Spring Break on a Budget

by Sharyn Alden

For most college students, the fun and freedom of a spring break adventure is a rite of passage. Just thinking about Daytona and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mazatlán and Cancún, Mexico, and Padre Island, Texas, to name a few "hot spots," can make a college student giddy with anticipation.

But wait, not so fast. How are you going to go on that dream vacation on a limited budget? First, put the heady excitement aside until you get to the pool or the slopes. Next, take time to engage in vacation planning homework. The following tips will get you started on pursuing that perfect spring break getaway.

Money saving strategies

First and foremost, shop around. Don't be wooed by the first spring break travel package, Web site, or brochure offer you find. No matter where you're headed, ask for student discounts at rental car agencies, hotels, sightseeing attractions, and air/hotel packages. If a hotel doesn't offer a student discount, ask for a group discount--often honored if you rent a block of rooms.

Use common sense. You've probably heard this scenario before: A student is telling others about a fabulous, low-cost spring break vacation. The cost, including airfare, airport transfers, and hotel, is an inexpensive group travel package based on four students booking the trip and sharing a room.

So what's stopping you from signing up? Maybe nothing, but maybe plenty. Scrutinize the details, and you won't be fooled into paying hidden costs like extra fees for maid service.

Travel by car

Sure, it takes longer to get from point A to point B by car, but you may be able to save a bundle if you drive to a destination closer to home. You'll also save money if you travel by car and stay with friends along the way.

Rental property

Nissa Dell, recent graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver, says, "Four of us saved money on two spring break vacations by renting a condo in Vail, Colo., one year and a small apartment in Aspen, Colo., the next. We saved restaurant costs by eating all meals at home." The four took turns scrutinizing local newspaper ads and calling friends and rental agents far in advance of spring break.

Dell recognizes that the Colorado destinations are pricey vacation areas, but says, "It took awhile--we shopped around for months, but we found what we wanted at reasonable rates."

Practically free vacations

Take your bike along if your car or van has the space. When you reach your destination use public transportation (ask for student discounts), or ride your bike to save money.

College students often are targets of unscrupulous travel companies
Always ask for references before buying a travel package.

Sim Ashlock, recent graduate of Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., says he saves money by camping in "undesignated" camping spots (remote and usually free), like those in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. But, he adds, "Keep in mind remote camping entails its own risk and responsibilities." For example, the camping ethic is to leave no traces. Ask about costs, he says. "Two or three of us camp for several days for almost nothing. The only cost involved is the food we bring with us." He suggests contacting a ranger station at national forests and state parks for maps about finding undesignated camping spots.

Avoid spring break scams

College students often are targets of unscrupulous travel companies that count on flashy ads and "come-on" cheap prices to lure collegians. These businesses know students have tight budgets, big dreams, and little experience buying travel packages. Rule of thumb: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are a few tips that will help you avoid being taken on a glorified ride to "scamsville."

Resist limited offers
If you have to "act now" to get in on a good deal, resist the pressure. It's true, availability of airfare and lodging constantly changes, but reputable companies don't pressure you to make fast decisions.

Your friends also may pressure you to "strike while the iron is hot." Those friends will thank you for checking out the company's credibility if that good deal turns out to be a scam.
Get references
Always ask for references before buying a travel package. Talk to people who have "been there, done that," with the same company you're considering.

Get local phone numbers, not "800" numbers, and addresses of specific hotels that are part of your travel package. Call the hotel and ask questions about the tour package director. At the very least, you'll find out if your package is connected with a legitimate hotel.
Scrutinize the written details Never buy an unsolicited travel package over the phone. Travel scams often involve hard sales pitches offered by phone. Don't give out your credit card information to anyone you're unfamiliar with.
Before you buy, ask to see all the details of the trip, including all costs, in writing. Then read the fine print carefully. Never sign a contract with blank spaces; additional information could be added after you sign.

First and foremost, shop around.

Once you agree to the final cost of the trip, do not pay the company additional fees. An honest business will not ask you for more money after you've signed the agreement, or use time-sensitive situations, like when you're boarding the plane, to pressure you into thinking you need to pay extra fees.

Demand cancellation and refund policies in writing. A legitimate travel company offers written policies about these topics.
Research and book early
If you wait until the last minute to book a spring break vacation, you're more apt to hurriedly sign up for something you'll regret later. Plus, when you plan ahead you'll have better availability of lodging and airfare.

With planning you may be able to choose an airport closer to campus. That means you can skip the hassle and expense of getting to an airport possibly hundreds of miles away.
Talk to a local travel agent
You may find good travel deals online, but don't overlook local travel agents, such as the student travel specialists at Student Travel Association (STA), often located on college campuses. It can be a gold mine of resources and information about your destination. Look for agents who are members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Pay by credit card
The best way to pay for a spring break vacation is by credit card--if you'll be able to pay off the bill when it comes. This way, if you have a payment dispute with the travel company your credit card company most likely will go to bat for you. Talk to someone at your credit union about the credit cards it offers.

Avoid paying for your trip with cash. If you do use cash, insist on getting a receipt for the total cost of your travel package.
Report fraud
If you've discovered fraudulent travel practices, report the company to the National Fraud Information Center. You also can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or with the Chamber of Commerce in the city you're visiting.

If you're using airline travel and have a problem, contact the U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division to file a complaint; 800-255-1111.

Check all of these resources before you book a trip to see if students have been "taken for a ride" with a company you're considering.

If you aren't sure an offer is legitimate, ask a reputable travel agency for its advice. You can't go wrong getting a second opinion. Before you book your next spring break getaway, do your homework, and check out the credibility of every travel offer you're considering.

Published March 3, 2003

Printed Saturday, November 22, 2008

SESLOC Federal Credit Union