Spring is in the air, so it’s time to start planning your spring break. Whether you’re a college student looking to get away or a family looking for a fun vacation, planning a spring break can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Over the years, I’ve managed to turn trip planning into a fun, relaxed activity, and in this article I share my tips for planning a spring break trip.
From choosing the perfect destination to packing like a pro, I’ve got you covered. This guide will give you all the information you need to have a fantastic spring break trip. So get ready to say goodbye to winter and welcome warmer weather with our essential spring travel tips.
The weather can be gloomy
Spring weather means the day can start with rain and end in sunshine, or it can start with warm temperatures and end with snow (in some directions, not everywhere, obviously).
I traveled in mid-spring to the Black Sea, where I had warm weather and snow in my hometown (Bucharest, capital of Romania). And it was the beginning of May. I went to Paris in March and it was windy and cold (and raining most days).
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changes in temperature and precipitation. Hint. pack clothes that can be layered and be sure to check the local weather forecast before you go. Get ready for the rain. I usually have a compact umbrella or waterproof clothing and shoes.
Multitudes
Spring Break and Easter can be busy travel periods, so expect larger crowds at popular destinations. Tips: To avoid disappointment, consider visiting less popular destinations and booking accommodation and activities in advance.
I will also add here that in many places there is congestion throughout the year. Knowing that you can meet them, expect them, will reduce anxiety.
When I visited the Louvre/Museum d’Orsay in Paris, even though it was March, I knew they would not be empty. These museums are never empty. But expecting them to be crowded helped me. I didn’t let that stop me from enjoying my visit.
On the other hand, at the Palace of Versailles, there was no line. It was really cool to be able to get in there when we got there. we didn’t buy tickets online.
So visiting in the spring had its advantages. The negative side. The gardens were not ready, there were a few trees and soil, they expected to organize in the spring…
Events related to local customs and traditions
Spring is a season of renewal and new beginnings in many cultures. The rebirth of nature is celebrated in many countries through special events.
Hint. Research local customs and traditions in the country/region you plan to visit on your spring break to fully appreciate and respect the culture of your destination and enjoy local events.
Expect crowds at special festivals – Sakura in Japan, etc.
Prepare for an allergy flare-up…
Spring is the season for flowers and trees to bloom, which can trigger allergies in some people. Hint. If you are prone to allergies, consider taking allergy medication or bringing an air purifier with you.
… and for colds
Considering the unfavorable weather, you may catch a cold. It is better to be prepared. maybe have some medicines in your travel bag that you know work for you.
I admit, I usually have a medical kit like this with me: a few pills (pain meds, allergy), nasal spray, and wound dressing (I get blisters when I walk a lot during the day, so… I need help).
(Try) Pack light
I admit, I’m the type of person who packs for rainy days, even during the summer. I like to be ready. Fall and spring trips involve a lot more clothing than summer vacations, but even if you need to be prepared for all possible conditions, you should still try to pack light.
Hint. To make your trip more manageable and stress-free, pack only the essentials and avoid overloading. For example, I was not prepared for the rain in Paris, but I bought a compact umbrella there and now it is also a great reminder of that trip, so it turned into a souvenir.
Stay safe!
Safety should come first no matter what season it is or where you are traveling. So you’ll see this tip in all of my articles, not just this list of spring break travel tips.
Be aware of your surroundings, avoid dangerous areas and practice basic safety measures such as not leaving valuables unattended.
Enjoy the local culture and cuisine
Take the opportunity to try new foods and experience the local culture by dining at local restaurants and markets. Why is this tip on this list of travel tips for your next spring trip? Simple. Because I see a lot of people who travel and cling to the familiar. Obviously it’s a safe and good option, but it’s also a good idea to try as much of everything local as possible, including the food and culture.
Budget wisely
Next on this list of spring travel tips is budgeting.
Hint. set a realistic budget for your trip and stick to it to avoid overspending.
What does this mean?
This means that if you have a tight budget, you should plan your expenses in advance. fixed expenses (flight tickets, accommodation, meals/day, entrance tickets, etc.), variable expenses (plan to have some spare money for souvenirs or unexpected expenses), but other than that, try to stick to the available budget.
Pay attention to road conditions
In some areas, spring may bring melting snow and rain, leading to muddy and slippery roads. Hint. check road condition updates and be prepared for possible delays.
If you are traveling by car, make sure there are no restrictions that will affect your route and that the weather will be good for your journey (no heavy rain/flooding).
Outdoor recreation conditions
Next on this list of spring break trips are for people who like to go hiking or camping.
Yes, spring is a popular time for outdoor recreation, but? Hint. be sure to check for park closures or trail conditions due to weather or maintenance.
Discounts
Since spring is not the best time to visit every country/city on the planet, depending on your destination, you can get some discounts (air tickets, accommodation).
Hint. plan your spring break in advance and take advantage of all possible special offers.
Choosing where to go next can be an easy or stressful decision. Let’s make it simple with these tips.
Consider your preferences as well as the people you travel with.
Then decide if you want a spring venue with a special event or not – If you want to enjoy Sakura, you will definitely choose Japan.
Decide what kind of weather you want on your spring break. there are spring breaks with hot weather, others with normal spring weather that can be dreary, rainy, and cold.
Decide if you want to travel over the Easter break or not. Spring trips can sometimes coincide with the Easter break. This means that some destinations can be very crowded. It also means special Easter events and fairs, but also special timings for shops (on days they are closed) and museums and other attractions.
Find out how long this spring break trip will take – Will you have 2-3 days or 1-2 weeks? Based on that, your luggage will be different, your itinerary, etc.
What is your available budget for this spring break? Answering this question will allow you to choose several spring destinations and then choose the final one for this year.
Other tips:
Since these are more common recommendations and things to look out for, I list them without too much detail as they are self-explanatory;
- do your research. which attractions are closed for maintenance, the weather (mentioned above), routes/routes, possible free entry days at the tourist sites you wish to visit;
- visa – check if you need one, and if you do, see how you can get one.
- travel insurance – it is always recommended to have travel insurance – and health insurance.
- check special requirements – Covid-19 meant that some tests had to be carried out close to departure or required vaccinations. Check to see what (if any) special requirements are.
Conclusion
Spring travel can be fun. It’s sure to be a great way to relax and unwind before the summer break.
If you plan your spring break ahead of time and use the spring break travel tips included above, you’ll be able to have a stress-free spring break. Remember to always enjoy every experience and always live in the moment.
Photo sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4