Spring Break Destinations For The College Kids Whose Parent’s Don’t Pay For Everything

I never understood how my peers were going to Europe and obscure islands over Spring Break while I stayed back and worked the entire break, not even sure I could afford a plane ticket let alone everything else. I learned that many of them had help from mom and dad but for some of us that’s not an option and we still want somewhere fun, these places are perfect spring break destinations. 

1. Nashville, TN

Nashville is not a cheap city by any means, but depending on what school you go to, this can be a driving destination verses flying. Driving will cut your expenses by at least half if not more. Nashville is the bachelorette party capital of the world. So if you and your girlfriends are looking for a fun city to go for spring break, this is a great place. They have countless bars, petal wagons, boat cruises and so much more. This isn’t a typical spring break destination so it won’t be super crowded during peak spring break times, making it the best time to see the city. It will also cut dow on the costs of the city going during a non busy time, hotels will be much cheaper. Everything here is mostly downtown so if you have a hotel there you’ll be able to walk most places. This can be a combination of a fun filled party spring break mixed with a more relaxed atmosphere. If you want to be able to chill out or just go to a cute coffee shop, Nashville is the perfect spring break destination.

2. Panama City Beach, FL

Can we really mention spring break without the Mecca of all spring break destinations? Panama City has really embraced the spring break life, so much so that the entire month of March and beginning of April they have events every night. From celebrity DJ’s, to foam parties Panama has it all. This is the destination for people who really like the wild spring break. If you want to party on the beach all day and then dance to club music all night, Panama is for you. Most people will have to fly here but with so many airlines these days offering more affordable tickets, that will be your biggest expense. Most everything is within walking distance here so you’ll save money on Ubers and if you do need one, the fair should be pretty cheap. Most of the hotels here are fairly reasonable and if you’re going with friends you can cut the cost down by sharing rooms. 

3. Hilton Head Island, SC

If you’re looking for a beach without all the drunk college kids and one you can actually relax on Hilton Head is your answer. Hilton Head is a huge family destination so there’s less parties and more opportunities to relax and enjoy your break. There are still plenty of bars to go to if you want a night out, but if you aren’t into the hardcore partying and want to avoid the mass crowds of spring breakers, Hilton Head is your best bet. It’s almost going to be cheaper to go here than Myrtle Beach, and have more to do than the smaller islands in South Carolina that house many retired couples. Hilton Head has cute coffee shops, bars, and boutiques, making it an ideal spring break destination for someone wanting a more low key vacation.

4. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is the Las Vegas of the south. This is a much cheaper option than Las Vegas but has so much of the fun that Vegas has, just a different atmosphere. There’s so many things to do here other than just going to the beach everyday. This city is full of culture and unique experiences. Just walking around the city here can be so much fun, and especially for college kids. The city is open container friendly aka you can walk around with your beer as you bar hop, which is perfect for when you check out Bourbon Street. Check out the Voodoo shops and learn about the importance if the culture in the city. And while you’re there eat as much as possible, the food in the south is delicious and the epitome of comfort food.

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5. St. Louis, MI

Saint Louis Missouri is another spring break destination that isn’t your typical beach. The advantage of this versus other cities is that this one is much cheaper but will still have plenty of fun things to do. Most attractions are either free or very affordable. Hotels here, like any city vary but there are some nice hotels that you can find for reasonable prices, and if you maximize the amount of people staying in your room, you’ll save more money. It makes for one of the ultimate spring break destinations. Even without the beach, you’ll have a nice relaxing getaway. 

6.  Visit Someone You Know

This isn’t a particular place but other than not flying, one of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is staying with someone you know. Do you have a cousin in Florida, a friend in Chicago, a distant relative in California? If you know someone and don’t mind along to stay with them, you’ll be able to save so much money by not having to pay for a hotel. I did this in New York and South Carolina and it was the best way to see the cities I was in. The family friend I was staying with in NYC was able to tell us where the best places to go were and the easiest ways to get there, and we were able to meet new people that way. Most people would love to have you if you actually know them well, just remember to be a gracious guest and getting them a host gift is a great way to say thank you. 

Which destination are you heading to for spring break? Which ways are you going to save money this spring break? Comment below and take your fellow spring break buddies!

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