how to do spring break on a budget

[tequilaaaaaa]

basically, i'm a student that travels a lot and whilst i have the money to blow lots in one week, i'd rather not as i'm planning more trips in the next couple of months. I am going for 6 nights and I want to spend less than $400. is this realistic/possible?

what kind of things that I wouldn't think to include in my budget should i include?

We're going self-catered... but i don't eat much. One meal a day is more than enough. In sunny weather, I eat even less... 2 slices of pizza a day will be fine. So, I'm not expecting to spend much on food at all.

Staying at the gran melia and apparently we get $200 hotel credit to spend between us... But I'm thinking this is a con/ a lie? Anyone know?

We're not fussed on getting day passes at other hotels. we will be getting a couple of bottles of stuff in duty free each to pregame with.

Big question really is at night... Is going to a big club necessary every night? I like the sound of senor frogs and defo want to go to the city... just wondered if anyone ever just goes to the smaller bars, where you don't have to pay $60 to get in.

[HammieJ]

ohhh yes! Slices, Terrasta, Congo, and Dos Equis (XX) are my best friends! Depending on what time you go it's usually free to get in. I know only ONE time last year, XX MADE us pay 20 bucks for an all you can drink bracelet(even though i told them i didnt want to drink) all of these bars have bracelets you can buy from $15-$25 for all you can drink..... but its more fun to get tanked at your hotel then just go with the flow and dance with chicks (or in my case dudes) for free!

[ChadD]

Originally Posted by tequilaaaaaa

basically, i'm a student that travels a lot and whilst i have the money to blow lots in one week, i'd rather not as i'm planning more trips in the next couple of months. I am going for 6 nights and I want to spend less than $400. is this realistic/possible?

what kind of things that I wouldn't think to include in my budget should i include?

We're going self-catered... but i don't eat much. One meal a day is more than enough. In sunny weather, I eat even less... 2 slices of pizza a day will be fine. So, I'm not expecting to spend much on food at all.

Staying at the gran melia and apparently we get $200 hotel credit to spend between us... But I'm thinking this is a con/ a lie? Anyone know?

We're not fussed on getting day passes at other hotels. we will be getting a couple of bottles of stuff in duty free each to pregame with.

Big question really is at night... Is going to a big club necessary every night? I like the sound of senor frogs and defo want to go to the city... just wondered if anyone ever just goes to the smaller bars, where you don't have to pay $60 to get in.

It's definitely possible, although slightly more difficult. As you said you're getting your own booze at duty free, so that should do you during the day. The larger clubs aren't necessary, Senor Frogs I believe is $45 open bar. As far as smaller clubs/bars go, Slices remains a CC favorite due to the $15 open bar. You can actually go to Frogs without paying for open bar if you want to, then walk out to the OXXO across the street and throw back a few beers on the sidewalk and go back to Frogs.

And as far as this $200 credit to the Melia goes, I'd like to know where mine is at?


Now that I think about it, I recall one night they had a mechanical bull set up in front of Frogs, I just hung outside in the lounge chairs with a sixer of Sol with everyone watching it.

[tequilaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by ChadD

It's definitely possible, although slightly more difficult. As you said you're getting your own booze at duty free, so that should do you during the day. The larger clubs aren't necessary, Senor Frogs I believe is $45 open bar. As far as smaller clubs/bars go, Slices remains a CC favorite due to the $15 open bar. You can actually go to Frogs without paying for open bar if you want to, then walk out to the OXXO across the street and throw back a few beers on the sidewalk and go back to Frogs.

And as far as this $200 credit to the Melia goes, I'd like to know where mine is at?

Ohh good. How much are we talking for drink prices if you're not paying for open bar?

We booked through Orbitz and it said that we got it as a special offer when we booked.

