By: Miriam Bribiesca
We’ve been daydreaming about escaping the mundane grind of classes and part-time jobs for a quick, rejuvenating trip. But as a college student, we understand that burning through precious PTO (or your nonexistent stash of it) is probably a no-go.
But, what if we told you there are ways to hack your calendar and snag mini vacations without sacrificing grades, internships, or your bank account? That’s right! Grab your planner and highlighters because we are about to show you in three simple steps how to use long weekends and transform them into full blown adventures. Let’s go!
Step One: Know Your Dates
Diving right in, let’s list out those three-day weekends that can transform into four or even five-day escapes.
- President’s Day: Pair it with a Friday off for a winter weekend escape and boom you got yourself a 4 day weekend.
- Memorial Day: Another Monday holiday! For this holiday we also recommend taking off the Friday for prime to maximize your spring summer vibes.
- Independence Day: This patriotic holiday sometimes offers a built-in three-day weekend. Perfect for mid-summer fun.
- Labor Day: Close out your summer in style. Pair it with a cheeky Friday off for one last warm-weather hurrah.
- Thanksgiving Weekend: If your class schedule allows, book the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for a five-day stretch.
Pro Tip: For students with flexible schedules, these holidays can even stack with personal days or skipped classes (we promise we won’t tell).
Step Two: Pick Easy and Affordable Destinations
You don’t need a trust fund to explore the world and these three locations are perfect for a weekend getaway from the states that offer good food, adventure, and our favorite, savings:
- Bacalar, Mexico
Known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” Bacalar is a hidden gem with crystal clear freshwater, cenotes, and incredible views of the ocean. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid tourist traps or worn out locations. You know… it starts with T and ends with ULUM. No shade!
We recommend flying into Chetumal Airport and taking a short Uber or bus ride to Bacalar. Affordable waterfront bungalows and hostels make this a wallet friendly option. Plus you’ll probably spend the majority of your time enjoying the beauty of the town, so accommodations are not the highest priority.
This experience is perfect for President’s Day for “cooler” weather and serene lagoons (by cooler we really mean 70 degrees which is in fact perfect weather).
- Banff, Canada
For college students, Banff offers a magical escape from the routine, with activities ranging from budget-friendly hostel stays to cool outdoor adventures. And whether you’re looking to stargaze under clear skies and take it slow or plow through the snow with your buddies, this Canadian gem delivers the kind of experiences that will make you forget about all your deadlines (at least temporarily).
Book flights early and grab a group to split a cabin or hostel. We hear Banff’s shoulder season offers lower prices and fewer tourists. So naturally, Memorial Day weekend is ideal for your wallet and for your feed to capture those iconic lake views.
- Puerto Rico
No passport? No problem! Puerto Rico is just a short flight away and ready to welcome all with its blend of beaches, history, and a nightlife that is truly unmatched.
If you find yourself in major hubs like NYC, LA or Orlando airlines often offer tickets at discounted prices, but if you’re not in any major city we got you. You can take a peek at our exclusive student deals so you can go to PR and try their famous Mofongos!
This experience is perfect for Labor Day weekend. What better way to squeeze out the last bit of summer sunshine? We’ll wait… Exactly.
Step Three: Get the Deals
Thanks to the internet we all know better than to pay full price. So, here are some insider hacks to keep your trip as affordable as your college meal plan:
- Sign Up for Flight Alerts: While tracking flights is definitely a good idea, students like you can get extra discounts by going through our ScholarTrip website. You are very welcome!
- Cash in Credit Card Rewards: If you’ve got a student credit card, check for travel rewards or cashback perks to cut down on costs. Of course, be responsible with your money and stay on track with your budget. Dad’s orders!
- Book Flights On Off Days: We recommend traveling on Thursday night and return Monday evening for cheaper flights and an extra day of adventure.
- Pack Smart: Because you’re only there a short while, why not skip the checked bag fees and simply stick to a personal item? You’ll be glad you did when you step out of the flight unbothered and ready to hit the ground running.
While your parents might just see a three day weekend as an opportunity to slow down, we know you’re all about new experiences and getting it done. And if you have learned anything from this article is that you don’t always need to wait for summer or spring break to see the world. With a little planning, 2025 will be the year you went on unforgettable weekend escapes.
Remember to book early, stay flexible, and take advantage of our exclusive flight deals! The world’s too big to stay stuck in your dorm, so start plotting your 72 hour escapes now.
