Budgeting for Spring Break: How to Plan a Fun Getaway Without Breaking the Bank

The tradition of spring break is not only a celebrated rite of passage for college students, but a welcome hiatus for families with school-aged kids, those who work in academia, and anyone seeking a sun-soaked escape from the winter doldrums. But as a peak travel period, some astute tactics and creative strategies might be necessary to avoid overpaying for a getaway that offers an inviting mix of great weather, spectacular scenery, and plenty of opportunities for rejuvenation and fun. To get more for your money, start with these pointers for planning a budget-friendly escape that will maximize your travel dollars and help you steer clear of expensive pitfalls:

Book as soon as possible.

While there are varying viewpoints when it comes to the optimal timeframe for booking airfare, advance planning in general will help you avoid overpaying and give you access to a greater selection of flight times, seats and routes (e.g., fewer layovers). For the best prices on spring break travel, USA Today recommends getting your airline tickets one to two months before departure (for both domestic and international flights) and making hotel reservations 30 days in advance.

Itching to get away for spring break in March 2024 but have yet to book your hotel and airfare? Citing data from Hopper, USA Today tells us that if you’re less choosy when it comes to hotel amenities or your destination, you can still get the best spring break deals between 10 and 14 days before check-in. But if you’re set on a specific spring break hotspot, keep in mind that prices are apt to rise the closer you get to your departure date.

Compare prices on flights and hotels using various platforms and search engines.

Travel insiders recommend scouring multiple travel search engines and sites to find bargains on both airfare and hotels. According to the experts, there is not a single best service to use when researching and booking travel because no one platform regularly has the lowest prices. But among the aggregators and online travel agencies (OTAs) that consistently get high marks for great prices are Kayak, Momondo, Skyscanner, Expedia, Priceline, Agoda.com, and Booking.com. And a few deal sites and discount platforms that can be worth investigating include Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, HolidayPirates, Dollar Flight Club, and Going. After you’ve done the initial research, just do yourself a favor and check the airline or hotel’s website itself, because you may be able to lock in the best price by booking directly through it.

Get a midweek departure, and if possible, use the flexible date option when booking. For more savings, consider an early morning or red-eye flight.

If there is some maneuverability in your travel calendar, using it to your advantage may help you realize some substantial savings. Especially if you avoid the trap of insisting that your trip begin and end on the weekend. The cheapest days for air travel tend to be Tuesday and Wednesday domestically, and Wednesday and Thursday internationally. Hotel stays at popular tourist destinations also tend to be pricier on the weekends. However, prices fluctuate constantly in response to demand, so it’s a good idea to check the flexible date option when booking online to ensure that there isn’t a lower price option on a day that works for you. Another way to trim costs on airfare: fly before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. If you have a choice, opting for the early flight can help you avoid delays, since flights that depart after 3 p.m. are 50 percent more likely to be canceled.

Think beyond the typical spring break havens.

Although many of the quintessential spring break destinations also tend to be the most expensive to visit during the peak season, you can usually find an alternative that has much of the same to offer at a far more favorable price. A few examples that industry insiders have been highlighting: Sedona, Arizona instead of Phoenix; Hollywood, Florida rather than Ft. Lauderdale, and Cagliari, Italy as opposed to Rome. Seven Corners Travel Insurance also posts some interesting options for inexpensive spring break trips, such as visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico instead of the Dominican Republic for that Caribbean vibe without the major crowds, or spring skiing near Salt Lake City, Utah, an area which boasts some of the most affordable ski resorts in the U.S. Find more inspiration with budget-friendly options at Kiwi.com.

Consider alternative accommodations to the standard hotel or resort located in the popular tourist areas.

You can find a variety of unique and affordable accommodations for spring break travel on home sharing sites and vacation rental marketplaces like Airbnb and Vrbo, from oceanfront villas and cottages, to houseboats and cabins. Low-cost alternatives like hostels also provide ample opportunities for adventure and socializing, and most offer daily cleaning and laundry facilities. And if you want to immerse yourself in nature, you could consider camping at a national or state park which offers amenities like showers, fire pits and picnic areas. Find “20 Trending Spring Break Camping Destinations for 2024” at Campspot. But if you prefer the comfort and convenience of a hotel or resort, looking for lodging outside the more densely populated tourist areas can help you stretch your travel budget further.

Come up with a game plan to economize on meals.

While dining out can be considered a major part of the travel experience, deciding to prepare some of your meals yourself can help you contain costs, and free up funds for those amazing experiences you can’t have at home. A strategy that can help is to stay in a hotel or vacation rental with a kitchenette, or at least a mini-fridge or microwave. You can plan to hit a grocery store soon after you arrive for basics, and consider visiting farmers’ markets in the area for more savings on local items. Also be sure to take advantage of the complimentary breakfast if the hotel provides one.

Don’t overlook all-inclusive vacations and cruises.

Another cost-effective way to control your dining costs, and vacation expenses in general, is to consider an all-inclusive resort or a cruise. Both tend to offer great value and can take much of the stress out of your trip since your meals, snacks, and certain beverages (frequently including alcohol) are covered in your nightly rate or the cruise package. In addition, plenty of activities and the use of many of the amenities will be covered, as well as options for nightly entertainment. Find a helpful overview on what is and is not typically included on a cruise at Royal Caribbean.

Determine a daily budget to adhere to while traveling and be aware of extra fees.

Ahead of your departure, it can be helpful to put together a daily spending limit that can realistically account for ongoing expenses such as rideshares and tips, as well as activities, attractions, and any shopping you may want to do. Be sure to account for extra fees, like checked baggage, resort fees, and any cleaning or service fees you might incur from a vacation rental.

Once you have a sense of what your costs may be, you can better prioritize your spending. For instance, you may decide that it makes sense to forgo a rental car if many of the excursions you’re interested in taking come with shuttle service from your hotel, and that there are plenty of dining options are within walking distance of your accommodations. But if you’re looking for some extra funds and room in your budget to solidify your spring break plans, a personal loan from The Police Credit Union can help. With a low, competitive fixed rate, our Personal Loans offer payment protection and a fast, hassle-free online application.

Leverage credit card rewards and take advantage of special offerings from The Police Credit Union.

Finally, remember that as a member of The Police Credit Union, you have access to our special discounts on travel packages through our partnership with providers like Get Away Today Vacations and theme parks in both Northern and Southern California. Spring break is also an optimal time to earn more CURewards points on your Platinum Visa, so be sure you’re enrolled before booking reservations, and use your card for your travel-related expenses. Our Platinum Visa® also offers travel protections including lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver. And if you’ve got rewards points to redeem, consider using them to cover a portion of your trip, including expenses such as flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars and more.

We love giving back to our members! We are able to provide special discounts to our members through partnerships with theme parks and service providers throughout California.

VIEW SPECIAL DISCOUNTS