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Spring break is one of those rites of passage that every college student looks forward to. Unfortunately, college students are usually on limited budgets which can put a dream vacation out of reach. If you want a spring break but don’t want to break the bank, here are a few ideas to consider before you open your wallet.
Student discounts
College students aren’t known for their fat wallets, which is why you should take advantage of student discounts. Whenever you have to fork over some cash for recreation -- at the movies, at restaurants and at stores -- make sure that you have your student identification card with you so you can save at the checkout counter. There are also a number of a travel companies that offer cheaper airline and train tickets for students, so do an internet search and find a legit company that will safely get you to and from your spring break destination. These companies may require you to submit a college or university issued e-mail account, so be sure you have all of the information you need before you book your ticket.
Package deals
There are a number of companies that are dedicated to student travel. These companies may advertise on your college campus, either by sending a representative to give an information session or by posting flyers. These travel companies often offer package deals that include travel, accommodations, meals and sometimes VIP status at nightclubs. You can also investigate package deals that include tours of the area you are visiting and daytime recreation.
Hostels
If you are doing spring break abroad, one of your best bets for saving some cash is by looking into hostels rather than hotels. Hostels usually allow guests to rent a shared room, as well as share common areas, a kitchen and bathrooms. Hostels are usually considerably cheaper than staying in hotels and give you and your spring break buddies the opportunity to meet other travelers.
Be flexible
You may be tempted to leave town as soon as your last class gets out for spring break, but is a Friday the cheapest time to travel? Before you book a spring break flight, play with departure and return dates so that you can get the best deal on your ticket. You may find that leaving on a day later or coming back a day sooner could save you a big chunk of change.
Consider the alternatives
Sure, taking a backpacking trip to Europe or a cruise to the islands in fun, but do you long for something more meaningful? If you are looking for a cheap getaway and want to do more than go to dance clubs and tourist spots, you might want to look into alternative spring breaks where you do some volunteer work. The agency sponsoring your trip may be able to get you cheaper or even free travel and you’ll meet other likeminded students who want to spend their spring breaks working on more than their tans.
Published on February 06, 2007