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Spring vacation savings: Expert advice for a break on a budget

Courtney Snow with the Louisville Mom Collective said it's completely doable to make great family memories without breaking the bank.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Spring break is just a few weeks away for many Kentucky and Indiana students, which means plenty will be flocking to beaches from coast-to-coast. 

While the promise of a spring vacation often means a trip to the shore, it can also mean a big hit to family budgets. 

WHAS11 turned to our partners at the Louisville Mom Collective for their advice on how to plan great family memories without breaking the bank. 

First, Snow recommends planning a staycation. She said there are plenty of affordable family activities, like parks or Louisville Bats games, to fill the time off from school. 

You could also consider a shorter day trip to nearby cities like Cincinnati, Indianapolis or Nashville.

For those determined to get out of town, Snow recommended planning a trip to less popular spring break destinations, mentioning the mountains, deserts out west, or less tourist-centered beaches. 

When it comes to saving on the trip itself, Snow said families should take advantage of any available discounts through membership clubs like Costco or AAA. She also said booking in advance is a key tip for saving on hotels and flights. 

As you get ready for your long-awaited trip, Snow said it's best to set budgets both for your trip as a whole and for each day. Let the kids be a part of planning their spending on souvenirs as a lesson in budgeting. Then, save where you can on food and snacks. Pack up coolers and snack bags before leaving home and find a nearby grocery store when you arrive for staples to cook meals in. 

You can find even more advice from Snow on the Louisville Mom Collective blog

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