Spring break is an excellent time for a family to take a fun and exciting vacation. However, it seems like any vacation you could plan for that week will be more than most budgets can handle. If you want your family to be able to enjoy a spring break vacation, then here are some helpful tips for saving money while still enjoying your vacation. After all, your children are growing up fast; you do not want to miss a chance to spend quality family time with them while they are still young. 

Accommodation

Of course, with any vacation, one of the priciest parts is finding a hotel. The worst part is, most accommodations will charge even more during busy times like spring break. When it comes to finding accommodation for your family, it is important to look for ways to save money. The earlier you can book your hotel, the better for saving money. Additionally, if you spend time looking for discounts, you can usually find a much better price. Visit the discount websites that offer hotels as well as car rentals and flight packages. If you have to fly, then you can even package the plane and accommodation for better prices. 

If you do not feel that you can find a hotel that fits within your budget, you could consider something a little different for family spring break. You and your family can enjoy the great outdoors by going camping. There are plenty of camping locations around many different attractions, so your family can enjoy a combination of “roughing it” while still being close to fun activities. Camping will save an immense amount of money since you will not have to pay for a hotel and you can even save money on food. 

Meals

The second most expensive part of your family spring break vacation will be the food. After all, you and your family will have to eat, and restaurants are not cheap. The best way to save money here is to do research in advance on the Internet. Many restaurants include coupons right on their website, and many larger cities have discount websites where you can access coupons and discounts to many different restaurants. 

If you take your family camping, you can pack food and enjoy cooking around the campfire, which will save you a great deal of money. 

Think Ahead

One of the more expensive things that can come up by surprise on a family spring break vacation is having to buy incidentals like sunscreen, disposable cameras, batteries, hats and others. When you forget these things and have to buy them on vacation, you will end up spending more money if you buy from touristy locations. If you start planning your packing at least a week in advance, you can make sure you do not forget these incidental things. 

Airport Parking Connection will be found through FlightStats.com during March and April!  Now you can check the status of your flight out of JFK, LGA, or EWR and book your airport parking all at the same time!  Save yourself time and hassle by reserving your airport parking and guaranteeing your spot!  Get Parked!

If you’ve got hours to kill before your connecting flight, or you sadly discover that your flight is delayed, you’ve got no choice but to make the most of your time. Remember Tom Hanks being stranded for months at JFK Airport in his movie, The Terminal? His character certainly made the best of a difficult situation. He met a fascinating flight attendant played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, and he also got a full-time job in construction. While your downtime won’t be quite as exciting, you may as well die trying.

Spa It Out

Delays are now commonplace, but fortunately, airports are responding by offering new entertainment options. Spas are the latest fixture in airports across the country, and you may be surprised to learn that their biggest patrons are men. Foot massages are a huge hit for stressed travelers. So whether you want to get your nails done or just get a relaxing massage, you’d be amazed at your options. U.S. airports are planning on adding more and better diversions in the next few years across the nation.

Stretch It Out

If you don’t have enough time for a salon service, you can at least take the time to do some simple stretches before your flight. It’s no revelation that sitting in an airplane for hours can be detrimental to your neck, back, and legs. So don’t sit around before the flight – stretch your body a bit. No one will look at you strangely, because they should be doing the same thing. It’s important to move around before, during, and after your flight to prevent a dangerous condition known as traveler’s thrombosis, which is caused by sitting for prolonged periods.

Treat Your Taste Buds

You don’t want to destroy your diet while waiting at the airport, so you don’t want to go overboard, but it is okay to enjoy a special treat. And your indulgence doesn’t have to be food – it can just be a new beverage you’ve been meaning to try. If you usually drink cappuccino, shake things up and try something else. Try an exotic tea blend instead. You may just find a healthier infusion than your usual standby. If you usually have a cocktail at the bar, why not slow down and sip a glass of wine instead? Alcohol is so dehydrating, so be careful not to overdo it.

Be a Boy or Girl Scout

If you were ever a scout, you know that “Be Prepared” was your scouting motto. When you’re trying to kill time at the airport, you’ll be much happier if you are prepared and equipped for your downtime. Perhaps you normally pack a few books, only to realize at the airport that they’re just no good. This is why investing in an e-reader is a smart move for you. Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers have all come down in price, and they come with free books. The Nook is compatible with your library’s e-pub format, so it may save you money in the long run.

The airport is no longer a dull, drab place. Revel in your downtime and make it an enjoyable leg of your journey.