Vacation is always a good idea and when Spring Break comes around, you want to be able to fit in as much relaxation and fun as you can into your week of freedom. Vacations and traveling in general can be costly but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to go anywhere. Here are some tips and tricks to having a great Spring Break without spending an excessive amount of money.
Hotels:Â
Hotels can be intimidating and expensive. Cheap hotels usually aren’t the greatest depending on where you’re traveling. For the cheapest option, I highly recommend Airbnb. Airbnb has homes/rooms that people rent out that are much more affordable than hotels, especially if you split the cost with a few friends. Be sure to look at the ratings and  abide by your hosts’ wishes. Have fun but remember that it is someone’s house and personal space, so try not to break or trash anything.
Flying:
If you do decide to go out of the area, make sure you are getting the best deals on your flights. There is an app called SkyScanner that will find you the cheapest options and save you as much money as possible. Bonus: You can also use it to get deals on hotels and car rentals.
Food:
Eating out can be really expensive. Try to only go out to eat once a day. If you’re staying in a hotel, you can rely on the free continental breakfasts. Additionally, take full advantage if your hotel or Airbnb has a kitchen. Take a trip to Trader Joes or a nearby grocery store to get snacks and quick meals. Have a picnic. You’ll be happy will all the money you save and you’ll be able to spend your money on souvenirs or activities.
Local Destinations:
If you want to take a little adventure, but don’t have the funds to fly anywhere, here are some places all less than four hours away from Chapman by car (or boat):
Catalina Island: You have to take a boat from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point to get here (if it’s your birthday the boat ride is free!). The city of Avalon has a lot of fun activities like kayaking and jeep tours. Prices can tend to be a little steep since it is a hub for tourists so you should make sure to plan ahead so you can find the best deals.
Solvang: A three-hour drive north will take you to this cute Danish village called Solvang.  Solvang is known for its shops and excellent wine tastings.  Plus, it’s only a short drive from Santa Barbara, so you’ll have plenty to do.
San Diego: If you haven’t been, this is a must. San Diego is a beautiful city with tons to do. You can spend the day going to museums in Balboa Park, shopping in Hillcrest, swimming in La Jolla coves or exploring Downtown. Â
Hopefully these tips gave you ideas and inspiration to have a more affordable and fun Spring Break. Remember to take lots of pictures, be safe, and make the most of your week off!