Cheap Spring Break
Cheap Spring Break Ideas
It's almost time for spring break. The sun is higher in the sky, the holidays are a distant memory, and we're getting ready for a break -- from winter, from work, and from school. Don't let a tight budget lower your spring fever; there are many ways to make it a cheap spring break. Consider using some of the following tips to shave your vacation costs. And then relax and enjoy the holiday you deserve.
Travel on the spring break "shoulder" season.
If you're not a student or don't have kids in school, travel a week or two before or after traditional spring break dates to save money on airfare and accommodation and guarantee a cheap spring break. Research spring break dates for your area and the area to which you want to travel. In 2012, many schools take spring break the first or second week of March. Traveling outside these weeks gives a wider selection of lodging options and cheaper airfare.
Take a shorter break.
Work out a rough daily budget of what you might spend on your vacation, including hotel, meals, and transportation, and multiply it by ten -- the length of many spring break trips. For a cheaper spring break, consider halving this number by taking a five-day trip, or chopping a third off the cost by taking a seven-day trip.
Rent a vacation home.
Use a site such as VRBO.com or airbnb.com to book a vacation home. You'll turn it into a cheap spring break by having your own kitchen, and you can even share the space with friends or family and cut costs even more. Vacation homes are often cheaper per night than hotels and offer more character.
Stay closer to home.
Sure, Mexico and Hawaii sound warm and lovely, but try thinking about spring break in a new way. There's no hard and fast rule that says spring break means beaches and bars. --What if it's museums and cafes? Historical monuments and scenic byways? Consider your hobbies and interests as well as places in your state that you haven't explored, and set off on a trip within your own back yard. You'll save considerably on airfare.
Stay home.
Okay, this doesn't sound like much fun, but "staycations" have been a holiday trend for a while now and can be the ultimate cheap spring break idea. Unplug the phone, disconnect the Internet, and use the money you've saved on airfare to dine at a fancy new restaurant and/or give yourself a spa treatment or a new gadget. Take the time to explore your city -- go to a show, take a historical walking tour, and behave as if you're on vacation but without the travel and lodging costs.
Shop for discounts and package deals.
Group buying sites such as Groupon and LivingSocial that offer discounts on hotels, vacation packages, events and attractions, and dining are good resources for building a holiday itinerary. Get tickets to a show, half off a meal, and a reduced-price stay at a hotel.
What are your ideas for a cheap spring break?
