Spring Break Travel Ideas (and How to Keep It Budget-Friendly)
Spring Break sneaks up fast every year. One minute you’re packing up Christmas decorations, and the next thing you know, everyone’s talking about blue water, palm trees, and where they’re headed in March. If you’re already daydreaming about a getaway, you’re in good company. Now is the perfect time to start planning, before flight prices climb and hotel rooms disappear.
Here are some fun, doable travel ideas to get the wheels turning — along with a few ways to keep your budget from going rogue.
1. Quick Beach Getaways (4–6 hours from Waco)
Sometimes all you need is sand, sun, and a tote bag full of good intentions. These spots are perfect if you want to unwind without burning all your vacation days:
Galveston – Close, family-friendly, and full of great seafood.
South Padre Island – A classic Spring Break choice with calmer areas for families.
Port Aransas & Mustang Island – Relaxed, clean beaches with plenty of charm.
Pro tip: South Padre isn’t just about beach time. It’s also home to meaningful, hands-on experiences that kids (and adults) actually remember. The Sea Turtle, Inc. rescue center lets visitors see rescued sea turtles up close while learning how conservation efforts protect marine life along the Texas coast. Just down the road, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center offers peaceful boardwalks, observation towers, and the chance to spot migrating birds in their natural habitat. It’s a perfect balance of fun and learning, especially for families who want a break from nonstop beach lounging.
Money-saving tip: Both attractions are budget-friendly and make excellent half-day outings, giving you memorable experiences without adding big-ticket costs to your trip.
2. Hill Country Escapes
Not a beach person? No problem. Central Texas has some gems:
Fredericksburg – Wine, shopping, and more restaurants than you can reasonably try in three days.
Wimberley – Quiet, artsy, and full of scenic hikes… with a surprising dose of adventure thanks to Wimberley Zipline Adventures.
Marble Falls – Great for families who want lakes, small-town charm, and easy drives.
Pro tip: Wimberley is a great pick if your group can’t agree on relaxing versus doing things. You can spend the morning browsing local shops or hiking along Cypress Creek, then spend the afternoon flying through the trees on one of Texas’ longest zipline courses. It’s exciting without being intimidating, and especially popular with teens and older kids who want something more memorable than another stroll through town.
Money-saving tip: Zipline spots often offer midweek discounts or bundle pricing. Booking early can lock in lower rates and better time slots.
3. Big-City Adventures
Catch the famous twice-daily cattle drives at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Sometimes it’s fun to lean into the energy of a busier Spring Break:
San Antonio – River Walk, museums, the Alamo, and kid-friendly attractions.
Austin – Music, food trucks, and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Dallas/Fort Worth – Museums, sports, endless dining options, and the Fort Worth Stockyards for a true Texas experience.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a Spring Break trip that mixes culture, food, and something genuinely memorable, DFW delivers. The Fort Worth Stockyards are especially fun for families and first-time visitors. You’ll find walkable streets, western shops, live music, great barbecue, and the famous twice-daily cattle drives that make kids’ eyes light up and adults reach for their phones. Pair it with world-class museums or a ballgame, and you’ve got a trip that feels full without feeling frantic.
Money-saving tip: Many Stockyards attractions are free to explore, making it easy to build a fun day without blowing your budget.
4. Road Trips That Don’t Require a Passport or a 5-Hour Flight
If you’re up for a longer drive but not quite ready for airport chaos:
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Stunning scenery and amazing food.
Hot Springs, Arkansas – Affordable, underrated, and full of natural beauty.
Gulf Shores, Alabama – Beautiful beaches with smaller crowds.
Pro tip: Road trips are a Spring Break favorite because they’re flexible and forgiving. You can stop when you want, detour for something interesting, and skip the stress that comes with airport lines and baggage fees. Destinations like Santa Fe and Hot Springs offer something a little different — art, history, scenic drives, and experiences that feel special without being expensive. And if you’re craving white sand but fewer crowds, Gulf Shores delivers big vacation vibes without big-city chaos.
Money-saving tip: Build one intentional “splurge stop” into your trip and keep the rest simple. One memorable meal or attraction beats overspending everywhere else.
5. Staycation Magic
Let’s be honest — sometimes the best vacation is the one where you sleep in your own bed. Try:
A DIY spa day
A themed movie night
A backyard campout (bonus points for a simple s’mores bar)
Trying a new restaurant or two
Exploring local museums or attractions you’ve always “meant to visit”
Pro tip: A backyard campout doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel special. A few blankets, a fire pit or grill, and a build-your-own s’mores station with classic chocolate, peanut butter cups, or caramel squares can turn an ordinary night into a memory everyone talks about long after Spring Break is over.
Money-saving tip: Create a mini-budget just for your staycation so it still feels like an experience, not “we stayed home and did laundry.”
Smart Money Tips for Spring Break
A few easy ways to keep your travel plans running smoothly:
Plan your travel budget before you book. Knowing what you want to spend on lodging, food, and activities helps curb overspending fueled by excitement. (We’ve all been there.)
Check your credit score before making big purchases. A quick peek at SavvyMoney in online or mobile banking helps you stay informed and confident before you buy.
Use your debit or credit card wisely. Cards are generally safer than cash and come with protections if they’re lost or stolen.
Keep your accounts close at hand. Online and mobile banking make it easy to check balances, monitor charges, set alerts, and track spending in real time.
Give yourself permission to enjoy it. Whether you’re going somewhere new or staying close to home, Spring Break should feel like a breather, not a burden.
Need a Little Extra Flexibility?
Even with the best planning, Spring Break can come with a few extra expenses: travel deposits, accommodations booked in advance, or preparing your car for a road trip. If you’d rather spread those costs out instead of putting everything on a credit card, a small personal loan can offer breathing room.
Our personal loan special lets you borrow up to $2,000, repay it over 12 months, and enjoy an interest rate as low as 6.25% APR*. It’s a simple, predictable way to cover short-term needs while keeping your budget intact.
Offer available through January 31, 2026.
Final Thought
Spring Break doesn’t have to be extravagant to be memorable. With a little early planning and some smart budgeting, you can create a getaway that feels good on the soul and the wallet. And if you need help setting savings goals or exploring your financial options, we’re always here to help.
Enjoy the planning — it’s half the fun.
Author: Shelley Carlson, EVP of Marketing and Relationship Management for 1st University Credit Union. She’s passionate about helping members make smart money moves and live life with confidence.