Spring break is around the corner and you’re ready to chill. But while you’ve been slaving away to pass your midterms, you haven’t made any plans – and you don’t have much money.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
A good spring break doesn’t require a ton of cash: a place to go, a way to get there, somewhere to stay, cheap food, and – for those of proper age – perhaps a drink or two.
1. Plan ahead.
Depending on your spring break dates, it might already be too late for thorough planning and advance ticket purchasing. But plan what you can.
Knowing where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and what you’ll need means less stress and less likelihood of extra expenses and last-minute rate hikes. Developing a budget now will help you save on staples so you can splurge where it counts.
2. Check with your school. Many colleges have on-campus travel agents who can help plan your vacation and find the best rates; your school might even get special discounts.
And campus organizations might be planning trips of their own, so you can get in on good deals there or find people to split costs with.
3. Look for deals everywhere.
Find Groupon and LivingSocial deals for areas you’re heading to or through – these sites serve travelers well, because deals frequently pop up for food and hotels.
When booking or buying anything, look for online promotional codes and discounts too. When you’re in a hotel or all-night diner, grab one of those deal books from the corner stuffed with tourist brochures – they’ve got maps and coupons.
4. Be outgoing.
When you’re traveling, don’t be shy about talking to the locals – first, because meeting new people is what travel is all about, but just as important, locals can tell you what’s worth checking out and what’s an overpriced tourist trap. They’ll save you time and money.
5. Don’t buy stupid souvenirs. Most of us cut loose on vacation, including with our wallets. While it’s fun to be impulsive about what you do and where you go, don’t succumb to impulse buys of tourist junk. You can find that stuff cheaper online anyway.
6. Know the local laws. Speed limits are obvious, but some states – and certainly foreign countries – have different rules about driving and what could get you pulled over, including driving while on the phone. The last thing you need on a trip is a brush with the law, which could mean hefty fines or worse. There may also be noise ordinances, or restrictions on what you can have at the beach.
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