7 tips for planning your spring break getaway

Every March, families and students eagerly hit the vacation trail for the annual ritual of spring break! We’ve pulled together some handy planning tips to help you organize your getaway and make sure everyone has a great time.

1. Read up on your destination 

Once you reach your destination, you’ll want to make the most of every minute. That’s why it’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time. Read up on local culture, food, and customs before you leave. Find out what kind of weather to expect. Everything you learn ahead of time can help you plan accordingly.

Peruse travel blogs and guidebooks to find out about local attractions and activities. Better yet, ask for tips from people who are familiar with your destination and make a note of their suggestions. Tourist destinations also typically have an official travel website you can visit to explore accommodation options, upcoming events, popular activities, and safety tips.

If you have Québec Blue Cross travel insurance, our travel assistance service can help fill you in on recommended vaccinations, entry and exit requirements for the country you’re visiting, and more.

2. Create a realistic schedule 

When you only have a week to fit in everything you want to do, it’s easy to overload your schedule. To keep things fun, it’s better to make a realistic plan.

One key aspect to consider is travel time. Along with the time it takes to get to your destination, you also need to factor in travel time between activities once you’re there. Whether you’re planning an action-packed week or looking for some well-earned rest, you’ll want to maximize fun time and minimize travel time.

3. Plan ahead and make reservations 

Simple, but true: You need to be well organized to make the most of spring break travel. Flights and accommodations for popular destinations are in high demand—and that’s reflected in pricing and availability. So set a budget and start shopping early so you can compare different options. Once you’ve picked your destination, check out different travel websites to make your reservations.

In addition to transportation and accommodation, you can also reserve for the activities you really don’t want to miss That way, you can avoid long lineups—a huge advantage when you want to enjoy every moment to the fullest.

To help you plan, there are plenty of useful apps available in the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS) for creating itineraries, managing your budget, and more.

4. Team up and save 

Group bookings are a great way to reduce your spring break expenses. If you’re planning a ski trip with your kids, for example, why not invite another family to join you?  

You could pool your resources to share the cost of renting a large house instead of each paying for a hotel room. And you could save on food, too, by sharing groceries and cooking together. Another bonus: Your kids will be happy to have playmates. 

If you’re a student, you could cut costs by sharing a hotel room with friends or booking at a youth hostel.

5. Choose travel insurance tailored to your needs 

Choosing a comprehensive, flexible travel insurance plan like the one offered by Québec Blue Cross means you can enjoy spring break knowing you’re well protected against the unexpected.  

Whether you’re heading off on an adventure by car or plane, as soon as you leave your province of residence, travel insurance can protect you in the event of injury, illness, or other unforeseen events. 

With Québec Blue Cross coverage options like Emergency Medical Care, Trip Cancellation or Interruption, Accidental Death or Dismemberment, and Baggage, you can get a customized travel insurance that meets your or your family’s needs.  

Our travel insurance is also a great way to save money when travelling out of province, as we provide the Emergency Medical Care coverage for dependent children* free of charge.

6. Enjoy your vacation to the fullest - responsibly 

Can’t wait to kick back and bask in the sun? To make the most out of your vacation, it’s important to take precautions and put your health first.

Remember to wear sunscreen and try to stick to the shade when the sun is high in the sky. 

And keep in mind that the effects of alcohol tend to increase when you’re out in the sun, contributing to dehydration and even heat stroke. That’s why it’s best to drink in moderation.

It’s also important to know that medical expenses related to an illness or injury caused by excessive alcohol consumption aren’t covered by travel insurance.

7. Get creative 

Sunny beaches and snowy slopes aren’t the only places to enjoy spring break. You can also check your city’s website for family-friendly activities on offer that week. Take the opportunity to visit museums and attend cultural and sporting events while they’re less crowded than in summer. Spring break is also a perfect time to savor local delights at sugar shacks, from Ontario to the Maritimes. And for a tropical vibe that doesn’t require a plane ride, why not visit an indoor water park?

With a little planning and imagination, you’ll find plenty to do for an unforgettable week. In the end, no matter what you decide, the important thing is to make the most of it!