We're in the middle of spring break season, and many people are traveling across the country to unwind from work or school. While this is an exciting time for many, the germs and costs can be nerve-wracking for some.
According to research conducted by Vacasa, spring break travel is down this year, and budget appears to be a big factor. Of his 45% of Americans who don't travel, 57% cite budget-related concerns such as inflation, saving money, and not being able to travel. One of the reasons for not going on a spring break trip this year is that you can't afford to go on a trip.
Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy spring break on a budget, whether it's a trip to the beach (outside of Miami) or a staycation.
When is spring break in 2024?
The length of spring break varies depending on the school and region, so there is no standard time, but it is often held from late February to April.
As a rule of thumb, the sooner a semester (or trimester) ends, the sooner spring break ends. Schools whose semesters end in early April will have spring break as early as late January, while schools whose semesters end in May or June may have spring break in late March or early April.
How to save money on spring break 2024
If you are traveling
Use carry-on baggage while traveling
When traveling by air, baggage fees can be expensive. With this in mind, one great way to save money on your trip is to limit yourself to packing only your carry-on. Luckily, one of the best carry-ons we love for its great construction quality is on sale right now.
Travelpro Crew Versapack Soft Side Expandable 2 Wheel Upright Luggage
The best carry-on luggage is on sale.
Please bring a water bottle
Pack our best value water bottle, ThermoFlask's Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle, and you'll no longer have to buy multiple plastic water bottles while traveling. This water bottle is great because it's double insulated and has two lid options. Please make sure it is empty before passing through airport security.
ThermoFlask 32oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Use a water bottle to save money.
Use reusable sandwich bags
Similar to bringing water, another way to save money during your spring break trip is to pack your own food, including using reusable sandwich bags for snacks. The best multipurpose reusable sandwich bag we tested is the Rezip Lay-Flat Reusable Storage Bag. It's versatile and both dishwasher and freezer safe.
rezip reusable flat lunch bags 5 pack
You can save money by preparing your own snacks and meals.
Pack your own meals in the lunch cooler
Save money by packing your own meals in your favorite lunch cooler. A great choice for those shopping on a budget is the Upper Order Reusable Insulated Lunch Box. We like this cooler for its value, its insulation, and its small footprint makes it easy to carry.
Reusable thermal lunch box
You can keep your food cold (or hot) with this cooler.
track your spending
One of the most important factors in saving money is keeping track of how much you spend. A travel diary is not only a way to record all the cool places you've been, but it also acts as a ledger that allows you to see how much you spent on a particular vacation. One of the best travel journals is the “Page-A-Day Artisan Travel Journal” because it is affordable and has a handy pocket on the back cover.
One page per day artisan travelogue
Track your spending and record your travels with this diary.
If you're at home
Continue enjoying on your streaming device
If you're on a staycation, there are plenty of ways to keep it fun, including streaming trending movies and shows. Our pick for the best streaming device is Google Chromecast with Google TV. This streaming device is highly praised because it supports 4K/HDR at an affordable price and comes with a great remote control with dedicated buttons for specific streaming services.
Chromecast with Google TV
Spend your staycation watching shows on one of your favorite streaming devices.
Immerse yourself in reading with Kindle
What better way to spend your staycation than reading and setting new goals? A convenient way to read without moving is to use your favorite e-reader, the Amazon Kindle. We love Kindle. The reason is its bright display, responsive operating system, and compactness.
amazon kindle
Enjoy reading during your stay with your favorite e-reader.
Relax under a weighted blanket
If you have a cozy atmosphere around the house during spring break, we recommend using a weighted blanket. Studies have shown that weighted blankets reduce anxiety and stress. Plus, it's still very cold in some parts of the country, so the warmth of a blanket can be a great addition to your stay. Our pick for the best weighted blanket is his YnM Weighted Blanket, which is easy to store and contours to your body.
YnM exclusive weighted blanket
Choose the best weighted blanket at the best price and relax during your stay.
Listen to high-quality audio with Bluetooth speakers
From jamming to music to listening to audiobooks, you can upgrade your spring break with a quality Bluetooth speaker. We've tested several of these speakers, and our pick for the best value is the JBL Flip 6, thanks to its bold sound and intuitive, waterproof, and stylish design.
JBL flip 6
Audiobooks and music have never sounded better.
Liven up your nightlife with a cocktail shaker
You can add a little pizzazz to your spring break by making your own cocktails. Cocktail shakers mix ingredients at the perfect temperature without the risk of spills or leaks. The best cocktail shaker we tested is the OXO Good Grip Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker. Because it comes with a built-in jigger that is easy to use, easy to pour, and easy to measure.
OXO steel single wall cocktail shaker
Mixing drinks is easy with your favorite cocktail maker.
Hit your local beach with a handy beach bag
If you're lucky enough to live near the coast, you can go to the beach for a staycation. In that case, you will need to bring a beach bag. That way, you won't have to buy snacks, towels, etc., which will save you money. Sunscreen on the beach itself. One of the best beach bags you can buy is the F Color Mesh Beach Bag which is lightweight and has lots of compartment space.
F color beach bag
If you plan to go to the beach, bring a handy bag.
