Some links included in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to purchase through them. I only share products I use, love, or believe in. Thank you for supporting my content and helping me keep the Ohana Getaways going strong!
Table of Contents
For many families, summer is the season for vacations, but for us, spring break is our big travel time. My husband’s work is busiest in the summer, and with our kids deeply involved in sports, our calendar is booked solid from summer through winter.
Spring break is the one time of year when we can truly take a break and travel. And now that my youngest has just three more spring breaks before graduation, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we want to spend these last few trips together.
Instead of the big tourist destinations, we always choose quieter, more local experiences. Having grown up in a major tourist hotspot, I know firsthand that long lines, overcrowded attractions, and overpriced everything aren’t the best way to experience a place. I’d much rather travel like a local—so that’s exactly what we do.
However, when we do go to Disney or take a Disney cruise, I want to make sure we maximize the experience and budget wisely. A little planning ahead—booking the best dining reservations, finding Genie+ strategies for lower wait times, and planning an itinerary that makes sense for our family—makes Disney trip planning way less stressful.
Let’s talk about how we make spring break travel fun, meaningful, and budget-friendly.
💰 Setting a Realistic Budget & Getting Kids Involved
Traveling on a budget isn’t just a necessity—it’s a family effort.
I’ve found that getting my kids involved in saving for their own spending money makes a huge difference. Before our trips, they:
✔ Do extra chores for a little extra cash
✔ Sell old toys, clothes, or gear they no longer use
✔ Save birthday money for souvenirs or special treats
This has been an amazing way to teach them about money and priorities. Instead of handing them unlimited spending money, they have to think about what’s actually worth buying.
One year, my youngest saved up for a special souvenir and was so proud of that purchase—because it was his money, his choice.
🔹 Try This:
Before your next trip, set up a simple family travel fund. Give your kids opportunities to earn & save their own spending money—you’ll be surprised how much more they appreciate what they buy!
🚢 Disney Parks, Cruises, & Aulani—Planning a Magical Spring Break
When we do take a Disney cruise or visit Aulani Resort, I like to make sure we get the most value out of the experience.
We do a little research ahead of time to navigate Disney itineraries, book onboard activities, and even find the best times to book character dining or spa appointments.
🌿 Free & Local Activities Over Tourist Traps
Instead of shelling out for costly guided tours or crowded attractions, we do a little research and find local experiences that cost nothing (or close to it).
Some of our best travel moments were completely free:
✔ Hiking trails with incredible views—no tour guide needed!
✔ Local community events (markets, festivals, outdoor concerts)
✔ Scenic picnic spots—packing lunch and eating somewhere beautiful beats any overpriced restaurant
One year, instead of booking a $300 whale-watching tour on the Big Island, we did something way better.
🌊 We grabbed lunch from a local shop and spent the afternoon on a quiet beach where the locals go. We watched whales swim offshore—for free. The best part? The little shop we bought lunch from had an underwater microphone in the ocean, so while we waited for our food, we could hear the whales singing.
🔹 Try This:
Before your trip, do a little digging—search for local events, outdoor activities, or scenic spots instead of the most “popular” tourist attractions.
✨ Final Thoughts: Making Spring Break Count
With only three more spring breaks left before my youngest graduates, I feel the urgency to make the most of this time together.
For us, that means:
✔ Slowing down & avoiding the tourist rush
✔ Making travel a family effort—budgeting & saving together
✔ Choosing experiences over souvenirs
✔ Finding joy in the simple moments—a road trip detour, a beach picnic, a home-cooked meal
And when we do Disney, we plan ahead to take the guesswork out of the trip so we can actually enjoy the magic!
📌 Want more tips? Listen to Episode 11 of the FLOW with Linds!
🎧 Show Notes: Episode 11 – Budget-Friendly Spring Break Travel
Episode Summary:
Spring break is our family’s one real off-season, the only time of year we can truly get away. And with only three more before my youngest graduates, I’m making every trip count.
This week, I’m sharing how we travel on a budget, find local adventures, and make Disney trips stress-free.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ How spring break became our biggest travel season
✔ Why we skip big tourist spots in favor of local experiences
✔ How we budget as a family & get kids involved in saving for trips
✔ The benefits of Disney cruises and Aulani stays
✔ Why some of our best meals & memories weren’t at fancy restaurants
Links & Resources Mentioned:
- Fetch Rewards (cashback app for groceries & gas)
- Rakuten (earn cashback on hotels & travel bookings) [Insert Link]
📌 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app!
