How To Make Your Spring Break Trip Inexpensive Yet Comfortable

BY DAVID GUTIERREZ

Student years will most likely be your last opportunity to travel without worrying where you are going to have enough time off to do so. Unfortunately, what you will have to think about is how much the trip is going to cost – which is why any idea of keeping prices reasonable is welcome. So what can you do to keep within budget while staying comfortable?

1.    Take advantage of off-peak seasons

Each travel destination has its own peak seasons which may be quite different from place to place. If you visit them at off-peak periods you probably won’t experience all the attractions they boast during peaks, but much lower prices will offset this flaw. In addition to that, there are other advantages: a less popular period means fewer people, which is nice when you want to escape hustle and bustle. Some places get so deserted at off-peak seasons that you feel they belong to you in their entirety. And don’t forget about a rare opportunity to experience locations in their natural state, without touristy glazing-over.

2.    Travel light…

If you want to get the most out of your trip you shouldn’t be weighed down by a lot of luggage, especially if you don’t spend most of the time in one place but visit multiple locations. This way you will be able to simply keep all your possessions by yourself and go around exploring without having to worry about anything else.

3.    …but pack wisely

Remember that things (especially tourist-oriented stuff like sunscreen and beach towels at a tropical resort) can cost much more at your destination than it would have at home. Thus, it is often wiser to overpack than to spend your entire budget on things that you suddenly find out you need.

To keep your hands and mind free, find a luggage storage at your destination beforehand – it will allow you to have all the comforts of home without the need to lug them along with you all the time. Simply drop your bags at a convenient place, go off exploring and pick it up again when you need it.

4.    Book early

This has a twofold advantage: firstly, things like airfares are cheaper when bought long in advance, which will allow you to save money directly. Secondly, if you book everything you are going to need (airfares, hotels, car rentals…) months before going, you will be secure from finding out at the last moment that everything in your preferred price segment is filled and you have to either drastically change your itinerary or settle for a costlier and less convenient alternative.

5.    Look for student-oriented travel agencies

There are plenty of companies tailoring their services to student crowd – both in terms of destinations and prices. Stick to them, and you will enjoy some of the cheapest airfares you can find anywhere on the Internet.

6.    Get an ISIC card

ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is recognized in over 130 countries and can be used to get better prices on airfares, accommodations, museums, food, transportation and much more. Wherever you go, whatever you do, make sure you find out prices for students before you pay a standard fare – it may turn out to be one of your main methods of economy.

Travelling is one of the most traditional ways of expanding your horizons, and it is only natural to engage in it during your student years – and following these tips will help you conserve resources to see more, travel further and get better experiences at lower costs!

David Gutierrez has worked in the field of web design since 2005. Right now he started learning Java in order to get second occupation. His professional interests defined major topics of his articles. David writes about new web design software, recently discovered professional tricks and also monitors the latest updates of the web development.