College Life
Spring Break on a Budget
By Lauren Medina
March 2009
Looking for the ultimate spring break trip but find yourself unable to spring for more money? Here are some handy tips on how to get the best spring break on a budget:
Start planning well in advance to construct the best financial plan. Look for vacation packages offered by travel agencies; helpful websites include expedia.com, priceline.com, and hotwire.com.
Opt for all–inclusive settings, like a cruise or Club Med. This way you pay one price that includes lodging, food, and entertainment.
Hotspots can burn a hole in your pocket. By not choosing the typical getaway, it's possible to find more inexpensive accommodations of the same quality.
Stay at bed-and-breakfasts instead of hotels. These are more cost–efficient, and you'll get a richer feel for the place you're visiting.
Pick a place where a friend has a house. Vacationing at a house provides all the benefits that a hotel lacks. (You can cook your own meals instead of dining out—a great money–saving option and a fun time for you and your friends!)
"Stay-cations" are becoming increasingly popular. Keep the location local but plan activities and events that you haven't had time for or wouldn't normally do. The most fun can be in your own backyard, especially if your backyard is Boston! *See the bottom of the page for day–outing ideas in Boston!
Travel in larger groups. This will help split up the cost of staying at a hotel.
Consider all your options. Depending on where you travel to, it can be less expensive to take a plane than ride in a train.
Road trips are great opportunities to see a multitude of different places and have adventures that cost you less. Also, a bus will also get you from point A to B without having to pay as much for gas.
Set a specific budget for each day including food and activities. This will not only keep you on track but test your creativity as well.
Because meals at resorts can be expensive, ask the locals for tips on the best places to eat. These usually provide better food at more affordable prices while allowing you to embrace the culture to its fullest.
Remember it's always better to plan on spending more money than you think. It never hurts to be left with some spare cash on hand!
*Day–outing ideas courtesy of boston.com:
