Spring break trips! The mere mention of these words conjures up distinct fantasies for all age groups in American history. Spring break is a relaxing time spent away from the daily grind of study and boredom sitting in classrooms all day, and it’s a great way for people of all ages to recharge. It is also a time for college and university students to party like there’s no tomorrow.
A short history of spring break trips
For college students, at least as far back as the 19th century, spring break trips were a casual time to recover from academic stress. For those who were raised in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funiciello defined a certain spring break tradition. Young adults today, who have never known life without MTV, view ideal spring break trips as an intensely generated and promoted phenomenon that has all the excitement of a rock concert, major sporting event, and fashion show, all wrapped into one annual beach blast!
Over the years, spring breakers have made a home for themselves in a number of different beaches. The crowd of Frankie and Annette could be found primarily at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach, also in Florida, began to solidify their own popularity not long after that. Palm Beach, California, along with international stars Cancun, Acapulco, and the Bahamas, have all established themselves as popular destinations for spring break trips today.
There’s another perfect spring break destination in Texas. South Padre Island, 25 miles north of Mexico on the Texas Gulf Coast, has slowly gained popularity since the tents and bonfires of the 1960s. South Padre Island provides an impressive five-mile stretch of beach, and there is enough accommodation to meet any budget. And a trip to Mexico is only a thirty-minute drive away, for those spring breakers who want an international experience. Head down to South Padre Island for a warm spring break getaway with a Texas twist!
Getting the most out of your spring break trips
Spring break trips aren’t just a wonderful way to get rid of the stress from school and/or work that young people face. It’s also a time when people spend ridiculous amounts of money. It’s important to remember to cut every corner you can to keep the costs of your spring break trips as low as possible. Keep reading to learn some tips on saving hard-earned money when it comes to vacationing in a party destination:
- Shop around for your spring break trip accommodation
The best spring break destinations have a variety of hotels that can suit almost any budget. You will find dirt-cheap prices at dirt-packed motels, but also fabulous rooms at the most luxurious spring break resorts. That’s why it’s important to think about what you’d like from your hotel. For example, if you’re planning to spend your days and nights in the city, the place may be important, but luxurious rooms may not be. To that end, there are generally a few low-budget motels located fairly close to the main drag in spring break spots where you can save a buck at the expense of cleanliness. - Consider booking a condo when you travel with friends
Most condos are often available for rent in popular spring break destinations, giving you the opportunity to divide accommodation in your group, resulting in a lower cost. Staying in a condo also gives you the opportunity to use the kitchen and refrigerator, so you can save money on food and drinks-related expenses. Once you get to your spring break destination, you can visit the grocery store and buy some stuff you can eat and drink so that you don’t waste all your spring break cash in restaurants. - Travel together by car to your spring break destination
Traveling by car can also be a convenient way to get to top spring break destinations. Carpooling and chipping in on gas will be a lot cheaper than getting a rental car as soon as you get to town. However, be vigilant when driving on spring break trips. Police officers are usually on the lookout for out-of-state party people when it comes to pulling people in, and you may find yourself getting harsh punishments for minor offenses. Drinking and driving is a big no-no anytime you take your car, whether it is during spring break trips or during your day-to-day life at home. - Check for student discounts when planning spring break trips
Ask anywhere you visit if there is a special student discount. Most of the best places to go on vacation offer these deals, and when they don’t they’re usually happy to offer you a group discount if you’re traveling with a spring breaker crew.
Take spring break deals with a grain of salt
Whenever you’re looking at spring break deals offered by a travel agency, make sure to check out all the specifics. The low rates that they tend to offer in their ads typically result in room-sharing between you and your fellow breakers, creating cramped conditions that can ruin even the best spring break trips.
You should also be careful of any spring break travel agents who make you an offer that requires you to act now or risk losing the deal. This advertising technique is widely used to manipulate customers into thinking that they’re getting the best travel deals for their money when it’s usually not the case.
If you are given a spring break deal that you want to accept, there are a few steps you can take to help ensure that the travel agency you are working with is reputable and actually offers a fair trade:
- When you are informed about the facilities included with your spring break vacation package, call the hotel where you will be staying. Ask them about the tour package manager and whether or not they run a legitimate business. This can help you avoid anyone who’s trying to get your hard-earned money.
- Ask about cancelation and refund policies before signing any paperwork related to the spring break trip. While you may be sure you’re traveling for spring break, unexpected events may force you to postpone your holiday, and a lot of agencies will nail you with a big cancelation fee at that point.
- Another thing to look for when booking spring break vacations is if the agent you’re referring to is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents. This organization has strict standards for the activities of its members.
Follow the tips listed in this article and you’ll go on amazing spring break trips every year!
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
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