By Lars Tramilton
Spring break is a week-long vacation from studying for college students. Spring break typically takes place during the month of March. Most college students choose to take spring break
vacations in warm,
beach-type locations (such as Cancun,
Mexico, and Panama City, Florida). For students on a budget looking for cheap spring break vacations, there are several good options to choose from.
Camping
A camping trip is a fun way to spend some time with your friends and engage in outside recreational activities. Camping is particularly suited for outdoorsy individuals. A good way to go camping on the cheap is to rent out a cabin with several friends and split the cost. Fun activities to engage in while camping include fishing and jet-skiing, so lakeside locales are ideal. The spring season usually offers better deals on cabin rentals (compared to the summer). If you live in northern California/Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a good camping spot. If you live in upstate New York, Lake George is a scenic locale to consider.
Road Trips
Taking a road trip is also a fun, cheap way to spend spring break (for example, a 14-hour drive from Florida to New York). This is a popular spring break idea that is significantly cheaper than buying a plane ticket to almost any destination. A smart, economic way to road trip is to travel with a group of people (about four) and split the cost of gasoline. For accommodations, there are many cheap youth hostels and budget motels (like Motel 6 and Super 8) that you can research beforehand online and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Urban Spring Breaks
Taking a day trip to the closest big city is another inexpensive way to spend a spring break with friends. For instance, if you live in Southeastern Michigan, you might want to consider going to Detroit. Since you won't have to worry about accommodations (unless you live too far away to drive back home in the same day), you will be able to cut one big expense. Admission prices for museums, zoos and parks are usually quite reasonable (and sometimes even free). Check online for special deals beforehand.
Theme Parks
Amusement parks and water parks are fun, cheap spring break ideas as well. After all, once you pay your admission fee (plus gasoline costs split with friends), the only other costs to worry about are food and perhaps souvenirs. You might even decide to pack a picnic lunch and head out to the car to eat for free! If you live in Orlando, Florida, try SeaWorld. If you live in Southern California, Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland are great options. Texans should consider Six Flags Over Texas. Amusement parks provide exhilarating thrill rides, entertainment options, games, live music and a whole lot of fun for students on spring break.
SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea Harbor Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
Tel: (800) 327-2420
Knotts Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Tel: (714) 220-5200
Disneyland
1313 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
Tel: (714) 781-4000
National Parks
National parks are also great, inexpensive places to have fun during spring break. The United States is home to an astounding 400 different national park sites. Most people reside in very close proximity to at least one national park. National parks provide endless recreational activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, observing diverse flora and fauna and much more.
About the Author:
Lars Tramilton has been writing professionally since 2007. His work has appeared in a variety of online publications, including CareerWorkstation. Tramilton received a bachelor's degree with a focus on elementary education from Kean University.
