When planning a vacation during Spring Break there are a lot of factors to consider.
I’m asking some of the tough questions you need to consider to help you make the most out of your adventures and your budget.
Ask The Tough Questions Ahead of Time
I tend to be in a continual state of dreaming/researching/planning for my next trip.
I shoulder the responsibility for the details of our vacations because I enjoy having something to look forward to.
I’ve learned a lot along the way and found that planning is easier when you answer as many questions as possible upfront.
I’ll take you through the questions to ask yourself for your next big trip.
I’ve got a free printable Spring Break Vacation planner at the end of my article if you want to answer these questions on paper.
How Many Days Do You Want to Be Gone?
- Will you have any flexibility in your dates?
- Do you already have the time off or do you need to request time off?
- Do you have to work around any sports/previous engagements?
Where Do You Want to Go?
- Do you want to go somewhere you have never been to?
- Do you tend to visit the same area?
- Will your visit include visiting family or friends?
- Is the destination a popular location during spring break?
- Do you want to visit more than one destination during the trip?
- Is price a factor?
- Do you have a specific budget?
- Would you consider going to a destination that is off-season during spring break?
- Is distance a factor?
- What type of weather/activities do you enjoy? (Beach, mountains, skiing, etc)
Who is Going With You?
- Do you want to invite friends or family members to join you?
- Will you be responsible for planning their overall trip as well?
- Who will be staying with you?
- Will they be traveling with you?
- Do they have any special needs?
- Have you purchased travel insurance covering if someone in your party becomes ill or needs to change lodging or flights?
Are You Considering a Staycation?
- What activities are important to you for a staycation?
- Do you want to go on day trips?
- Will you be staying at home?
- Do you need overnight accommodations?
- Will you be planning any overnight mini-trips?
Where Will You Stay?
- What type of accommodations are important to you? **Hotel, cabin, suite, cruise ship, treehouse (find great rates here)
- What amenities are important to you? (**free breakfast, parking, pool, kitchenette)
- Is it important for activities to be close to where you are staying?
- Do you want activities available on-site?
- Do you plan on visiting family during your trip?
- Will you be renting from a friend?
- Will you be using a vacation rental?
Compare Prices on Hotels and Vacation Rentals on the Grid Above
Select your city of choice and desired dates to see what’s available. You can compare the prices of both hotels and vacation rentals at the same time.
How Will You Get There?
Will You Fly There?
If yes, answer the following questions.
- Have you checked if you have any airline points accumulated?
- Will you be checking bags or bringing a carry-on?
- Do the flights go directly to the destination?
- Will you need airport transfers?
- Will you need to park your vehicle at the airport?
- Do you need to rent a vehicle from the airport?
- Have you searched Google Flights and the airlines’ websites individually for fares?
If You Drive to the Destination
- Will you use your vehicle or rent one? Save on your car rental here.
- Do you need to break up the drive with an overnight to/from the destination?
- Will you be using public transportation, cabs, Uber, or Lyft?
What Activities Do You Want to Experience?
What’s your vacation style?
- Do you enjoy unplanned activities?
- Does your family like to have input/ ideas about what you are doing each day?
- Do you enjoy lots of activities during your vacation?
- Are there rare/unique experiences that you want to try? (If so, do you need a reservation before arrival)
- Do you enjoy the outdoors, museums, sporting events, the arts, etc?
What is Your Plan for Meals During Spring Break?
- Will you be cooking a lot of your meals?
- Will you be dining out? (How often?)
- Do you have any special dining needs? *glutton-free, vegan, special diet
- Will you be taking any food tours?
- What do you look for in a restaurant? **kid-friendly, fine dining, local cuisine, budget-friendly
Have You Researched For Discounts?
- Credit card points/discounts
- Warehouse clubs
- AAA
- Military
- Groupon, Get Your Guide, Expedia, Kayak, ARes Travel, Stay22, Viator, Booking.com, etc.
Forgotten Expenses During Spring Break
- Tips *housekeeping, transportation, guided activities, and tours
- Luggage fees
- Items needed specifically for the trip (gear, special clothing, sunscreen, beach items, snow gear)
- Meals while traveling
- Souvenirs
- Travel Insurance if you are going out of the country or planning an expensive trip
- Parking fees/meters
- Spontaneous activities (ice cream, mini-golf, movies)
- Forgotten items
Free Spring Break Vacation Planner Printable
You can download my free spring break vacation planner to help you plan for your upcoming trip.
Need some ideas of where to go on Spring Break?
- Destin, Florida
- Clearwater, Florida
- Staycation Cincinnati Ideas, Attractions, and Adventures
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Universal Studios Orlando
- Gatlinburg, TN (Smoky Mountains)
- Chattanooga, TN
- Red River Gorge, KY
- Las Vegas, NV
- Ogden, Utah
- Wilmington, NC
Tips for planning a vacation to Clearwater Beach in Florida. Learn more about things to do at French Lick Spring Resort in Indiana. Top things for families to do in Cincinnati, Ohio. Things for families to do in Lake Charles, LA. Tips for using points to travel with a large family. Tips for what to do when you visit Wilmington, NC. Top things for families to do during a weekend in the Smoky Mountains in TN.Spring Break Vacation Ideas
How to Save Money on a Clearwater Beach Vacation
Family Fun Things to Do at French Lick Springs Resort
Top Family Friendly Attractions in the Cincinnati Metro
Top Adventures for Family Friendly Fun in Lake Charles
How to Use Points to Discount Travel With a Larger Family
What to Do When You Visit Wilmington for the First Time
Adventure Ideas for a Weekend in the Smoky Mountains
Hi Nendra,
It was a great read! My niece and nephew will be having a spring break soon, and I think they will be planning something during this time. I am sure this article will help them decide the best activities and places to visit. I will definitely share this article with them to help them decide better. Thanks a lot for sharing such an amazing article, it will be very helpful for many people who are planning their spring break.