Budget-Friendly Spring Break Travel & Money-Saving Tips for Students

There are plenty of ways to make a college spring break fun and relaxing without breaking the bank. The first step is to establish a budget and make sure you’re taking all potential costs into consideration:

• Travel to (and around) your destination
• Accommodations
• Food and dining
• ActivitiesExtras (souvenirs, unexpected costs)

Nearly as important as budgeting is choosing friends to spring break alongside (yes, I just used “spring break” as a verb). If you’re on a tight budget, picking travel partners with similar expectations can ensure less stress and more fun for everyone. Be up front with potential spring break buddies about your desire (or need!) for a budget- friendly trip and make sure everyone’s plans are in alignment. 

Deciding where to Go

Let’s break down destination options into three categories: 

Traditional spring break

If you’re hoping to get somewhere warm, consider destinations not everyone is talking about. If the beach is a must, try looking at towns that aren’t the main draw for spring breakers; think Jacksonville Beach instead of Daytona Beach. If you’re driving to your destination, consider staying somewhere within 30 minutes of the ocean, rather than right on the water. What you’ll lack in convenience, you may make up for in cost! Or, rather than choosing the coast, consider lakeside options or at least a warm locale with a pool.

Nontraditional spring break

If you’re open to options beyond the beach, consider a colder destination that won’t be price gouging to capitalize off the demand of spring break. While big cities always have tourists, if it’s the off-season, you’ll see lower prices. 

If you’re into the outdoors, consider camping. Many parks have campsites for low overnight costs, and some may have cabins or yurts to rent. If you don’t own camping gear, check with your college’s recreation department for cheap or free rentals, or with local outdoor stores. Facebook Marketplace or local “Buy Nothing” groups may also have what you need for your trip.

Staycation

This is the most cost-effective option and, while it might be the least enticing, taking the time to dive into parts of your college town that students tend to overlook can be fun and rewarding. Are there museums or exhibits you haven’t visited, or restaurants you want to try? Choosing a staycation means you could also work part of the week, which could support a splurge on one night of your break: a nicer restaurant than you would typically allow yourself, a special shopping trip, or even an overnight trip somewhere nearby.

Finding accommodations

There are tried-and-true methods of finding lodging deals, like using reliable discount travel sites or scouring vacation rental listings for the cheapest deal. Hostels are also a great way for young people to travel and make new friends, with lots of reliable and safe options around the world. Just like hotels, you can read reviews and ratings of previous travelers’ hostel experiences before you decide to book. It’s also becoming popular for small hotels to offer dorm-style shared rooms (think of it as a step up from some hostel accommodations). 

Do you have friends who live in desirable locations? See if they’d be willing to host you or if they’re open to you housesitting while they’re on their own adventure. Housesitting or petsitting are great travel hacks that can change the way you travel, not just for spring break, but in the long term! This path does require building a resume and some positive reviews through previous experiences, but it can be a great way to see new places. There are many trusted companies for pet or housesitting, including Bright Horizon’s own Sittercity.

Getting to and around your destination

If you must fly, consider budget airlines—and pack light! While budget airlines boast great deals, checking a bag will result in a higher price.  If driving is possible, you’ll of course benefit from carpooling and splitting the gas with your fellow spring breakers.Once you’ve arrived, there’s the question, if you flew, of how to get around town. Look into public transportation or bike rentals to keep your costs low. Don’t forget to ask about student discounts!

Activities and meals

Speaking of student discounts, be shameless in asking about them or researching them in everything you do. When it comes to food, choosing accommodations with a kitchen can be key to ensuring you have low-cost meals on your trip.

Spring break is a great time to recharge, relax, and cut loose before the taxing end of the academic year, and there are ways to enjoy it on every budget!