Tips for a Stress Free Spring Break Trip

Have a budget in mind – The first step in planning any trip or vacation is to come up with a budget. Make a list of expenses, like gas, food, activities, souvenirs, and lodging. Make sure you know how much money you can spend on your trip and what you want to spend it on. (NOTE: save money on food by getting snacks from the grocery store beforehand, instead of paying more for them at gas station or convenience store stops along the way).

Stay close to home – You don’t have to plan a large extravagant trip out of the country for spring break. Michigan has a lot of great destinations for families to either spend a few days together, or even go on numerous fun day trips! Save money by planning mini road trips. Visit a museum, a waterpark, a casino, or visit one of Michigan’s beautiful state parks. The Grand Rapids Art Museum offers free entry on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or you can stay at Frankenmuth and spend time at Zehnder’s Splash Village!

Travel in groups – Plan ahead, and find a group of people to go on the trip with. The expenses can be split up among each person and you will all be able to do something fun together. If you’re looking for a warmer climate, Myrtle Beach is only a 13-hour drive away, and Virginia Beach is only an 11-hour drive! When you’re with a group of people, the drive is part of the adventure. You can also use apps like Airbnb to find great places to stay, and split the cost of rent.

Look into free activities – Planning daily activities with a group of friends or family can get expensive. Before you go, look into what types of free activities are offered in the area in which you plan to stay, or you can come up with your own free activities. Take a walk on the beach, hike through the woods, or have a sand-castle building contest!

Take advantage of rewards programs – Love My Credit Union Rewards offers discounts to credit union members at over 1,500 retailers to help you save or earn cash back on purchases of luggage, bathing suits, or anything else you may need for your spring break trip!

Take time to relax – don’t spend so much time stressing and scheduling that you forget to relax. It’s vacation time! Make sure you have time to kick back and enjoy yourself.