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Spring break is the time of year many college students most look forward to. The problem is that trips can easily become expensive and you may end up spending more than your budget for the month. However, with some careful planning, there are several ways you can save money and still have a great time.

1. Choose a Lesser-Known Destination

Whether you want beaches and sun, the party scene, or adventure, there are a huge number of possible destinations. Avoid the most popular places and think outside the box. You may even find somewhere that’s relatively unknown now but becomes a top destination in a few years.

2. Search for Deals

Spend some time seeking out deals. Look for discounts on accommodation, monitor flight prices, and see if you can find all-inclusive packages at a good price.

3. Book as Soon as Possible

The moment you find a good deal, book your trip. Prices will start to increase as spring break nears and tourists who didn’t think ahead will need to pay a premium.

4. Share Expenses with Friends

Travelling with a group of friends is not only more fun, it will also save you money. Renting one large vacation home instead of separate hotel rooms is much less expensive and means you’ll always be with your friends.

Staying in a house also allows you to prepare some of your own meals. Of course, going to restaurants is part of the fun of travelling, but there’s no need to eat out for every meal. If you find a grocery store when you arrive, you can at least stock up on food for breakfast, snacks, and quick meals. It could even be an enjoyable experience to prepare a few dinners together with your friends — and you’ll be able to use the money you save for things like excursions.

5. Set a Budget

Decide how much you can afford to spend during your trip after you’ve paid for flights and accommodation. It’s best to divide this evenly over each day to ensure you never overspend on an expensive meal or buy too many souvenirs and run out of money before spring break is over. It can help to talk about your budget with friends to make it clear what you’ll be able to do on the trip.

6. Ask Locals for Recommendations

Once you’ve arrived, talk to locals to find out things like where to eat and what kinds of activities are worthwhile. After all, some of the best food in the area may not be from the flashy restaurants where tourists tend to go. If you’re lucky, locals may also be able to recommend you free activities, such as concerts in the park, farmers markets with free samples, and great hiking spots. Strike up conversations with different people you meet — from the property owner to your Uber driver — to receive a variety of suggestions.

7. Use Public Transport

Whenever possible, use public transport instead of ride sharing and taxis. For instance, find out where buses run or rent bikes. Just make sure your safety always comes first — it’s better to spend a little extra at night than to take risks. You can also save money to have more to spend on your trip by moving into student rentals. Barrie students can join the community at Arcadian Students.

Our fully-furnished apartments and townhouses are just a short walk from campus, meaning you’ll also save on bus fares and gas. Secure your spot at our lowest rates before it’s too late.