9 Best Ways To Save Money on Your Spring Break Travel, According to Travel Experts
It’s never too early to start planning for your next adventure and for many, that means preparing travel plans for Spring Break.
With rising costs, however, traveling while on a budget can feel more like some lofty dream.
But as it turns out, there are certain hacks only travel experts know about that can be of great help to you. According to experts, below are some of the best ways to save money on your spring break travel.
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Travel Off-Peak
“Traveling off-peak is one of my favorite ways to save money during spring travel,” said Kevin Mercier, professional travel photographer and founder of Kevmrc, a travel blog.
“By avoiding the most popular spring break weeks, I’ve scored cheaper flights and hotels while also enjoying less crowded destinations,” he added. “For example, visiting a beach town the week before peak season not only saved me hundreds but also made the trip feel more relaxed and exclusive.”
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Remember: Timing Matters
Silvia Lupone, travel expert and owner of Stingray Villa, noted that when it comes to airfare booking, times matter.
According to her, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer savings on airline tickets.
“If you do early morning or red-eye flights, expect even more savings. You can save hundreds of dollars and avoid the rush,” she said.
Take Advantage of Unused Travel Points
Lupone also said unused travel points can be redeemed during spring break, as that’s the best time to travel.
“Credit cards come with numerous unique rewards,” she said, “so getting one focused on traveling is a good option if you want to cover your staying and flying expenses.”
She added that loyalty programs for airlines and hotels are great too, as the points add up quickly.
Skip Expensive Restaurants
Skipping expensive restaurants is another great way to save.
“I always seek out local grocery stores or food markets to stock up on snacks and ingredients for easy meals,” Mercier said.
“This not only saves a significant amount of money but also lets me experience the local culture in a more authentic way,” he added. “Plus, when I splurge on a nice dinner, it feels like a true treat rather than a constant expense.”
Pack Smart
Packing smartly is something Mercier never compromises on.
“It saves both money and hassle,” he explained. “By sticking to carry-on luggage, I avoid costly baggage fees and the risk of lost bags.”
He plans outfits strategically, opting for versatile pieces that he can mix and match.
“Packing light also means I’m more mobile, whether it’s catching a cheap bus or navigating cobblestone streets with ease,” he added. “These simple adjustments make a huge difference for spring travel savings.”
Lupone agreed on this point, noting that smart packing is an underrated cost minimizer.
“Airlines love to charge extra fees, so to avoid overpacking and paying extra during baggage drop, bring versatile clothes,” she explained. “Do not forget to bring pre packed snacks as they will help you skip the overpriced food at the airport.”
Turn a Layover Into an Adventure
Gísli S. Brynólfsson, travel expert and global marketing director at Icelandair, recommended transforming your journey by adding a multi-day stopover to your trip.
“Icelandair offers a stopover option in Iceland at no extra cost on airfare, giving you the chance to explore a second destination when you fly to Europe. You can stay up to 7 days in Iceland,” Brynólfsson said. “Imagine spending a few days soaking in the local culture before continuing to your final destination, it’s like having two vacations for the price of one.”
Bundle Flights and Hotels for Extra Value
Booking a flight and hotel package can save you time and money while simplifying your trip planning.
Brynólfsson said these bundles often include handpicked accommodations suited to a range of budgets, making it easy to secure quality stays without the hassle of searching independently.
Book Tours and Activities in Advance
Take advantage of pre-packaged tours to enjoy experiences like guided hikes, cultural excursions or city tours.
“Pre-booking these activities not only ensures availability but also provides better value compared to booking last minute,” Brynólfsson said. “Bundling tours with accommodations or flights can lead to even greater savings.”
Leverage Local Transport and Rentals
If you’re planning to explore independently, Brynólfsson suggested looking for options to bundle transport with your travel plans.
“Trusted rental car services or public transport passes can make exploring more convenient and cost-effective,” Brynólfsson said.
Whether you’re driving along scenic routes or using efficient city transit systems, planning ahead will help keep your expenses in check.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Best Ways To Save Money on Your Spring Break Travel, According to Travel Experts
