Photo Credit: Student Universe
Booking an epic spring break trip skyrockets to the top of every college kid’s list of priorities when spring semester rolls around. However, making rent payments, paying tuition fees, and purchasing books for the new semester doesn’t leave much room in our budgets for a dream getaway. But a hauntingly meager bank account shouldn’t eliminate all spring break options. Here are six easy ways to minimize the cost of going away, while maximizing the experience:
1. Look for the golden words: “All Inclusive” Although prices may seem manageable while looking at them on a computer screen, people often forget to include the cost of eating, drinking, and transportation (somewhat essential) when booking their perfect spring break getaways. Food alone can cost, on average, about $450 for a week in a popular spring break location. Miscalculating the cost by nearly $500 could definitely cause some stress, which is the last thing you want while laying out by the pool.
A simple solution is to look for the all-inclusive deals when booking the hotel. All-inclusive packages will include the cost of accommodations, meals, and even admission to some attractions like nightclubs and bars. The majority of cruise lines are all-inclusive; although their prices seem high at first, remember you will be spending little to nothing more than that.
2. Travel in groups. Not only does travelling in large groups make your vacation more enjoyable, but it also makes it more affordable. Many hotels offer group rates, especially around spring break. Splitting the cost of a hotel room with a group of friends will significantly cut the cost of your trip.
3. Hot spots aren’t the only spots. People are often under the impression they have to go to one of the top five spring break spots to have fun. This is far from true and will cost you nearly twice as much. Spring break “hot spots” like Cancun and the Bahamas are notorious for ripping off college travellers around spring break. Hotels that will cost you about $150 a night any other time of the year will cost almost $400 dollars a night during the weeks of college’s spring break. You can have a great time at any of the hundreds of other vacation spots without going to the most popular resorts.
4. Drive, don’t fly. There’s approximately 1,200 miles of coastline in Florida; therefore, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on airfare to lie out on a beach somewhere. There are gorgeous beaches a mere driving distance away from Gainesville. Rather than spending more than $200 each on plane tickets, find a group of friends and split the gas money equally. Not only will this save you money on airfare, but also road trips with friends can sometimes be the best part of going on vacation.
5. Vacations don’t have to be the whole week. Although sinking your toes in the sand for an entire week sounds ideal, settling for only a few days will be easier on your wallet. Cutting a couple days off of your vacation will definitely ease the financial burden and allow you to enjoy the college spring break experience, even if for only a few days. Cruise lines have four-day and even weekend cruises for much cheaper than a weeklong excursion. Another tip for a cruise would be to look for the older boats; their prices are a little less expensive, and the ships are just as fun.
6. If you’re willing to risk it, book last minute. Cruise lines and airlines hate having empty seats/cabins and will often drop prices drastically right before departure. Vacationstogo.com posts vacant cabins on cruise ships a few days before the ship leaves port. The only problem with this plan is that there’s no guarantee they will have any open spots. I recommend having a plan B, just in case this falls through.