Want your college spring break trip to make it out of the group chat? Here are some tips to help you have a successful trip with your girlfriends.
I went to Fort Lauderdale for spring break last year, which was an absolute disaster. It was a last-minute decision, and I had the worst flight time possible. My parents drove me to the airport around 5 a.m. and the Airbnb my friends and I got was so terrible we called it “The Shack.”
While everything seemed like it was going to be a mess, it ended up being one of the most fun weeks of the semester. Since I had such a good time, I decided to go back again for this upcoming spring break.
Now that I have experienced the chaotic spring break trip, I was more prepared with my planning this year. Here are the steps I took to have a more organized trip.
- Get a big group of people
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Airbnbs can be expensive, but the more people you bring, the less money you will have to spend. Getting a bigger and nicer house is easier when more people are coming with you.
I am going with a group of 10 girls this year and we each only had to pay $150 for the entire week. Also, the more people that come, the more fun it will be.
- Book flights as early as possible
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Spring break is a crazy time for airlines. Flights are constantly getting booked and the prices increase the longer you wait.
If you get on it early, you will likely get good flight times at a cheaper price. I will warn you, though, that the most affordable flights are through Spirit Airlines, which most college students settle on. I will be flying Spirit for this upcoming trip, which honestly matches the messy vibe of my Fort Lauderdale spring break.
- make sure everyone purchases ACCOMMODATIONS at the same time
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The hardest part about planning a trip for a big group of people is trying to get everyone on the same page with everything. Having one person in charge and dealing with all the bookings, from flight tickets to the Airbnb, is important.
As long as everyone cooperates and pays at the same time, it should be smooth sailing. Problems arise when some people say they will come but bail out at the last minute, so make sure everyone is 100% on board before booking anything.
- Save money to save while you are there
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College students are notoriously known for being broke. While you may have saved enough money for the Airbnb and flight, remember there will be expenses once you get there. You will have to Uber to places and buy food and drinks.
So make sure you come prepared, or else you will be hungry and thirsty and your feet will hurt when you have to walk all the way back home after a long night out.
- Pack light
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Spring break is only one week, so you do not need to bring your entire wardrobe. I am being a hypocrite because I am the biggest over-packer to exist, but I could also use this advice. You will be much happier if you only bring what you are going to wear, and the Airbnb will be less messy without a mountain of clothes taking up space on the ground.
It will be warm, so you probably don’t need to pack three sweatshirts and sweatpants. Let’s be real: you’re going to be in a bikini the whole time anyway.
Those are just a few tips that have made my spring break planning process easier this year.
If you are still debating on booking that trip, I suggest doing it. You only get four spring break trips during college, so make the most of it. Whether it’s a chaotic, last-minute trip like my freshman year or a well-organized trip like my sophomore year, it will be a blast.
And remember, what happens during spring break stays in spring break.