Traveling for Spring Break?

Spring Break can be a great time to get away from campus, but your travel plans don't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you save money on your trip.

General Tips

• Make plans. Book your hostel, hotel room or campground site at each destination you're traveling to before you leave for your trip. That way, you can comparison shop for the best deal, and when you arrive, you'll have a place to sleep.
• Make a budget. You can avoid overspending by using a budget. Set aside a certain amount of money for each day of your trip. Make sure you don't charge anything you can't pay off.
• Pick a destination. Try destinations that aren't typical for Spring Break. The most popular locations often are the most expensive, and you may be able to save money by visiting the less-traveled places.
• Find low-cost accommodations. Travel to a destination that you can stay with friends or family to avoid pricey lodging costs.
• Don't spend frivolously. Try shopping at grocery stores instead of eating out every meal. Avoid souvenirs and expensive activities. Do your research to find free or low-cost events during your stay.

Air Travel Tips

Plane tickets and the ensuing fees can get pricey. Before you make reservations, make sure that you can afford a plane trip and the stay.

• Avoid baggage fees. Try bringing a carry-on bag only, though be sure you're familiar with carry-on regulations. Pack lightly and take only what you'll absolutely need for your trips to avoid fees for heavy bags. Try coordinating with the people you're traveling with—only one person brings a hairdryer, share shampoo, etc.
• Book wisely. Book flights and hotels during off-peak times, be flexible with your travel dates and consider nearby airports. In addition, the earlier you book your flight, the less it usually costs. You can also try using a travel agency such as STA Travel for discounted trips and airfare for students.

Car Travel Tips

Getting to your destination is a part of the adventure when you take a road trip. Remember you will need to have money for gas and accommodations, as well as food, drink and entertainment.

• Save on gas. Increase your gas mileage by turning off the AC. Easing off the pedal well before a stop sign to coast to a stop and accelerating slowly also helps. Don't speed and be sure your tires are fully inflated to maximize MPG.
• Give your car a tune up. Be sure your car is up-to-date with routine maintenance and oil changes to prevent an unexpected problem from arising on the road. That way, you'll avoid emergency repair charges, which can be expensive.

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