With the spring semester in full swing, many of us have started to look forward to our big departure from campus for spring break. After braving the bitter cold months in Syracuse, any chance to snatch up Vitamin D is enticing. As exciting as a getaway from Syracuse may be, spring break trips can be expensive, especially when planning on a college budget.
Whether you’re anticipating your already booked trip, or still deciding where to jet-off to, the following tips can serve as a guide for one of the most anticipated weeks of the year.
Planning?
If you have yet to decide where to go, start your decision making!
Spring break or not, any popular vacation times call for booking your trip as early as possible. Booking hotels, airfare and transportation early can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. The closer you get to departure, the more expensive hotels, and especially airfare will become. To help lower costs during crunch time, check out student travel discounts. Some major airlines, like American Airlines, offer discounted fares and vacation packages to enrolled college students. In addition, travel websites like Expedia have student discount programs which allow college students to receive hotel coupons and deals suited for a college budget. Booking with a group can also help to keep costs low, especially for hotels and lodging. Split the price of a four-person room with four people and pay a quarter of the price! A trip which once seemed un-affordable can become much more manageable with a larger group.
Already Booked?
If you already have your trip on the books, focus on how to save money for your trip so you’re not scrambling the week before to add hours to your work schedule to make extra cash, or looking for donations from family for spring break funds. One of the easiest and quickest ways to start saving today is to cut current spending habits. Although morning coffee and lunch at your favorite café are important daily routines, making coffee and lunch at home can save a significant amount of money each week. If one cup of coffee every weekday morning is $3 and lunch is $6, that is $9 per day, $45 per week, and roughly $180 per month. Saving even $45 one week can allow you to save for at least a day’s worth of meals over spring break! Actively cutting nonessential costs in your short-term spending can make a big difference once you take off for your trip.
If your trip is scheduled, make sure to have a plan before you arrive at your destination. Knowing some of the major attractions and activities you’ll participate in before you arrive will be your biggest ally in planning your budget and estimating how much money you might spend and need. As you cut your spending and save for the big trip, put your largest expenses first. You may already have your hotels and airfare booked, but consider day trips, guide tours, beach activities and going out to eat. Estimate how much you are looking to spend on each, and start saving towards those goals.
If you are nervous about spending the money you’re saving, consider creating a vacation account to prevent you from withdrawing from your vacation funds before the trip. It seems simple, but if the money is out of sight, out of mind, you are much less likely to dip into your vacation funds.
How About a Staycation?
If an elaborate getaway is too much for your budget, take a staycation! Explore a city near you, or take a road trip to another city area little further away. Once you decide where you would like to visit, decide how much you can spend. Be realistic! Go online and see what is exciting in the area you’ll be visiting. Interested in attending a concert? Musical? Eating at the best restaurant in town? Check out the prices as you plan. Choose what you want to do and make a list of expenses. Once you have narrowed down what you are interested, you can decide where you would like to spend your money and what fits in your budget. Setting a daily cash allowance may be helpful when planning meals and activities–it can help to avoid impulse purchases and ensure you’re still having fun while saving.
Lastly, always consider going with friends! If you are driving or you need a hotel room, you can always split the costs to make the trip more affordable.
Or Alternative Spring Break?
Alterative Spring Break trips are popular too – you save and gain all at the same time! Alternative Spring Break trips can include traveling for professional development or philanthropy. Each of these options still allows you to get away while saving on travel costs. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way offer immersive service projects across the country which give you the opportunity to give back and volunteer for a fulfilling break.
No matter where you go or what your plans are this spring break, have fun! Start your planning now so when you step on the plane or hit the road, you know what’s headed your way.