not featured
2023-03-06
Personal Finance
published
Spring Break Savings Tips
2017-04-24
Get ready for a week of fresh flowers and greens coming your way! Spring break is the time for families to refresh and recharge. With sunshine emerging, flowers blooming, and the frigid cold turning pleasant, you’ll want to enjoy your break with those you cherish.
Wherever you choose to spend your Spring Break, make sure you enjoy it. Having fun doesn’t always have to be hard work, it can be rewarding and relaxing. Remember to breathe in the fresh spring air (maybe take an allergy pill right before for the extra pollen in the air) and smile because you’re here, living life to the fullest.
Take Texas Bay with You Wherever You Go!
- Whether traveling or staying local, if you have a Texas Bay Perks or Premium Perks Checking account, you’ll reap more Spring Break savings and have some protection from life’s little incidents!
- Take your Texas Bay Platinum Rewards Mastercard so you can get cash back on all your purchases. Save money while you enjoy spring with DOULE THE POINTS during the most popular two weeks of Spring Break!
Planning ahead will ensure you have the best Spring Break ever. We have a few tips to keep in mind to keep yourself safe while rewarding yourself.
In this blog:
Tips for Traveling with Small Children
Tips for College Students Traveling for Spring Break
Popular Houston-Area Activities
Tips for Traveling with Small Children
- Plan Ahead: Plan your itinerary with consideration for your children's needs and interests. Choose child-friendly destinations and activities that are age-appropriate.
- Pack Wisely: Pack essential items such as diapers, wipes, extra clothes, snacks, toys, and entertainment to keep your children comfortable and occupied during the journey.
- Travel During Off-Peak Times: Avoid peak travel times if possible to minimize crowds and stress. Consider traveling during off-peak hours to make the experience more relaxed.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared for unexpected delays or changes in plans. Flexibility is key when traveling with children, so try to go with the flow and adapt to any unforeseen circumstances.
- Stay Organized: Keep important documents, medications, snacks, and entertainment easily accessible during your journey. Consider using a backpack or diaper bag with multiple compartments to stay organized.
- Take Breaks: Plan regular breaks during long journeys to allow your children to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and burn off some energy. Breaks also give everyone a chance to recharge and relax.
- Engage Them: Involve your children in the travel experience by talking to them about the destination, pointing out interesting sights along the way, and encouraging them to ask questions and share their thoughts.
- Safety First: Prioritize safety at all times, whether you're traveling by car, plane, train, or other means of transportation. Use car seats, seat belts, and other safety equipment correctly, and supervise your children closely in unfamiliar environments.
- Be Patient and Positive: Traveling with young children can be stressful at times, but try to remain patient and positive throughout the journey. Maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor, and remember to praise your children for good behavior.
- Plan for Downtime: Allow time for downtime and relaxation during your trip. Balancing activities with rest periods can help prevent your children from becoming overstimulated or exhausted.
Tips for Traveling with Teens
- Involve Them in Planning: Include your teens in the trip planning process. Let them have a say in choosing destinations, activities, and accommodations. When teens feel involved, they're more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic during the trip.
- Respect Their Independence: Teens crave independence, so give them some freedom to explore and make choices within reason. Allow them to have some solo time or to hang out with friends they meet along the way.
- Set Expectations and Boundaries: Communicate clear expectations and rules for behavior during the trip. Discuss safety guidelines, curfews, and budget constraints upfront to avoid conflicts later on.
- Encourage Exploration: Encourage your teens to step out of their comfort zones and try new experiences. Whether it's trying local cuisine, participating in adventure activities, or immersing themselves in the local culture, encourage them to embrace the adventure.
- Balance Structure and Flexibility: Strike a balance between planned activities and free time. Allow for spontaneity and flexibility in your itinerary to accommodate your teens' changing interests and preferences.
- Provide Opportunities for Alone Time: Teens may appreciate some alone time to decompress and recharge. Respect their need for privacy and downtime, even if it means spending some time apart during the trip.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected with your teens throughout the trip, but also respect their need for space. Keep communication lines open and check in with them regularly to see how they're doing and if they have any concerns or suggestions.
- Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that teens may experience mood swings or have moments of resistance during the trip. Be patient, listen to their concerns, and try to address any issues calmly and constructively.
