Spring break is a notoriously expensive time to travel, and even more so now that we’re close in. But not to worry – for those who haven’t yet even begun to think about this travel window but know that they need to get away, we have several tips that can help you save the day if you get moving right away.

1. Reach out to Plan with a Pro now. Time is of the essence as rooms book up and rates increase accordingly. The sooner you have a travel advisor looking into your options for you, the better. They may know of some upcoming promotions (such as ALGV advisor-only sales) that may fit your travel window or Exclusive Perks that can help to sweeten the pot.
2. Consider a shorter trip with a weekday departure or return. Making your weekends work for you instead of using paid time off is, of course, ideal. But you may save as much as you make in a day if you choose to bite the bullet and leave or return on a weekday. Plus, room rates and airfare tend to be lower mid-week, so it could be worth it – especially since you’ll save more overall – to take less than a full week and cram as much as you can into a shorter getaway.
3. Ask a Travel Advisor what destinations need your visit. One of the biggest reasons to Plan with a Pro is that they have a finger on the pulse of travel. But as much as their inside intel is critical in terms of upward trends, they also know what destinations and properties are willing to court their customer. What’s hot one last year may not be as hot this year, which could mean steep savings for YOU.
4. Travel as a group. It may sound challenging to corral a group … which is why you leave it to a pro. They know about travel hacks like the ALG Vacations® GroupEase flexible group program, which offers a booking with as few as five rooms the benefits (and savings!) of a larger group, while keeping the reservation contract-free and payments tied to individual rooms.
5. Opt for all-inclusive. This one may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes the best solutions really are the most obvious. Choosing an all-inclusive resort for college spring breakers means no divvying up the tab, no losing their passports, wallets, or credit cards (since they’ll presumably be locked up in the room safe with no need to bring them back out!), and an all-in package price that leaves no surprises or unanticipated debt. Families also get to keep their docs and money locked up since everything is already included, and they’ll be able to stick to a budget more easily.
6. Pay with a credit card or monthly plan. Score points on your purchase with your most rewarding credit card by paying for your spring break with it. Know that when you Plan with a Pro, your advisor can also help you split up the payments into installments, between guests, and also, the unique ALG Vacations® Uplift Pay Monthly option. You can use your favorite credit card to pay off those installments and pay much, much less in interest than with your standard APY financing.
7. Have your advisor bundle in your wheels. Airport transfers can get pricey, especially if you don’t plan ahead. Ask your travel advisor if it might be less per person to do a private Amstar DMC transfer than shared shuttle service – the answer might surprise you! They can also get you a car rental through major providers and bundle it into your package. But don’t try to do all of this on the ground, spur of the moment, once you land. You’ll pay a premium and you won’t have the benefit and safety of going with a pre-vetted vendor.
8. Bundle in your tours and excursions, too. Again, this is a safety and savings tip. Sure, you might be able to get a great deal on an impromptu tour when you arrive, but who’s to say if they’re reputable or will even be there the next day? And do you really want to whip your wallet out when it’s sitting soundly in the safe? The good news is that in select destinations like Mexico, Dominican Republic, and others in the Caribbean and Central America, Amstar DMC has desks set up at select resorts so that you can book with a name you can trust.
9. Ask your advisor about inclusions. Hotels and resorts these days go way beyond just offering a clean place to rest and wash your head and body. It’s worthwhile to Plan with a Pro who has been to the resort they’re recommending so that they can give you the inside track on the special bonus services – the secret menu, if you will – of inclusions at that property. For example:
• Butler service is included at Secrets Impression Moxche and Generations Riviera Maya, by Karisma
• Many family-friendly resort brands, such as the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, and the Dreams Resorts & Spas include free childcare.
• On-site water parks are usually free for all guests of the resort, or even their sister hotels. Check out brands like Nickelodeon, Sandos, Royalton, and others here.
• Some room categories come with spa discounts, resort coupons or credit, or even a special welcome gift that you’d leave behind if you didn’t know it was free.
• There are resorts, like Hotel Xcaret, that include direct airport shuttles and admission to nearby big-ticket attractions.
• Properties you might assume are out of the way may include free private transfers – even by yacht, such as Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres, or helicopter at Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana!
• There are resorts that provide complimentary excursions to towns, jungles, mountains, and more by glass-bottom boat, horseback, and other luxuries. Couples Resorts in Jamaica is one such chain.

However, as you can see, the key to getting the most out of your spring break vacation budget, is to Plan with a Pro. Any ALG Vacations® travel advisor can tell you more about any of these hacks, and better yet, make them work for you and your next trip. Whether you’re looking for a getaway with your sorority sisters, a reunion with some friends, a family vacation somewhere sunny, or a whatever else this spring, Travel Advisors Get You There.

Click here to access our travel advisor search to find a great one near you.