I know for all you college kids out there that spring break planning starts around this time (maybe even a little bit earlier)…but the talks about spring break started way back in September! I think Spring Break is really fun…I got with 3 of my really good girl friends every year and we always have a great time! But there has to be a budget…booking and planning Spring Break is always the worst. Looking for flights, finding all-inclusive hotels, the list goes on and on of things that need to be checked out. But saving money is always key for everyone…so here are a few tips…
BOOK EARLY – This is huge! Booking as early as possible leaves you with the best choices and usually the best rates on airfare…the closer you get to the date, the more to prices of the flights sky rocket (unless you really luck out)
ALL INCLUSIVE – Every spring break we have gone all inclusive! I mean really, nobody wants to have to worry about how much they are going to spend on lunch that day or drinks that night. So doing all inclusive takes that burden away! The prices might be a little bit more expensive to begin with, but just think…you are saving in the long-run for sure!
A LOT OF PEOPLE IN ONE ROOM – This one I have never actually done, but people do it all the time. You have to think that you aren’t going to be spending that much time in the room…sleep on the beach! You don’t need to necessarily sleep at night…or at least not sleep all that well.
BRING SOME FOOD – We always bring snacks with us! Granted, these never last the whole trip…but in between meals when you are napping/showering/drinking or whatever in your room or on the beach…its always great to have something to snack on that you didn’t have to buy at the expensive hotel gift shop.
AVOID CRUISES – Yes, there are times when you can find some great deals on cruises…but from my experience…you then have to find the flight (usually to Miami) and although food in included with your cruise, alcoholic beverages are not and this adds up a significant amount. Also, once you get off the cruise…if you want to do a excursion on any of the islands, these range from $75 – $100 and that for sure will take a hit to your bank account.
GROUP DISCOUNTS – Look online for flight discounts if you are planning on traveling with a large group of friends. I know that American Airlines does group discounts at www.aa.com/college and other airlines do as well.
RESEARCH — This is huge! You don’t want to end up somewhere miserable…and you don’t want to end up paying a lot of money and get nothing in return for it. Make sure you are booking a vacation from the right places and aren’t getting ripped off.
I know that everyone wants to go on Spring Break…but we also don’t want to be broke when we get back! Make sure to budget and set a limit for yourself so that when you come back and still have a few months left of school until summer vacation…you can still have fun on the money you have left. Make sure that everyone is on the same page and wants the same things!…you don’t want to be unhappy with how much money is being spent or the location you are going to.
