Saving Tips On Last-Minute Spring Break Travel

It's March – time to put the puffy jackets, big boots, and wool sweaters away and immerse yourself in a thrilling and refreshing excursion. One of the biggest concerns of last-minute travel is whether popular destinations will cancel out quickly, Ivy Chou, travel expert at DealsPlus, says. "Hotels don't release their inventory all at once because they want to maximize and see how many they can sell." So, you'll most likely pay more, but you'll find a room.

As long as you are at a new place, it feels like a vacation, Chou says. Even if you have lived in one city your whole life, chances are there is a place or a region filled with history or diverse culture that you don't know about. New venues open up all the time, especially in bigger cities. Few people play tourists in their own town; change your perspective this holiday and see where it will take you. (Also, save money from having to book hotels or flights.)

End the ski season with a bang and in style by embarking on a snow adventure. Escape the crowds and overpriced resorts while still enjoying pure powder bliss and incredible mountain vistas. This type of thrill – staying at pastoral lodges set deep in nature near ski resorts and in the middle of lush forests – is a real winter paradise. All of the countryside spoils are literally outside the door.

Home to some of MTV's most memorable spring break coverage and clubs that remain open around the clock, Las Vegas is undoubtedly a top party spot. Atlantic City is a nice alternative if you live on the East Coast and don't want to pay for an expensive flight across the country. Vegas has become a lot more about pool parties and clubs than a chance to win big at the tables. Some free attractions include watching the World's Largest Permanent Circus, concerts and Viva Vision light shows, and the Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel.

"A road trip will definitely save you money," Chou says. Make the most of the cheap gas prices – the current AAA average is $2.298 per gallon – especially of you share the cost with fellow passengers. A road trip is the perfect way to travel, especially if you feel like going on a getaway vacation. You just grab some food and water, fill up the tank and hop in the car. Consider driving along the iconic Route 66 or going on the "perfect" road trip according to science. You will see some of the most scenic roads in the entire country.

It is much easier to find a last-minute deal for a cruise than a hotel, Chou says. But then the issue is whether you live close to a popular port, she adds. If yes, then you're in luck because you get act??? right away and make the departure time. Cruising on a big ship is about romance, excitement, fun, adventure, relaxation, and pampering – these are just a few other reasons why you should travel like this in 2017.

Hit the outdoors and reconnect with nature (it may have several mental and physical benefits, according to research). Pack a tent and a few essentials and go camping under the stars; or combine a road trip with the comforts of your home and take an RV trip to a cool park. Recharge your mind and body with stunning views of wild nature, breathtaking waterfalls, majestic lakes and rivers, red rock landscapes, and lavish forests. All it may cost you is a small camping fee per night.

New York and Chicago, for example, are popular throughout the entire year. "They are not necessarily Spring Break destinations the way Miami is," Chou says. This means that you have many hotels to choose from that won't be spiking their rates just to target vacationers. "Lots of competition means good prices."

The reasons to love national parks – America's best idea – are endless. In general, whatever kind of vacation you are looking for, you will find it there. These are the most and least visited national parks in the U.S., if you need help escaping the crowds. You can embark on many hair-raising adventures; they don't have to be a boring "a walk in the park." The Half Dome at Yosemite National Park, wolf tracking in Yellowstone, exploring ice caves at Pictured Rocks, and spelunking at Mammoth National Park are just a few examples.

Chou recommends searching hotel sites at least at the same time you're looking at sites like Airbnb because prices on such home-sharing platforms "don't fluctuate as much." You can try sites such as Hotwire and Priceline for hotel rates at a certain price, but you have to be really flexible and may not always have a choice in terms of class, she adds.

"The closer you go to where you love, the cheaper it will be," Chou says. Booking a flight at peak travel times, especially for a faraway destination, can cost you hundreds of dollars more than what it can in other times. You won't be far from a beach if you go to Florida or California. "Napa Valley is a two-hour drive away from the Bay area and is a great place for a break."

Low-cost carriers usually fly into smaller airports, which can offer tremendous savings on your travel. You're going to deal with fewer crowds. That has tons of advantages – little chance of delays, major problems or lost luggage – because the staff won't be so busy. If you're going to Chicago, fly into Midway instead of O'Hare; pick Maryland instead of Washington International, and Oakland instead of San Francisco.

Spring Break may be the most anticipated time of the year for college students, but they're not limited to Miami or South Padre Island to have fun and party. Many under-the-radar destinations offer the same level of excitement for all kinds of travelers – from students to families – without crowds or high prices. They, too, have an impressive nightlife, are affordable, and offer peace of mind.

Spring Break is not a popular concept in Europe, certainly not the way it is in the U.S. So, you'll be able to save some money and explore a popular destination. Peak times for exploring the "Old Continent" are in the summer. Hotels rooms are still available. Also, airfares from the U.S. are around 30- to 40-percent cheaper this time of the year.