Enjoy Spring Break Without Overspending
Spring break is your chance to hit the pause button, unwind, and recharge – whether that means lounging on the beach, exploring a new city, or simply taking a break from school or work. But while the memories should last forever, the credit card bill shouldn’t. Between flights, hotels, food, and fun, it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable spring break. With a little planning and some smart money moves, you can make the most of your getaway without stressing over your budget. Check out these practical tips to save money before and during your trip.
1. Pick Your Travel Dates Strategically
Timing is everything when it comes to saving on travel. To avoid price spikes during peak travel days like weekends and major holidays, consider traveling during the week when flights and accommodations are usually more affordable. Booking an early morning or late-night flight can also help you save even more. If you don’t have to stick to set dates, use online comparison tools to track flight and lodging prices so you can book the most affordable dates for your destination.
2. Shop Around for Deals
A bit of extra research can go a long way when it comes to saving money. Before booking your trip, compare flight prices, rental cars, and accommodations. Online travel tools can help you track pricing trends and send you alerts when prices drop. Even bundling your flight and hotel together can result in substantial savings. You’d be surprised how much you can save with just a little extra effort!
3. Find a New Destination
Popular spring break destinations tend to be more expensive due to surge pricing and high demand. Rather than sticking to tourist hotspots, consider expanding your horizons to include lesser-known locations. You may uncover a hidden gem with unique offerings and memorable experiences and save yourself from big crowds and inflated prices.
4. Shop Your Closet
The temptation to equip your suitcase with all-new attire for your trip can be strong. But before you hit the stores, try shopping in your own closet. Take inventory of the pieces you already own that could work for your trip. Chances are, you already own plenty of vacation-ready pieces. You may still need to purchase a few new items, like sandals or a swimsuit, but try not to go overboard. Mix and match what’s in your closet to create some stylish outfits without spending more than necessary.
5. Set a Budget & Stick to It
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of vacation and fall into the trap of overspending. Before you depart, create a realistic budget that contains all vacation-related expenses, including lodging, transportation, shopping and souvenirs, food, and entertainment. If you need extra help sticking to your travel budget, consider setting a daily spending allowance to help you stay on track.
6. Pack Your Own Snacks
Dining out for every meal is one of the fastest ways to drain your wallet. An easy trick to cut costs while traveling is to pack your own snacks. Grab things like granola bars, trail mix, and sandwich supplies for quick and easy eating on the go.
An even better tactic to save money is to stay somewhere with a kitchen, like a house rental. Then, you can stop by the local grocery store and plan to make some meals at home. It’s the perfect compromise to save money yet still be able to enjoy the local cuisine for several meals while traveling.
7. Skip the Ride Services
Transportation costs can quickly add up while traveling – especially if you rely on taxis or ride-sharing services. Instead, research public transportation offerings in your area, including buses and trains, which are often much cheaper.
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, many offer free or low-cost shuttle services to popular attractions and local hot spots. Bike and scooter rentals can be another fun and inexpensive way to get around. While taking public transportation may mean slightly longer wait times, they can provide significant savings – freeing up funds to put toward more meaningful expenses, like a nice dinner out or an extra experience.
8. Don’t Rely on Credit Cards
It may be tempting to charge your travel purchases to your credit card and worry about the bill later. But you might be in for quite a shock when the bill comes due. Extending your budget in the short term can throw a wrench into your finances over the long term.
If you do opt to use a credit card, devise a plan to repay the balance quickly – allowing you to avoid costly interest charges. Often, a better option is a personal or vacation loan. These tools provide multiple benefits that are typically overlooked, such as:
- Lower interest rates than most traditional credit cards.
- Set monthly payments help eliminate debt faster and reduce interest costs.
- Fixed interest rates ensure your rate never increases during your loan term.
- Set dollar amount to borrow – making budgeting during your trip easier.
We’re Here to Help!
Spring break is all about making memories – not maxing out your credit card. By planning ahead, making smart spending choices, and focusing on experiences over expenses, you can have an amazing getaway without financial stress.
If you want to learn more about personal loans or have questions about accessing your accounts on vacation, we’re ready to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 801-451-5064 to speak with a team member today.