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Planning a spring break trip with friends can be exciting, but it’s essential to make smart plans and choices to ensure everyone has a good time and stays safe. This guide will help you pick the right destination, travel safely, and make memories that will last beyond your college years.
Spring break trips are a staple in college and something many people look forward to. It’s a time when people just want to have some fun and not worry about whatever may be going on! Some people stay close to school, and some go to faraway lands. No matter what, you should make the most of your spring break! It gets much harder to have an entire week free to travel by yourself or with friends once you graduate college and start working.
To make the most of your trips, planning and being responsible is key to maximizing fun and safety. It becomes a much less fun trip if someone is injured or ill.
THIS POST IS ALL ABOUT SPRING BREAK PLANNING!
Step 1: Choose the Right Spring Break Destination
Choosing the right location is the most important step. If you don’t do enough research or choose the wrong destination for what you and your group are looking for, it’ll be hard to have the experience you want. Research many locations and find one that fits your budget, interests, and safety requirements. You’ll be surprised how many places you’ll find that you never would’ve thought of.
If you need help picking a location, check out my post on Spring Break Trip Ideas on a Budget.
Popular locations include beaches/beach cities, big cities, theme parks, and tropical getaways. My friends and I even went to Seattle one year and another I went to Montreal! It doesn’t have to be sunny and it doesn’t have to be a beach, regardless of what you’ve heard.
When looking into locations, consider affordability, ease of transportation, sights, and activities. These are things that can add up quickly if you choose an expensive location.
Step 2: Book Smart Group Accommodations for Spring Break
Accommodation is usually the number 1 or 2 most expensive part of the spring break planning and trip process. Look for rental houses, condos, and hotels that can fit your whole group. Depending on the location you choose and how many people are going, I’d even look into hostels. I LOVE hostels and they are usually the cheapest option, even if you get a private room. They are a very different kind of accommodation, but again, you just have to research all your options!
After you find your accommodations, strategize rooming arrangements and split costs fairly. You don’t want to get to the place and start the trip off fighting over rooms. If someone gets a room to themselves while others are sharing, perhaps they pay a little extra. That’s how everyone I know does it and how I did it even with my apartment’s primary suite. Figure out what works best for your group.
Lastly, reserve early to get the best options for your dates! You can book directly, or you can book on a travel website (Expedia, Travelocity, etc.) depending on where you’re staying. Check direct booking prices and travel agency pricing/perks because sometimes one is MUCH better than another option. I use Expedia a lot and have never had an issue. Accommodation I am much less weary of booking indirectly than I am with flights. More on that soon.
Step 3: Arrange Transportation and Travel Logistics
The other most or second most expensive part of spring break planning is the actual transportation. Assuming you’re flying, these prices can vary so much depending on when you buy your tickets. Usually, the closer you get to travel time, the more expensive that flight will be. Generally, I buy my tickets a least 2-3 months out for the best prices.
Some airlines like Breeze Airways have fewer routes, but you can buy closer to travel time and still get a good deal. I also like PLAY Airlines if you’re planning a Europe trip. They usually have sales.
If I have a lot of time before my trip, I like to use the Hopper app to figure out if my flight will (potentially) go up or down in the next few months. For more information on this app, check out my post on the 5 Best Sites for Travel Deals. These sites will give you the option to book directly with the airline which I ALWAYS do because if there’s an issue, it’s MUCH harder to get it fixed via a third party than directly with the airline.
If you’re planning on driving, it will most likely be a lot cheaper than flying. Figure out how you’ll split gas and whose car you will take and put miles on. Always agree on this and if anyone will take turns driving. It’ll make the road trip go much smoother.
If you’re flying, but still need a car to get around, look at rental cars (which you might not be able to use if you’re under 25, depending on which service you use and the country you’re in), rideshares, and public transportation. If I’m in a city like NYC, Vancouver, or London, I prefer to take public transportation since it’s usually cheaper and gets me where I need to go. Either way, decide how you’ll split any non-individual transportation fees in the event you do need to use them.
Be sure to designate sober drivers or use services like Uber if you’ll be drinking.
Step 4: Create a Contingency Plan
I cannot stress this step enough. What if the car breaks down, flights get canceled, or something else unexpected happens? Prepare for the unexpected. You will thank your lucky stars if you need to use your backup plan. Obviously, you can’t plan for everything, but preparing for major disasters can keep people from feeling overwhelmed if something happens.
Step 5: Stay Safe and Make Smart Choices
Now you’re prepared for the trip! Remember to watch out for each other and use the buddy system when going places, especially unfamiliar places. Have emergency contacts of any people you’re traveling with, a first aid kit, and KEEP YOUR PHONES CHARGED! Always be aware of your surroundings and possible threats.
Try to avoid risky activities, excessive drinking, and illegal drugs. I promise you do NOT want to end up in jail in a foreign country. I’m sure we’ve all seen enough movies like that. Don’t waste your money to just end up sitting in a cell for most of the trip, LOL.
Step 6: Enjoy and Document Your Spring Break to the Fullest
Be a tourist! Do the sightseeing, parties, and beach days – do everything you want! Even if you’re in your own city, find fun things to explore that you haven’t before and just let yourself have fun. Take lots of pictures and videos to remember the trip because memories fade. Bond with your friends and capture amazing memories together that you can look back and laugh at. Have the time of your life.
Thanks for reading about spring break planning steps!
Your spring break in college can be unforgettable with proper planning. Choose your destination wisely, travel safely, and enjoy every moment of your trip!
