Easy Ways to Save on a Last-Minute Spring Break Vacation

Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial will often offer last-minute getaways to a variety of popular locations at a fraction of the price. If you are struggling to find a destination, consider checking out their flash sales.

By adding or subtracting a day or two, you’ll be more flexible when it comes to air travel. Experts say the consumer will get the best prices on air travel when choosing to fly mid-week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your dates aren’t flexible, try flying early in the morning or take a red-eye flight. These flights tend to be the least expensive and have fewer delays.

Flexibility is key when it comes to budget travel. If you don’t care where this spring break takes you, roll the dice and see where your procrastination lands you. Often times there are deals to be had for a number of highly sought-after locations.

Does your destination or hometown boast multiple airports? Make sure you search all of the surrounding airports when purchasing airfare. Found a killer deal in the town over? Make sure you add additional costs like airport transportation or parking before booking that ticket.

Renting a vacation home is a great way to save money, especially when you are vacationing with a large family or group of friends. Looking for a last-minute deal? Homeowners would much rather cut vacationers a deal than have their rental sit vacant. Always inquire about price flexibility. Vacation rentals also encourage eating in, swapping homemade breakfast for pricey room service.

Travel sites such as Priceline and Hotwire are a last-minute traveler’s best friend, offering unsold hotels at up to 60% off the retail price. The catch? The hotels offered do not reveal their name and exact location until the purchase is complete. However, you are able to specify the location by neighborhood. Using these sites is also a great way to find a swanky hotel while literally paying half price.

Skip paying hundreds of dollars in airfare by taking a road trip. With gas prices down, driving to your locale is a budget-friendly option. Don’t want to put the miles on your car? Consider renting a car; even with rental costs you’re still looking at a fraction of airfare costs.

Regardless of where your spring break plans take you, there are several deals to be had. Here are a few deals just in the nick of time:

• • • • • Apple Vacations – specializing in all-inclusive vacations, take $100 off  (per couple) with promo code 72HOUR315 
        • CruiseDirect – Last-minute cruise deals from $69!
        • Hotels.com – Spring Break Sale, offering 30% off plus an extra $35 off any total of $350 or more with promo code SPRINGBRK35
        • Southwest Airlines Vacations- Save up to 50% off Mexican and Caribbean all-inclusive vacations
        • United Vacations- promo code savings for several destinations, plus book now pay later.