Are you tired of the wintry weather and excited for spring to blossom? Spring break is a time when kids are out of school, college students are taking a break from their academics, and the beginnings of warm weather can finally be felt. For parents, this can also be a time to connect with their families and find fun activities to do together.
Although a highly anticipated break, most of us can’t afford a luxurious tropical getaway overseas. For many of us, it's almost impossible to take a full week off work. We want to make the most out of the time away from our responsibilities, so that means planning a break full of fun activities on a budget! Here are a few ways to make this spring break with your family and friends an unforgettable experience - without breaking the bank.
One way that you can cut your travel expenses in half is by avoiding flights. Although it’s a lot less time-consuming, a full-sized family can easily see themselves racking up a high bill for plane travel. Traveling by car is the best alternative possible, and it’s also a fantastic way to save money. Look at how far you’re willing to drive and map out key cities and landmarks that pique your interest. Do research on states that offer the most for your money. Places like Washington, D.C., South Carolina, and Maryland are popular destinations for East Coast families on a budget looking to enjoy their time together. There’s a lot out there waiting to be explored!
If you’re lucky, you might have family or friends along the way who would be willing to house everyone for the night. This is extra spending money that can be used for a nice dinner or an extra attraction. If not, try booking on sites like VRBO or Airbnb. These are services that let property owners rent out their spaces to guests, and they are a great way to enjoy the luxuries of being at home without being at home. Having access to a kitchen eliminates the need to eat every meal at restaurants. If you’re a college student looking to get away with your friends, you can split the costs of the rooms and divide the space comfortably. No need to spend money on getting separate rooms!
If you have younger kids, camping in the comfort of your backyard is a great idea to introduce an exciting hobby while still having access to the amenities of your home. If you have a tent, treat this as a real campsite. Make sure everyone is included in setting up the tent - from finding a nice flat space, to smoothing it out. Depending on how real you want the experience to be, you can either bar anyone from going inside the house, or if you’re just looking for a convenient getaway, you have the luxury of going inside the house to get essentials whenever. The great part is that you make the rules.
This activity is not exclusive to younger kids. If you’re a college student looking to have a relaxing night with friends, setting up a campsite in the comfort of a backyard is a fun experience. Just hook up a projector to watch movies, have everyone bring their favorite snacks to share, and this will be a night you’ll never forget. Being in the company of people you love spending time with will be sure to make this one of your greatest memories together.
Whether locally or out of state, museums are a fun way to learn and be inspired. There are all types of exhibitions - from the typical art displays to the bizarre portrayal of events and items that make you question whether you believe it or not. There’s no better way to experience what life would have been like in a different time and location than by visiting one of these institutions. Why spend money on a flight to visit another country when you can go to a museum? Plus, you can’t beat the price. If you’re planning to explore a museum that best suits your interests, be sure to ask for discounts whether you’re the parent of a student or a student yourself.
Just because you can’t go far doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Living in your hometown, you tend to overlook what your city has to offer. The places we live have plenty to explore, and most of us have not even experienced it fully. If you’re unsure of where to start, treat this as you would any other trip to an unknown destination. Create an itinerary of the top spots you want to see and snap a few selfies or group pictures while you’re at it. Nothing screams “tourist” like taking pictures in front of touristy locations.
Is it truly springtime without a little spring cleaning? Spring is described as new beginnings and transformation, and there is no better way of experiencing that than by doing some deep cleaning. Your kids may not be happy with the idea, but this can easily be a family event. Not only will it speed up the process, but afterward you can reward everyone by ordering pizza, having dessert, and playing some board games.
However you decide to spend your break, be sure to remember that this is your time off to take it easy. Keeping it affordable will help you feel relaxed and remove the stress of overspending. For more ideas for budget-friendly fun, check out our resource center.