Spring Break Travel Savings
Can you believe Spring Break is right around the corner!? I am so ready to get out-of-town and enjoy a few sunny days and warm weather either on the beach or in the mountains! Just because you want a vacation to remember doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money. Here are six simple ways you can save on spring break travel from the place you stay to the gas you put in your car.
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead not only makes things easier, it can save you money, too. Knowing where you’re going, how you’re getting there and what you’ll need means less stress and less likelihood of extra expenses and last-minute rate hikes. Develop a budget now to help you save on necessities so you can splurge where it counts.
2. Pick the Right Destination
When looking to save on Spring Break travel, narrow down a list of potential vacation places based on price. Avoiding tourist traps and the most popular destinations can also help you save on your trip. U.S. News Travel’s Top Spring Break Value Destinations for Families include some of the most beautiful – and affordable – destinations where you can enjoy a quick getaway without emptying your bank account.
3. Drive
Depending on your destination, driving your own car is one of the best ways to save on Spring Break travel. You’ll save big bucks by driving instead of buying airline tickets, especially since air fares tend to rise at this time of year. And if you can find special offers and other ways to save on gas – see number 6 in this list – you can save even more overall.
4. Pick the Right Accommodations
While hotels are the most obvious place to stay, there are other options to consider. One is to stay with family or friends who live in the area. Another is to look into renting a condo or house with a group of friends or family and splitting the cost. If you do choose to get a hotel room, go online and compare several hotels to try to find the best price. And if you don’t mind a little flux in your plans, consider booking at the last minute. Hotels, like airlines, try to fill all rooms – even if that means heavily discounting them to last-minute travelers. By booking you room at the last minute you could snag a great deal.
5. Search for Deals Everywhere
Look for deals for areas you are heading to or through on Groupon, LivingSocial and Restaurant.com. Great deals frequently pop up for food and hotels on these sites saving travelers lots of money. When booking your room or buying anything, look for online promotional codes and discounts too. And be sure to take advantage of those hotel freebies including complimentary breakfast or any kind of on-site discounts.
6. Stock Up on Gift Cards at Giant Eagle and Save on Gas
Speaking of finding deals, here is one offer that can help you save on Spring Break travel in more ways than one! Starting today, February 23, 2017 until March 8, 2017, smart shoppers can double dip on savings when they purchase participating gift cards at Giant Eagle.
Here’s how it works:
- For every $50 you spend on select gift cards* at Giant Eagle, you will earn 20 cents in fuelperks! That really adds up when it time to fill up at the pump! But wait, there’s more…
- Use your favorite rewards credit card on your purchase, and you can also earn points, miles or even a percentage back on your purchase. Some credit cards even offer increased rewards for purchases made at a grocery!
As for the gift cards, use them while on your Spring Break vacation so you don’t have to carry cash. And don’t forget, most of these gift cards have no expiration date, so you can stock up now and use them for all sorts of things including paying bills, grocery shopping, dining out, date night, and even to give as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduation – all while saving money on gas!
Savings like this are a win/win so hurry and take advantage before this offer ends on March 8, 2017! You can find your local Giant Eagle through their store locator.
*See Store for details on participating retailers