“How Early Spring Break Planning Can Lead to Significant Savings”
It’s only February, but spring break is just around the corner. As a parent, I’m well aware of how excited my kids are for this annual getaway. But waiting until the last minute can really make the costs skyrocket. Thankfully, I’ve picked up a few money-saving tips over the years.
STAYCATION:
One of the simplest ways to save money during spring break is by skipping the travel altogether. A staycation with local activities can be an affordable alternative. Over time, we’ve discovered plenty of fun things to do nearby that don’t break the bank.
MUSEUMS:
We’re lucky to have several free museums in our area that we love visiting. Free admission is always a win! Some of these museums are part of the ASTC passport program, which is definitely worth looking into. If you join one of the participating museums, you’ll get free entry into others across the country. Just make a list of nearby museums in the program and visit as many as you can.
EXPERIMENTING IN THE KITCHEN:
Our kitchen turns into a creative space where our kids can explore their culinary talents, no matter how quirky their ideas may be. Cooking together over spring break is not only fun, but also a valuable learning experience. With multiple kids, they can work together to come up with recipes, prepare meals, and learn teamwork—all while dealing with the cleanup afterward!
PERFORMING AT HOME:
Putting on a show at home is another great way to keep the kids entertained. Have them pick a favorite book or movie and turn it into a live performance. In our household, one of the kids usually steps up as the director, while the rest act and help with the costumes and sets. This can keep them busy all day until showtime, and we often prepare some snacks for everyone to enjoy during the performance.
EXPLORING LOCALLY:
Exploring our local surroundings is our go-to activity whenever we have some spare time. We pack some healthy snacks and water bottles, then head out to a nearby spot that the kids suggest. You’d be amazed at what you can find close to home without spending much other than gas.
BUDGET TRAVELING:
If you’re keen on traveling, there are ways to keep it affordable:
– For those who prefer flying, hunting for deals early can save a lot. Tuesdays are usually the best days for booking as prices tend to be lower. Websites like Matrix Airfare Search, AirFare Watchdog, Fare Compare, Kayak, Priceline, and Skyscanner can help you snag great deals.
– Alternatively, driving to a nearby destination can be more cost-effective, and the adventure of the road trip itself can be just as exciting as the destination.
– Lodging can be the priciest part, but sites like Hotels.com, Trivago, Expedia, and Travelocity offer discounts to fit your budget. Plus, cashback programs like Ebates can add to your savings.
– For something different, consider house sitting for free accommodations. TrustedHousesitters.com is a great place to start.
With endless ways to save while ensuring a fun spring break for the kids, the question is, how will your family make this year unforgettable? When do you start planning your spring break to get the best deals? What are your favorite budget-friendly but exciting spring break adventures?
