Spring Break is just around the corner, and for some restless college students, it can’t come fast enough. Having lived through tough exams, late night cramming sessions and last-minute revisions on papers and thesis, students are eager for a break from studying and from the cold of winter. For many, heading to the tropical climes or straight to the closest beach is all they can think about. And while they may have fantasies about fruity cocktails with little umbrellas, string bikinis and partying into the wee hours, the reality is that you have to pay to play. For too many students, this means using their student loans to fund their trips. As eager as they may be to frolic on the beach, the sobering fact of more student debt should give them pause. With a little planning, Spring Break can be a time to refresh your mind and relax your body, catch up with friends and visit family. Here are five ways to make your Spring Break a social and financial success.
- Make your travel plans early – You can save a lot of money and headache when you confirm your hotel reservations weeks before leaving. The earlier you book your rooms, the greater your discount is likely to be.
- Pool your resources -If you know you’re going to travel with friends, don’t forget to allow for extra luggage, sleeping accommodations and the like. Pool your resources and buy bulk shampoo, and other toiletry items you can divvy up among yourselves.
- Use a Groupon coupon – Rent a car and drive to your destination. Driving will cost less than flying, and you can share the expenses with friends. Not only will you have more control over your experiences along the way, but you can often find places where parking is free. With a dollar car rental coupon you can save as much as $40 off a weekly rental, and even more when you apply a money saving Groupon to your rental fees.
- Set a spending limit and don’t exceed it. – Spring Break is a time to get away – but not go crazy. Remember, what goes up must come down. When you’re talking about your credit card balance, it can take a long time to pay off a few days’ worth of frivolous spending.
- Bring your student ID – Not only will you need it to verify your identity, you can get local discounts at many places along the way.
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