College students and parents of school children alike must annually consider which spring break ideas they’d like to take advantage of.
Needless to say that with both categories of vacation planners, budget is an issue especially as prices for trips to hotspots like Mexico now cost a small fortune for a short break away.
Here are my top picks for money-saving spring break ideas in the United States.
1. Pitch a tent
If you’re looking to visit someplace warm, then camping just might make your short list of top spring break ideas. It’s a great way to reduce your accommodation costs and keep things low key. Certain chains offer discounts for those with membership cards.
One example is the national KOA campground franchise. Their just-outside-of-Washington, D.C. location boasts complimentary water and electricity as well as no-cost Wi-Fi at each campsite. Cabins are also available for those who like to limit how much they “rough it”.
The venue also offers shuttle service to a nearby commuter railway which that drops you off in front of the Smithsonian, which is free to visit. Hot showers, a maintained swimming pool and pizza delivery are all available at this location, which also plans family-friendly activities for those who are spring breaking with a school-age crowd.
For those who want a little more nature, there’s also the option of camping at Shenandoah National Park.
2. Local is lovely
If you already reside in a sought-after area, then reign in the budget by exploring spring break ideas that embrace local activities and attractions.
In the Tampa Bay area for example, there is the beach at Fort DeSoto. It’s free to access and has been repeatedly voted one of the top 20 beaches in the United States.
You also have the Lowry Park Zoo, multiple museums, several Tampa Bay walking tours and of course historic Ybor City for the club crowd.
3. Rentals rock
If you’ve never explored the world of vacation rentals, then you are missing out on the mother of all money-saving spring break ideas.
Whether you utilize this strategy for ski vacations in Breckenridge, or to maximize budget beach travel in places like Bermuda or the Bahamas, rental properties allow you pair up with friends on the overall tab and save further travel funds through in-house kitchen meal preparations.
4. Discounts save more than dimes
Whether you are utilizing coupon books from the local convention and visitor’s bureau, considering a Groupon getaway or using Discover Card travel rewards for cruise deals and passes to local theme parks, vacation deals are worth scouting out.
If you are interested in traveling abroad, there are other international credit card use issues too. Be sure you do your research in order to save the most money possible.
Plan a Cheap Spring Break
Do you have any favorite spring break ideas you’d like to share? What are your favorite places to enjoy spring break or vacation travel in general?