Spring break is right around the corner, and you’ve got no plans and no money. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Read on for fun spring break trip ideas you can take without breaking the bank, in order from least to most expensive!
Take the Amtrak to Chi-Town
Amtrak ticket for only $73 to Chicago? Sign me up! The Syracuse Amtrak goes all the way to Chicago, and right now, tickets are only $73 one-way. Plus, Amtrak offers a 15% student discount when booked at least one day in advance. I know what you’re thinking—hotels must be astronomical. If you’re committed to affordability, you can find hostels for as low as $32 a night! So with the Amtrak ticket and four nights in a hostel, that’s only around $200! Are you sacrificing a bit of time with the 13-hour Amtrak and a bit of comfort with the hostel? Maybe, but that cost for a four-night trip to Chicago can’t be beat.
New York City Trip
Who doesn’t love a trip to the city? Amtrak has tickets to NYC starting at $51 one-way. Hotels in New York can often be the big hitter—in the heart of the city, they average $500 a night! The best way to get around this is to book a hotel in Brooklyn. Downtown Brooklyn is one of the nicest parts of the borough, with tons of shops and restaurants; it’s a desirable place for young people to stay. The Sheraton Brooklyn is located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn and has rooms available for $110 per night, and Aloft New York has rooms available for as little as $105 per night. It’s also super easy to get into the city from Brooklyn using the subway, with the express train getting you there in 15 minutes! A New York City trip can be made super doable from Syracuse, as long as you plan and budget right.
Take a Cruise to the Bahamas
A cruise to the Bahamas?! That sounds expensive!
Cruises are typically regarded as expensive excursions, but in most cases, they’re much cheaper than your average vacation. Check out this Bahamas cruise sailing out from Miami—it’s a four-day cruise starting at just $275! This ship has tons of amenities, including multiple pools, a spa, tons of restaurants, classes, live music performances and even a bowling alley! This short, super fun vacation idea is perfect for solo travelers or those looking for an affordable, relaxing vacation. If you’re a beach lover on a budget, you’re going to want to book this one!
Go on a Caribbean Cruise
If you still want a cruise, but are looking for a couple more days and a few more destinations, this option is for you. This seven-day cruise with Norwegian Dawn makes four stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras, providing the perfect beach vacation across the Americas. For a week of cruise fun, rates start at around $500 per person! Additionally, this ship offers both an indoor and outdoor pool, an entire theater and tons of restaurant options. If you’re looking for a vacation that feels extravagant but doesn’t drain your piggy bank, this option is for you.
Spring break doesn’t have to be pricey or overplanned to be memorable. However you spend it, enjoy the break once it gets here!
Written by Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University. Contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to learn more about best practice travel safety tips today! DPS is always available and eager to help students support safety both on and off campus.