Money-Saving Tips for Your Spring Break Vacation

Spring Break vacations don’t have to come with a high price tag. With a little planning and by following these money-saving tips, you can have a great time at an affordable price.

Look for student discounts – Many hotels, car rental agencies, and attractions offer student discounts, so take your business to the places that offer them. Check with the student travel association on campus or visit https://www.studentuniverse.com/.

Book your flight a few months in advance – You can save serious money by buying tickets at least one month in advance. Use third-party booking websites like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. If you’re travelling out of the country, consider getting travel insurance just in case severe weather or illness prevent you from flying. That way, you’ll get reimbursed for the unused ticket.

Drive instead of fly – If your destination is within driving distance, consider using your car instead of flying. You’ll save a bundle and you won’t have to rent a car when you get to your destination. If you have a bike, you can bring that along and save on gas.

Rent a home instead of booking a hotel room – If you’re going with a few friends, consider pooling your money and renting a home using AirBnB or VRBO, which can be significantly cheaper than getting a hotel. You’ll also be able to make your own meals, if you like, instead of eating all your meals at restaurants.

Get a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees – Some cards charge fees for purchases made outside of the U.S., so if you’re vacationing outside of the U.S., bring one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Don’t let your Spring Break put you into debt. With a little prep and planning, you’ll be able to have a great vacation that fits your budget.