Is Spring Break too Expensive?

Do you think spring break is too expensive? Spring break is the perfect time to spend with your family and go on vacation. Even so, not everyone has the time or money. Which makes me wonder, is spring break too expensive?

My Personal Spring Break Experiences

For most of my life, I have lived for spring break and summer vacation. My first professional job out of college was as a biology teacher, so even in my career I had spring break.

I’ve long enjoyed everything about spring break. I remember decorating my planner in high school with “SB 01” (02, and 03 were to follow). Growing up near the Alabama Gulf Coast allowed me and my high school friends to go on spring break beach vacations while our parents were close enough to drop in on us and make sure we were safe. Here we are in Gulf Shores, AL for Spring Break 2003.

Now that I have kids, I get just as excited about spring break. I can’t imagine a spring break off from school where we don’t do something as a family, even if just for a long weekend like we did this year (sans the husband). We had so much fun visiting my family right back on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

What the Research Says about Budget and Spring Break

Research has shown that family travel is great for the whole family. It’s a good time to bond and learn new things as a family. It’s no surprise that spring break is one of the most popular time for families to vacation together. A new joint survey of readers from Traveling Mom, Traveling Dad, and the social community of Vacatia found that the 36% of readers found the “ickiest” part of traveling to be agreeing on a budget and coordinating payment. 

As a frugal living blogger who firmly believes that you can travel well within your budget, this piece of data really struck me.

I make traveling a priority in our family because it’s something I truly love. I actually love everything about it. I even love traveling alone with two kids under 4 on an airplane. Call me crazy, but it empowers me and makes me feel like super mom. I’m sure I’ll sing a different tune once baby #3 arrives.

Tips to Afford Spring Break Travel

I think it’s important to realize that you always have money for things you prioritize. We might skip eating out, buying fancy groceries, or participating in extracurriculars every now and then to afford travel. I realize that I can afford everything I want in life as long as I prioritize my wants.

Another way we afford travel is to pay attention to the best times to buy. I stalk airline prices for a week on Kayak before buying, almost always buy on a Wednesday, and always compare flexible dates to find the cheapest flight. Then I research hotels and things to do on websites like Traveling Mom and Traveling Dad, as well as check out hotel deals on Vacatia.  A little bit of research saves me a lot of money.

Bottom line- I don’t want you to feel like spring break is too expensive. Budget in advance for your travel so you can enjoy it without feeling stressed about money. It may sound early, but now is the time to start saving for spring break 2018.

Bonus tip- Still feel like prices hike at this popular time? You’re right, they certainly do! Instead of traveling for spring break, enjoy some staycation time in your town and save up some money to travel during low travel seasons.

More Spring Break Research

The survey results include a lot more data. Including trends that you can expect to see in family travel this year and years to come. To read the complete results head here.

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