'
Terms and conditions -

$200 Resort Credit.
APPLIES ON SPECIFIC SELECTED HOTEL CONSUMPTION.
-$5 Breakfast Buffet for 1 adult
-$15 Relaxing Massage 50 min
-$30 Couples Massage Roses and Chocolate 50 min
-$5 Spa Manicure 40 min
-$12 Raw Earth Stone Pedicure 80 min
-$10 Nami Sushi Lounge
-$12 Tempo restaurant
-$12 Ku nah restaurant
-$24 Private Romantic Beach Dinner
-$5 Bottle of wine. Red (Miguel Tempranillo Grenache) Rose (Uriel Adobe de Gpe) White (Vionta Albari?o)
-$15 Bathing Suites or signature linen clothing at "The Store"
-$5 Food & Beverage The market
-$40 Room upgrade
-$15 Green Fee at our Excecutive Golf Course 9 holes par 3'

[hw711]

Originally Posted by ChadD

The larger clubs aren't necessary, Senor Frogs I believe is $45 open bar.

It will be half of that with our special hookup.

[ChadD]

Originally Posted by tequilaaaaaa

Ohh good. How much are we talking for drink prices if you're not paying for open bar?

We booked through Orbitz and it said that we got it as a special offer when we booked.

I used Orbitz as well but don't remember this.

Originally Posted by hw711

It will be half of that with our special hookup.

I understand that, but she's not getting that price, so it makes no sense to post a price that we're paying when other people here won't get the same offer. Just like she gets $200 at Gran Melia that I don't get.

[808sensation]

$400 spending money? or $400 total?

why not just get an AI resort? $100 for tips.....$300 for going out ($45/night all you can drink at most of this places for 6nights)

[tequilaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by ChadD

I used Orbitz as well but don't remember this.




I understand that, but she's not getting that price, so it makes no sense to post a price that we're paying when other people here won't get the same offer. Just like she gets $200 at Gran Melia that I don't get.

when did you book? i think it was a special deal for booking between like december and march. When I go into My Trips on Orbitz site, it shows the special offer with the additional hotel information.

[ChadD]

Originally Posted by tequilaaaaaa

when did you book? i think it was a special deal for booking between like december and march. When I go into My Trips on Orbitz site, it shows the special offer with the additional hotel information.

What the F? They might have voided it since I used a coupon. I could have really taken advantage of that "$30 Couples Massage Roses and Chocolate 50 min."

[tequilaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by 808sensation

$400 spending money? or $400 total?

why not just get an AI resort? $100 for tips.....$300 for going out ($45/night all you can drink at most of this places for 6nights)

Already booked and paid for. we got a really good deal for this hotel and it looks a lot nicer than any of the all inclusive options we could afford. I don't really think ai is necessary for us, as we don't eat much and more than happy to make our own drinks in the room.

[codyvanhout]

I know of the hotel you are staying at...but if you choose to go again next year or even in the future you should check out Temptation Resort. (have to be 21 though, not sure if you are). That hotel is the bomb!!! if you like to party that is the place to be, adults only, all inclusive and reasonable price.

as far as your $400 budget. I think it is going to be a bit tight. the clubs do cost a pretty penny to get in. As far as food and stuff. Hit Walmart and pick up some snack and stuff to snack on throughout the day to avoid paying larger prices on meals. Good luck have fun and check out temptation

[maxsteel]

I think it's possible.
Buy stuff for breakfast and keep it in your room. You'll have booze for the day, if you want to eat get a bus and there are plenty of places you can go on a budget.
If you're not hard drinkers go to Bars and pay per drink. Go to big clubs a couple of night and you'll be fine.

We're going to be in the same hotel as you, hope to see you there!

[finchfry157]

Originally Posted by tequilaaaaaa

basically, i'm a student that travels a lot and whilst i have the money to blow lots in one week, i'd rather not as i'm planning more trips in the next couple of months. I am going for 6 nights and I want to spend less than $400. is this realistic/possible?

what kind of things that I wouldn't think to include in my budget should i include?

We're going self-catered... but i don't eat much. One meal a day is more than enough. In sunny weather, I eat even less... 2 slices of pizza a day will be fine. So, I'm not expecting to spend much on food at all.

Staying at the gran melia and apparently we get $200 hotel credit to spend between us... But I'm thinking this is a con/ a lie? Anyone know?

We're not fussed on getting day passes at other hotels. we will be getting a couple of bottles of stuff in duty free each to pregame with.

