Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Budget

Responsible Spending On Spring Break

shutterstock 483540265
shutterstock 483540265

Spring Break and responsible spending don’t generally go hand-in-hand. We all know that when it comes to vacations it is far too easy to overspend. In fact, 68 percent of people, including millennials, overspend on their vacations. Overspending happens especially where credit is concerned — 58 percent of people surveyed in a study overspent when using their credit cards. However, there are ways to budget your vacation, and rsponsible spending is possible while on vacation. By visiting lesser-known destinations, or pursuing a vacation alternative like participating in volunteer work, you can save money some dough this Spring Break. 

Spending habits while on Spring Break

Responsible spending while on vacation does not have to mean limitation or unendurable sacrifice. Correct and early planning can save you a lot of money. By booking directly with a hotel, you can save money by not using a last-minute booking service. Another way to save is to take a bus rather than a flight to your destination. While it’s not as glamorous, it’s much cheaper.

Some destinations for spring break are not as commercial and therefore not as pricey. Puerto Vallarta, a small resort town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, can boast an average round-trip flight of only $350. Resorts in Puerto Vallarta also offer affordable all-inclusive packages. Prices in this beautiful beach town are cheaper because it’s not a big-name Spring Break destination like Miami Beach or Cancun, Mexico. Those two destinations hike up prices and flights due to their reputation for being huge Spring Break party destinations.

However, responsible spending does not have to mean staying in your town while everyone else flocks to luxurious locations. By budgeting correctly, and starting well in advance, a dream vacation becomes a little more affordable. Be sure to look for destinations not popularized by Spring Break parties as they are sure to be cheaper than locations catering to Spring Breakers.

What does irresponsible spending look like?

In 2017, a study found that many millennial students spent a chunk of their student loans on Spring Break. One freshman student at Miles College went through $1,000 of his student loan money on a trip to New York City. It is easy to do. With the money in your account, it’s tempting to blow some of it on a trip. But the reality of paying that money back after graduation hits sooner than you would think. Spending student loan money on a vacation is absolutely inadvisable, and you should think twice (and then two more times) before doing it.

You can also get away for the break without also breaking your bank through volunteer programs. Most colleges and universities offer a Spring Break community service trip of some kind, and while this may not be your traditional vacation, helping those in need can be every bit as enjoyable as a Pina Colada on the beach. Plus, the memories you will be creating will not involve blowing all of your money.  

Takeaway

Responsible spending while on Spring Break takes time and planning, but the benefits of not blowing your student loan budget make it all worth it. By going to a lesser known Spring Break destination and booking early, you can save big. Additionally, check if your school has a volunteer program over break. Spring Break does not have to rob you blind. Smart planning and vacation alternatives are ways to keep your budget intact.

Have something to add to this story? Comment below or join the discussion on Facebook.

Header image: Shutterstock

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

economy

In the early 2000s, I remember watching a game show, and the grand prize was a million dollars. I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s...

economy

When starting college and choosing a major, it’s important to know which college degrees will make you the most money. Since last year’s quarantine,...

2016 president election

In a political climate dominated by a two-party system, Libertarians are constantly confused as off-brand Republicans. Although the two groups sometimes align on issues,...

Business

What is the gap between culture and technology? According to Damas, entertainers have passions that brands and companies may not be aware of, and...

Copyright © 2020-2021 GenBiz. GenBiz is owned and operated by owned by the Foundation for American Content and Entertainment, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.