Cheap Spring Break Ideas and Activities - Alternatives to Travel for College Students

It’s that time of year when people start getting spring fever, when high school and college students are taking spring break time off from school or college, and when many students (with or without their families) are making plans to travel. Many students flock to popular beaches with their friends, places such as Florida or Cancun. Still, there are a number of students—along with their parents—who just can’t afford an expensive spring break getaway. For those students, they might consider some options that, while not as exciting, are just as—or more—rewarding.

For the frugal student who wants to be smart or cheap about money, the cheapest break of all is just to stay home with the folks for spring break. Whaaaat? This option doesn’t have to be a bad one; just think about it. Many of my spring breaks were spent at home eating Mom’s homemade cooking (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, enchiladas, whatever I asked for. . . . ), going out at night with friends, sleeping half the day away, and watching television. I didn’t have to be anywhere, which can really be a relaxing break. It’s a great time to get caught up on rest if there is no schoolwork to do. For the student who is behind in classes, it is also the perfect time to get caught up and feel ready to go back to classes once the week is over. Time off should never be taken for granted.

For the college students who live in an interesting town, they might think about what visitors do when they come to visit their town. Are there local museums to check out? Historical attractions? Checking with the Chamber of Commerce or an online website might reveal some neat local attractions to visit and pass the time. I am continually surprised when I hear of people who have traveled for miles and hours to my town to see sights that I haven't bothered to visit after decades of living here!

Students might forego an expensive spring break vacation with friends and consider instead the possibility of going on the spring break trip that their parents may decide to take. Sure, going on vacation with little brother or sister might not be the most attractive prospect to a college student, but it won’t be all bad. And guess who is going to foot the bill? The parents, of course. Another cheap mini-trip for a college student could be a trip to another town to visit a relative. Again, another cheap break but a small get-away nevertheless.

A lot of students want to get ahead, have some extra spending money, while many have to pay for their own college tuition, books, or other expenses. They may ask to work extra hours at their part-time job over the break. The folks or other people in town might have odd jobs that need to be done.

Spring Break is also an excellent time to start looking for that summer job. Checking around before summer hits may put you ahead of the competition for local summer employment.

Volunteering is another option that is free, rewarding and even looks good on a resume. Some churches take mission trips locally or even out-of-the-country. This could be an opportunity to do something positive at perhaps a reduced rate financially.

After considering all these cheaper options, if you still have an itch to go on a traditional spring break trip to some awesome location with your college friends, then at least look at some discounted online vacation packages that you might find for students. .

Check out, too, this article for additional spring break deals plus tips on how to prepare for your trip. Don't forget your toothpaste and other key items!

Still, if you can't afford a spring break trip with friends, try to find some enjoyable pastimes at home or closeby. Or just relax. When else do you have the opportunity to do nothing and really enjoy it?