Big question really is at night... Is going to a big club necessary every night? I like the sound of senor frogs and defo want to go to the city... just wondered if anyone ever just goes to the smaller bars, where you don't have to pay $60 to get in.

I am pretty much in the same boat as you, only I am staying at an all-inclusive. But, yes dude it is entirely possible. I traveled around Israel for 3 weeks and didn't drop more than $600. You just gotta know how to budget.

-Pick up the liquor at a duty free shop, and do most of your drinking before you go out.

-If you eat where the locals eat, food is significantly cheaper than in the U.S. You just gotta go a little bit out of the way and you can find a delicious meal for less than $5

-I would only go to a big club 2 nights at most. Just to kind of see what it's all about. I myself prefer smaller places anyway where you can actually have a conversation with people

-take the buses. They are dirt cheap

-take advantage of all the great deal's bar's offer. Happy hour, 2 for 1, etc

[tgordon2191]

You'll be fine, I spent about 600-800usd for 7 nights easily so just a few cut backs will be ok for you. Went to the clubs open bar for 6 nights for about ~300usd and blew the rest at the Oasis and bars like Corona bar and tips etc. You can go out most of your nights especially if you go to the cheaper places

[Cop J]

I am also trying to do spring break on a budget. I am staying at Oasis so I am all inclusive. I plan on eating only at the hotel and drinking free alcohol at the hotel. I plan on going out to clubs every night, but I'd rather pregame at Oasis and then go out and party without getting the open bar at every place I go.

Do the bigger clubs like Coco Bongo require you to get open bar wristband, or can I just pay a cover to get in?

[gregmack]

if you spent so much money to get down to cancun already.. I dont understand why people cut themselves short with money, you live once... go blow money and have a good time!!!

[Cop J]

Originally Posted by gregmack

if you spent so much money to get down to cancun already.. I dont understand why people cut themselves short with money, you live once... go blow money and have a good time!!!

I spent most of mine booking the flight and hotel. Now I am scrapping to go to the clubs! I think that is the case for most people who are on a budget. I don't think they are being cheap, I think they spent most of what they had to get to Cancun!

[gregmack]

But whats the point of going somewhere if u can't experience or have a good time... when the club is bumping.. u want to be the guy watching from the street?? like scrap an extra $200-$300 and your trip will go from whatever to unforgetable!! is there really a difference between spending $2000 or $2300 for SB?

[tequilaaaaaa]

yes, there is a difference. $300 is more than the price for a flight to vegas. $300 would easily pay for 5 nights in a hostel in san fransico. $300 would pay for half of my books for a semester. $300 will nearly cover my phone bill for 10 months. $300 would be enough for a trip to Houston for the final 4. I could go on...

I think you can still have a great time on a budget. I've been to Ibiza and seen people blow £2000 (so about $3500) in a week, where as I've had a great time and spent a small fraction of that. Maybe if I only went away once a year I'd be able to justify spending a lot more... But I'm a student that has been studying abroad for 10 months and have been stretching my money to see and do as much of America as possible.

[Fletch]

Originally Posted by ChadD

What the F? They might have voided it since I used a coupon. I could have really taken advantage of that "$30 Couples Massage Roses and Chocolate 50 min."

well that just ruined my entire trip I DEMAND THE COUPLES MASSAGE

[t7fcx]

Originally Posted by gregmack

if you spent so much money to get down to cancun already.. I dont understand why people cut themselves short with money, you live once... go blow money and have a good time!!!

Never a truer word spoken, paying £1150 to go to Cancun i wouldnt want to budget trying to take nearer the $2000 mark (bout £1500)


Budget places like tenerife, and Spainish/Greek towns maybe but you gotta spend what you can afford i suppose!

[hw711]

Originally Posted by Fletch

well that just ruined my entire trip I DEMAND THE COUPLES MASSAGE

You and Chad?

[Steve14]

Originally Posted by hw711

You and Chad?

I think that was the implication. They'd look cute...

