My kids’ spring break is in less than two weeks. We booked a cruise about 18 months ago and booked an airbnb many months ago. Flights on points? Check. Rental car? Check.
Admittedly, I’m very much a plan-ahead type gal. So, it really stresses me out to see people freaking out on social media that they can’t find any availability on a cruise that departs in 2 weeks, or that the only hotel rooms left in their desired location are $600 a night.
I realize that not everyone likes to plan as far ahead as I do. Sometimes, booking a trip last-minute opens up some good deals. Unfortunately, spring break usually isn’t one of those times.
If you’re trying to pull a last-minute trip together for spring break, here are some tips for a trip that won’t break the bank.
Go North
Most people are flocking to Florida, California and other southern states for spring break or heading to the ski slopes. For better prices and greater availability, go against the flow and plan a trip to a northern city like Minneapolis or Chicago. The Mall of America in Minneapolis has so many indoor attractions. No need to worry about the cold weather! (See my MOA trip report here).
Road Trip to a Smaller City
Hop in your car and head to a smaller city that is not known for spring break crowds. Think outside the box. How about exploring Bricktown in Oklahoma City? Or, explore the Henry Doorly Zoo and Children’s Museum in Omaha?
Search for Cheapest Flights to Anywhere from your City
If you’re really open to anything, try searching for the cheapest flights to EVERYWHERE from your city during spring break. A site like Skyscanner allows you to input your departure city and explore the lowest fares to multiple destinations during your dates.
Play Around with Flight Dates
Maybe flying to your desired destination from Saturday to Saturday is insanely expensive. Try searching for flexible dates around your spring break week. You may find that leaving on a Tuesday instead of Saturday yields better prices.
Use Your Miles and Points!
You may get lucky with finding hotel and flight availability with your miles and points, even during a peak week like spring break. And especially if you’re flexible with dates during the week and locations (see above).
Crash at Your Cousin’s
Do you have family members you haven’t seen in a while? Ask if you can visit and crash at their house or a nearby hotel. Even mundane activities like going to the mall or going out to eat are more fun when your kids get to spend time with their cousins/aunts/grandparents!
Create a Staycation to Remember
You don’t have to leave town to have fun. Why not take a trip to that science museum you haven’t visited in years? How about a night at a suburban hotel with an indoor heated pool? Maybe order room service for breakfast as a treat?
Readers, what are your plans for spring break this year?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
We are going to Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun) next week. I booked in December. I happened upon an award flight sale with virgin Atlantic for direct delta flights to Cancun for 25k points + $95 taxes round-trip per person. Used 150,000 wyndham points for 4 people for five nights at the all-inclusive Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres resort. Looks awesome! We’re stoked to escape all the snow in Utah for a bit!
@Tammie Nice work! Enjoy your trip!
@Tania That sounds like a great trip! Mexico City is on my list for sure.