to go for spring break, plan ahead. Even cities that seem like quieter spring break alternatives may require hotel and Airbnb reservations weeks in advance.
By planning ahead, you can also save money. Decide how much your trip will cost and how much you can afford to spend. Knowing your budget in advance narrows down your options and prevents you from going into debt just to finance your vacation.
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