Pittsburgh students opt for budget-friendly spring break
As spring break costs hit record highs, some students ditch pricey trips for budget-friendly staycations, opting to save money and study.
Record-breaking travel costs are reshaping how college students approach their spring break plans in 2025. With average spring break expenses soaring beyond $8,000, according to a study from travel insurance company Squaremouth, many University of Pittsburgh students are getting creative with their time off, choosing budget-friendly alternatives over traditional beach getaways.
Rising costs force students to rethink spring break plans
According to recent Bloomberg reports, spring break travel expenses have hit unprecedented levels, causing many students to reconsider their vacation plans. For Jade Weller, a junior microbiology major, the high costs derailed plans for a Dominican Republic trip with friends.
“I’m kind of like, I should probably save money and use that time to study for exams,” Weller told The Pitt News. “I have a physics exam right when we come back … so there’s a lot of work to do.”
Alternative spring break solutions
Students are finding innovative ways to enjoy their break without breaking the bank. Some, like first-year nursing major Annie Brown, are choosing to return home and spend time with family. Others are leveraging connections to make travel more affordable. First-year business analytics major Braden Barber told The Pitt News that he plans to visit Washington D.C. by staying at his roommate’s house. First-year nursing major Hailey Kirmayer found a cost-effective solution by planning to stay with her grandmother in St. Thomas.
Strategic planning for those who choose to travel
Some students are still managing to travel by making smart financial choices. Senior rehabilitation sciences major Lauren Starr is heading to Puerto Rico but opted for an Airbnb over an all-inclusive resort to reduce expenses. “We did an Airbnb so that we could buy food and we can make breakfast and stuff like that, instead of always going out and buying food,” Starr explained. Airbnbs are making more sense as the cost of traditional hotels has risen substantially since 2019.
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