The ridiculous amounts of pollen in the air (sniff) tell me that it is undoubtedly sneaking up on Spring Break time once again. This time of year is always just a little bittersweet for me; in one way, I’m reminded that unlike all you book-bound saps, I don’t have to go back to class in a few days, but on the other hand, I don’t get built-in vacation days. So I guess I’m still jealous. Regardless, if you’re in school or simply choosing these newly warm days to take a holiday, you’re likely looking for every way you can to pinch some pennies. Lucky for you, I’m always broke and I’m addicted to exploring new places. Thus, I pass on my tips for Spring Break travel-on-the-cheap to you, my friends. Happy trails.

Fake travel

There really is no substitute for being in a new place and soaking up all that a new environment has to offer. That said, if you and your pals are feeling a little hungry in the wallet, pick your ideal exotic locale and organize a theme party! I swear, it’s not as lame as it sounds. You get to research the local foods, music, dancing, clothes – everything that you would learn if you did have the money to actually go there. It may not be the same thing, but getting your friends in on the action and planning an over-the-top travel-themed party is still a fun and festive way to distract yourself from a homebound Spring Break.

Couch Surfing

Websites like CouchSurfing.org get my vote as the number one greatest thing to happen in travel since the airplane (and actually, I hate flying, so couch surfing still might be number one.) These communities allow you to hook up with people (literally) all over the world who have spare rooms, couches, and hammocks, are let them out to travelers. For free. Seriously, what could be better than free accommodations? Oh, I know – free accommodations with actual locals who are sure to give you an infinitely more authentic experience no matter where you go. And on the flip side of that, you can in turn sign yourself up to host people. A seriously beautiful way to travel for free and make new faraway friends.

Be okay with breaking a sweat

One of the biggest wastes of money when traveling, in my dear opinion, is renting a car. Granted, in some cities, it’s not really optional. But the truth is, too many people simply assume that renting wheels is the way to go because it’s what they’re used to at home. Isn’t the whole point of traveling to experience life in a different way? Word of advice: research ahead and find out how the locals most commonly get around and follow suit. If they bike, rent bikes. If they walk, pack comfy shoes. Research public transportation. Not only will you save money (car rental places just love to overcharge tourists), but when your every move is more of an adventure than just driving from point A to point B, you’ll find you and your companions getting so much more richness from every part of your vacation experience.

Get in trouble – just a little

Perhaps the things that makes traveling during Spring Break such an expensive endeavor is the fact that airlines, hotels and everyone else making a buck off the travel game all know that you want to get away. Because so does everyone else, which makes this time of year especially pricey. If you’re in school, chances are that all the other schools in your city are going on Spring Break at about the same time. Which means that flying out of that city, to anywhere, on that day is going to cost more than pretty much any other day. If you can swing it, and not get in too much trouble in your classes, try booking your flight out for you and your pals a few days before Spring Break actually starts. Flights are almost guaranteed to be cheaper than what the rest of your classmates are going to pay just a couple days later. You might get a slap on the wrist when you get back to school, but you will have saved money…and had a slightly longer vacation than everyone else. Totally worth it.