5 Budgeting Tips for Your Family for Spring Break
Ready for a family vacation while the kids are out of school, but your budget isn’t? If you are working on a tight budget this spring break season, rest assured that your time away with the family can be an enjoyable experience, without breaking the bank. Try these tips for an affordable, fun vacation.
1. Get Creative
Popular spring break destinations like the numerous beachfront cities in Florida draw hundreds of thousands of students and families each year—and cost an arm and a leg because of it. To stay within your spring break budget, it is important to think outside the destination box. Consider locales like Washington, DC or Austin, Texas. Both are cultural hot spots but are less crowded during the spring break peak season, meaning prices on lodging and activities are considerably lower.
2. Consider Alternative Lodging Options
Hotels may or not be the cheapest option. Try looking into alternative lodging options such as private home rentals. You can find rentals on sites such as Airbnb. However, be careful to check the location within the city. A city such as DC is huge, and the place you’re staying in can cost you loads more in transportation if it’s a few miles from attractions.
3. Buy Everyday Items in Advance
One of the greatest challenges of staying within budgets is the little items that add up to big expenses. You could pay a premium for items like toiletries and bathing suits. If you know you will need specific items like sunscreen or comfortable walking shoes, make room in your bag to bring them along instead of buying on-site.
4. Skip the Flight
Although the idea of a road trip conjures up memories of the kids’ constant cry of “Are we there yet?” those few hours stuck in the car can knock down a spring break budget by thousands. The bonus? You can plan for fun stops along the way. Also, remember that if you save thousands on a flight, you can splurge on a fancier hotel room or suite.
5. Do Free Activities
Amusement parks are one of the most popular attractions families enjoy over spring break, but they are also high in cost when buying multiple tickets. To save yourself from destroying your spring break budget by only doing these expensive outings, do free activities and also pre-shop for coupons and deals. Often, there are coupons shaving off full-price admission if you search online. You should also contact the hotel about packages. Museums, outdoor parks, community gardens, and art exhibits may provide amusement on days you want a break from long lines for the latest roller coaster.
It is possible to have a fabulous spring break with your family even when your budget is tight. Don’t be afraid to get creative with location and activities. Double check that you didn’t forget bathing suits and other travel necessities. Keeping these tips in mind will help make for the most successful—and budget-friendly—spring break for your family.