How To Plan Your Spring Break on a Budget

Blog | February 23rd, 2023


Do you want to go on a nice vacation with your family when the kids have free time on spring break? If so, you’ll need to set aside enough funds to cover the cost of your vacation. If you don’t have tons of money to go on a lavish trip, we will provide details below explaining how to plan a spring break on a budget.


Ready to learn about money-saving tips and budget-friendly vacation options? Then, let’s get started! 


Tips for Saving Money and Planning Ahead


The first tip for saving money includes making a budget to cover all of your essential spending needs. You can also add a few desirable purchases to your budget.

You will also need to plan with your spouse to make sure all household income meets both of your financial goals. You’ll need to pursue a teamwork approach and communicate well to save money for your vacation.

You should also use a calendar to plan ahead and set aside one day per week to review your finances.




What Vacations Come With a Discount?


You can find a variety of vacation packages at a discount online. For instance, on Southwestvacations.com, you can pick a three-day vacation to Las Vegas for only $602 per person. That includes the flight and three-night stay at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.

Would you like a five-day trip to the all-inclusive Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa in sunny Cancun? You can purchase one at a 40% discount for only $807 per person.

Lastly, you can pick a four-day vacation to Miami, Florida for only $699 per person including the flight. 


Are There Any Budget-Friendly Cruises Available for Spring Break?


You’ll find a variety of affordable cruises that you can book for spring break. For example, you can take a three-night cruise vacation to the Bahamas for only $239 per person. The Carnival cruise takes off from Miami, Florida.  

You can also take a four-night family cruise to Mexico and Catalina Island for only $199 per person. That particular cruise departs from Los Angeles, California. 




What Family-Friendly Lodgings Can You Rent for Spring Vacation?


Would you rather grab a vacation rental near a beach for your spring vacation? If cruises aren’t your favorite option, consider picking an Airbnb rental in a wonderful vacation spot.

A few of the best vacation spots to book on your spring break include:
  • Vermont
  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • Miami or Orlando, Florida
  • San Francisco or Los Angeles in California
  • Austin, Texas
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Italy
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Paris, France
  • Portugal or Finland
  • Vietnam or Thailand
  • Japan, China, or South Korea


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spring Break on a Budget


Find out the best answers to some of the most common questions about planning a budget-friendly vacation on spring break. 




How do you budget for spring break?


Plan your spring break ahead of time and look for discounts on hotels and airfare. Use Costco and Groupon to reduce your spending in the meantime. 

Create a budget for your day-to-day spending as well as a general spending spreadsheet to take on your vacation. You can also choose cheaper transportation like buses and trains instead of flights.


How do you plan a vacation on a tight budget?


If you have a tight budget, pick a less popular vacation spot. Choose a location with few tourists or crowds. Such places have much cheaper lodging and entertainment. For instance, you may want to visit Canada, Panama, or Peru. 

You can also choose to travel during the off-season, such as seeing Europe during the winter or going to the Caribbean in the late spring. 


When should I start planning for spring break?


Generally, it’s a good idea to plan your spring break at least four months in advance. That will make it easier to find good discounts ahead of time. You’ll find better resort deals and have more time to plan out your activities. 


Before You Go


If you follow the advice in the guide above when planning your spring break, you’re sure to save money and come in under budget. Whether you take a trip to Europe, Asia, or a Caribbean island, enjoy spending your vacation relaxing with your loved ones!

Related: How to Plan the Perfect Springtime Picnic