Discover Helps You Plan Spring Break On A Budget

By Elana Goodwin on February 23, 2016

Spring is fast approaching and for college students, there’s really only one thing about spring that matters — spring break! Financing spring break on a budget can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be if you go about it the smart way. Here’s some advice from Discover from a recent press release on how to plan your spring break without draining your bank account.

Photo Credit: Flickr/Matt Straubmuller

1. Drive instead of fly. While driving may not always be an option depending on where you’re departing from and what your destination is, if driving is an option, it’s typically cheaper than flying (plus, you’ll have transportation wherever you’re going). If you’re travelling with friends, you can split gas and toll costs and if you’re travelling solo or with one buddy, find out if any other students from your school are trying to get to where you’re going and give them a ride for a fee.

2. Plan ahead. If you’re driving, do some pre-trip research on spots to stop at along the way to break up your drive. You should also plan what you’re going to do at your destination before you get there as booking things ahead of time will probably save you money. Look up attractions and can’t-miss activities before you hit the road and collect as much info as you can so you’re better informed on where you’re going.

Staying a bit further away from a major city or tourist attraction will mean cheaper hotel costs and you can ask the front desk at the hotel for maps, suggestions, recommendations, and other information about the area. Make sure to bring along your school ID as places may have student discounts as well.

3. Volunteer. Most schools sponsor alternative break trips that you can sign up for that usually cost much less than a self-organized spring break trip — plus you get to do some good while on vacation. Not only will you get to travel and volunteer, but your transportation, lodging, and sometimes meal costs are covered in your trip payment. Most of these trips will also include some free time so you’ll get to explore or do something fun, too.

4. Earn cash on your purchases. According to the press release, new credit card members can get a Discover it® chrome for Students credit card which will let them earn 2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 of purchases each quarter. New card members will also have all cash back earned during the first year doubled. With that kind of rewards card, all your spring break purchases and expenses will start earning you cash back, so your spring break won’t end up costing you as much as you think!

Now that you’re armed with these four tips, you’re ready to start planning your spring break on a budget — hopefully to somewhere warm!

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