[gregmack]

$300 flight to vegas... and do what go see hoover dam? $300 to the final four... and what watch it from a tv in a local bar?? Im just saying Cancun is mighty expensive... and on SB, you think the Mexicans are going to drop prices? be prepared to either spend or have a shit time... your paying so much to go there.. why u going to waste this opporunity and only go out maybe twice... get a line of credit from the bank!!

[ILikeRoastBeef]

Originally Posted by gregmack

$300 flight to vegas... and do what go see hoover dam? $300 to the final four... and what watch it from a tv in a local bar?? Im just saying Cancun is mighty expensive... and on SB, you think the Mexicans are going to drop prices? be prepared to either spend or have a shit time... your paying so much to go there.. why u going to waste this opporunity and only go out maybe twice... get a line of credit from the bank!!

i been to vegas a million times and NEVER SEEN THE HOOVER DAM... holy shit, im going tomorrow!!

[finchfry157]

Originally Posted by gregmack

$300 flight to vegas... and do what go see hoover dam? $300 to the final four... and what watch it from a tv in a local bar?? Im just saying Cancun is mighty expensive... and on SB, you think the Mexicans are going to drop prices? be prepared to either spend or have a shit time... your paying so much to go there.. why u going to waste this opporunity and only go out maybe twice... get a line of credit from the bank!!

Couldn't disagree with you more. You don't have to drop lot's of money to have a good time. I'm traveling with no more than $300 in spending money and i know I will have a blast.

Also, getting a line of credit is not easy if your a student like the OP is.

To each his own though

[ChadD]

Originally Posted by hw711

You and Chad?

Be jealous.

[tequilaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by gregmack

$300 flight to vegas... and do what go see hoover dam? $300 to the final four... and what watch it from a tv in a local bar?? Im just saying Cancun is mighty expensive... and on SB, you think the Mexicans are going to drop prices? be prepared to either spend or have a shit time... your paying so much to go there.. why u going to waste this opporunity and only go out maybe twice... get a line of credit from the bank!!

I said for the flight, not for the entire trip. I meant for gas to drive to Houston and for food whilst there, not the ticket. That's besides the point though.

Whilst I am massively looking forward to going to cancun for spring break... It's not such a big deal to me, that I'd take out credit just so that I can buy more drinks and not have to consider possibly taking cheaper options. Even if I had limitless funds, I wouldn't want to spend ridiculous amounts of money down there anyway... I don't need bottle service to have a good time.

It might be a guy/girl thing tbh. I can justify a $1,000 shopping trip, much more than I can a $1,000 bar tab.

Anywaaaay, this wasn't about whether you should or shouldn't spend big in Cancun. I've chosen not to and was looking for advice on cheaper options. There's going to be sun, beach, lots of people and I'm going with my best friends... That should be a recipe for a good time if you're planning to spend $300 of $30000.

[ILikeRoastBeef]

Originally Posted by tequilaaaaaa

I said for the flight, not for the entire trip. I meant for gas to drive to Houston and for food whilst there, not the ticket. That's besides the point though.

Whilst I am massively looking forward to going to cancun for spring break... It's not such a big deal to me, that I'd take out credit just so that I can buy more drinks and not have to consider possibly taking cheaper options. Even if I had limitless funds, I wouldn't want to spend ridiculous amounts of money down there anyway... I don't need bottle service to have a good time.

It might be a guy/girl thing tbh. I can justify a $1,000 shopping trip, much more than I can a $1,000 bar tab.

Anywaaaay, this wasn't about whether you should or shouldn't spend big in Cancun. I've chosen not to and was looking for advice on cheaper options. There's going to be sun, beach, lots of people and I'm going with my best friends... That should be a recipe for a good time if you're planning to spend $300 of $30000.

If you're a girl, and you are not shy or timid (not saying you have to have sex or anything) and you're a good time. You will have no problem getting invited to bottle services and the like.

[Cop J]

Originally Posted by ILikeRoastBeef

If you're a girl, and you are not shy or timid (not saying you have to have sex or anything) and you're a good time. You will have no problem getting invited to bottle services and the like.

Someone answer this for me please...what's the big deal for bottle service at a club if you have all-inclusive alcohol back at your hotel? Does anyone pregame or just drink at the clubs?