10 Spring Break Travel Tips for an Epic Vacation

There's nothing quite like spring break. Winter's over and spirits are high — but so is demand! The kids are out of school, the students are off from university, and it's often one of the few extended breaks during the year when families and friends can actually get their calendars to align. This typically means higher prices, bigger crowds and limited availability. But don't worry, they don't call us Travel Experts for nothing!

Our top spring break travel tips will make sure your well-earned vacation time is equally well-spent. From saving money and avoiding the crowds to planning ahead and organizing your travel documents, we're here to help you get the most out of your next trip.

• Book flights, accommodation and activities early
• Double check your passport and visa requirements now
• Take the road (or flight path!) less travelled
• Look for all-inclusive vacation packages
• Consider taking out travel insurance
• Make a packing list for all the essentials
• Learn the local language
• Allow extra time at the airport
• Share your travel plans with someone back home
• Schedule some downtime

Remember those higher prices and the limited availability we mentioned? Well, one of the best (and easiest) ways to jet off on a spring break trip that doesn't break the bank is by planning ahead and booking early. As a major vacation period, particularly for families and students, there's a lot of demand and you'll likely find all the best spots have been snapped up if you leave it too late to book.

It's a good idea to start looking for spring break flights, vacation packages, tours, cruises and other activities around October or November so that you can enjoy the best prices, availability and flexibility in your travel dates. Need help planning the perfect getaway? Get in touch with one of our Travel Experts today to get the ball rolling!

Nothing puts a damper on spring break like discovering last-minute that your passport is expiring, you actually do need that visa or you're missing a destination-specific vaccine required for entry.

If you're travelling internationally for spring break, we'd like to invite you to take a few moments now (or when booking your trip) to double check important information like your destination's entry requirements and to make sure you've got at least six months' validity on your passport. This should give you enough time to get organized if you do need to apply for a new passport, obtain a visa, catch up on routine vaccines or confirm any other travel requirements specific to your destination before making your way to the airport.

There's a reason travellers flock to iconic spring break destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean every year. The sunny skies, pristine sandy beaches and diverse local cultures are quite the drawcard! But it's worth remembering that the world is filled with equally exciting (and less crowded) places just waiting to be explored.

Try swapping popular vacation spots for up-and-coming international travel destinations or a closer-to-home trip within Canada. Got your heart set on those classic beach vacay vibes? Trade popular destinations like Jamaica or the Dominican Republic with smaller Caribbean islands for a more low-key getaway.

If you've ever returned home from vacation only to find your bank balance looking a little more depleted than anticipated, it might be a good idea to set a stricter spending budget for yourself. And a great way to do this is by booking an all-inclusive vacation package.

While the prices may seem slightly higher at first glance, these deals often cover everything from your accommodation and fun kids' clubs to food, snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages in some cases), giving you a clear idea of how much the trip is going to cost right from the get-go. 

Even though you'll hopefully never use it, we always recommend taking out an appropriate travel insurance policy when booking a vacation. Along with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your trip is protected, travel insurance can provide important medical care in destinations where you may be without health insurance or cover you in case of delays or other unexpected issues.

Planning a ski trip in Whistler or a Caribbean cruise? Don't forget that some vacation activities (like snow sports and cruising, for example) may require additional coverage, so it's important to do your research before buying. Contact one of our Travel Experts for more information or help selecting the right policy for your vacation.

Ever made it to your hotel while on vacation only to find that one thing you can't live without didn't quite make it into your luggage? Skip the unnecessary shopping trip on day one of your spring break by making a packing list to cover off all the essentials.

Your packing list will obviously look a little different depending on where you're going. For example, you might be able to get away with a carry-on when packing for a beach vacation, while a cold-climate snow trip will likely involve some extra gear! Here are some essentials to get you started:

• Passport and important documents
• Weather-appropriate clothing to wear
• Phone chargers and a portable power bank
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle
• Any required medication (in its original packaging) and a basic first-aid kit to stay healthy while travelling

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the cultures of other countries and to get a true taste of local life is by learning at least the basics of the language. Don't worry, we're not suggesting you prepare to speak fluent Spanish before travelling to Mexico or French before visiting Québec — but we are saying that a few rounds of Duolingo never hurt anybody and will help you make the most of your trip!

Okay, so we know no one wants to spend any longer in the airport than they have to when on vacation. After all, there are so many other ways to spend your hard-earned time off! But if you're travelling during spring break, we'd definitely recommend getting to the airport a little earlier than normal to enjoy a stress-free flying experience.

As one of the busier travel periods, you'll want to make sure you've got plenty of time up your sleeve to account for longer lines and wait times, particularly at your airline's bag drop and when going through security. It's also worth checking in online wherever possible and making sure you've got your airport transport organized in advance. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambles on the day and is especially helpful if you're a nervous flyer.

Between the different time zones and busy itineraries, it can be easy (and, let's be honest, somewhat tempting!) to go off the grid while on vacation. But while there's nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of a digital detox, staying connected with family members back home — even if it's just a quick message to check in — is important when it comes to ensuring safe travels.

It's a good idea to share a copy of your itinerary and travel plans with someone at home, and to keep an eye on the Government of Canada's travel advice and advisories resources for up-to-date safety and travel information while visiting other countries.

Last, but certainly not least… while planned activities and a well-structured itinerary are a great way to make the most of your spring break vacation, don't forget to pencil in some free time here and there, too. Particularly if you're travelling with the family or young kids, you'll want to make sure everyone has a bit of downtime to relax, unwind and recharge their batteries. After all, no one wants to get home from vacation feeling like they need a vacation!

Ready to put these spring break travel tips into practice? Find a travel deal today or get in touch with one of our Travel Experts to start planning the perfect trip.