- Encourage Learning Opportunities: Use travel as an opportunity for learning and growth. Engage your teens in discussions about the places you visit, their history, culture, and significance. Encourage them to ask questions and explore their interests.
- Create Memories Together: Try to create lasting memories as a family. Take plenty of photos, try new activities together, and enjoy quality time bonding as you explore new destinations.
Tips for College Students Traveling for Spring Break
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you and your friends are willing to spend on the trip. Consider expenses such as transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and nightlife.
- Choose a Destination: Discuss potential destinations with your group and consider factors such as travel time, cost, weather, and activities available. Popular spring break destinations for college students include beach towns like Miami, Cancun, South Padre Island, and Panama City Beach.
- Book Accommodations Early: Once you've chosen a destination, book accommodations well in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Look for budget-friendly options such as hostels, Airbnb rentals, or splitting the cost of a vacation rental with friends.
- Plan Transportation: Decide on the best mode of transportation for your group, whether it's flying, driving, or taking a bus. Book flights or rental cars early to take advantage of lower prices.
- Pack Smart: Pack light but don't forget essential items such as sunscreen, swimsuits, sunglasses, toiletries, and any necessary medications. Consider sharing items like beach towels and sunscreen to save space and money.
- Research Activities: Research and plan activities and excursions that appeal to your group's interests and budget. Whether it's lounging on the beach, trying water sports, exploring local attractions, or attending events and parties, make sure there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Stay Safe: Prioritize safety during your trip by being aware of your surroundings, sticking together as a group, and avoiding risky behavior. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink, and never leave your drink unattended.
- Respect Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with local laws, customs, and cultural norms before arriving at your destination. Be respectful of the local community and avoid behaviors that could be offensive or disrespectful.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your group members and share your plans and whereabouts. Set meeting points and times in case you get separated during activities or nightlife.
- Have Fun and Make Memories: Spring break is a time to relax, have fun, and make memories with friends. Embrace the spontaneity of the experience and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Tips for a Great Staycation
- Set the Right Mindset: Treat your staycation as you would a traditional vacation. Try to disconnect from work and every day responsibilities to fully enjoy your time off.
- Plan Ahead: Just like any vacation, plan your staycation activities. Research local attractions, events, and activities that you've always wanted to try but haven't had the chance to explore yet.
- Explore Your City: Take the opportunity to explore the Houston area as if you were a tourist. Visit museums, parks, historical sites, and other points of interest that you may not have had the chance to see before. Check out some of the more popular activities in the Houston area below and there’s always more to find!
- Indulge in Relaxation: Treat yourself to some relaxation and pampering during your staycation. Book a massage, visit a spa, or simply spend a day lounging by the pool or at the beach.
- Unplug and Reconnect: Take a break from screens and technology during your staycation to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Spend quality time with family and friends, play board games, or have a picnic in the park.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Explore local restaurants, cafes, and food markets to indulge in delicious cuisine without the need for reservations or travel. Good thing Houston has an abundant number of worldwide cuisines. Create a list of different countries’ food you want to try and target a restaurant each day. Travel and enjoy the tastes of the world right from the comfort of the Greater Houston area.
- Document Your Experience: Capture memories of your staycation by taking photos or keeping a journal of your experiences. Reflect on what you enjoyed most and what you'd like to do differently next time.
- Relax and Unwind: Remember that the goal of a staycation is to relax and unwind, so don't feel pressured to fill every moment with activities. Take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being at home.
Popular Houston-Area Activities
- Museum District: If you’ve got curious little ones who like to explore beyond their horizon.
- Discovery Green: Spend a day in the sun and cool breeze and experience an interactive park created just for Houston families.
- Miller Outdoor Theatre: It’s free and the entertainment is kid-friendly! Covered seating is free, but requires an assigned ticket. So, get that online as soon you know what show you want to see!
- Space Center Houston: With more than 400 space-related artifacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work.
- Galveston: There’s The Strand, Moody Gardens, Tall Ship Elissa, Pleasure Pier, beaches, small eateries along the Seawall, and so much more!
- Want to do it all? Check out the Houston CityPASS which offers a package discount to 5 attractions: Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Kemah Boardwalk, Children’s Museum Houston, and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.