How to Plan a Successful Spring

1. Plan Ahead
* Note that in order to prepare for a Spring Break vacation you need to allow yourself adequate time and resources to make your trip possible.
o At least 5 months prior to your Spring Break you should begin thinking about the location in which you are wanting to visit.
o Then you need to compare the different methods of travel you will be using, as well as the different places to stay.
o Now that you know where you are wanting to go, how you are going to get there and where you will be staying you need to purchase tickets for the method of travel you choose as well as reserve a room at your choice of hotels.
o You can use websites such as, hotwire.com, travelocity.com, and bookit.com for the above steps.
+ www.hotwire.com
+ www.travelocity.com
+ www.bookit.com
# Doing these steps months ahead of time will not only be good for your wallet, but it will also allow you enough time to save for other expected expenses.
2. Do the Research
* If you are traveling some where in which you have never been, it is always a good idea to make yourself familiar with that location before you arrive.
o Examples: Culture, food, entertainment, weather.
o Depending on where you are traveling to you will need to know whether you will need a Passport, a Birth Certificate, or just a Photo ID.
+ You can access this information at www.travel.state.gov
o You will also need to know whether or not you will need to do a currency exchange.
+ Example: American dollars to Pesos, Pesos to Euros, Euros to American dollars.
3. Continue to Budget for Expenses
* This is where you can make or break your trip.
o Don’t lose sight of how important this is to your trip; this should be done consistently throughout the time leading up to your break.
o Also, make sure you are taking care of and budgeting in other expected expenses.
+ Warm Weather Examples: Tanning minutes, beach apparel,outdoor recreation, personal trainer.
+ Cold Weather Examples: Climate appropriate apparel, gear, recreation, medication.
4. Get Ready
* Note this should be done the month in which you are going to be on break.
o Make sure you have all essential items necessary for your travels already taken care of.
+ Example: Passport, apparel, gear, luggage, currency.
o It is also wise to know the rules of the airline in which you will be using to limit some of the hassle involved in flying.
+ Example: What you can and can not take on a plane
o Get everything together and enjoy your Spring Break!