We’re already several weeks into 2025, and spring break is just around the corner! And… uh oh… You forgot to make plans.
Don't worry, we've all been there! Maybe you got caught up with work or family stuff or just plain forgot until your friends started posting their photos. The good news? It's definitely not too late to plan an amazing spring break!
Whether you have a whole week free or just a few days to spare, there are plenty of ways to make this break memorable without spending a fortune or stressing yourself out. And that’s what this blog aims to do - give you some quick and easy ideas on how to make the most of your spring break.
Also, we’ve got something special planned for you! Saint Patrick’s Day is also approaching quickly, and we’ve got a contest lined up to help you celebrate! Just keep reading to find out how to enter and what you can win!
Enter the iCash Saint Patrick’s Day Giveaway!
Your spring break plans just got better! We're celebrating the season with a special St. Patrick's Day themed giveaway that will add some extra green to your pocket and fun to your break.
We're giving away three $100 e-gift cards to lucky winners! The best part? YOU get to choose your prize:
$100 Ultimate Dining e-gift card
$100 President's Choice e-gift card
$100 Home Sense e-gift card
HOW TO ENTER
Finding your pot of gold is easier than following rainbows! Simply:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Like the giveaway post and tag a friend who deserves some luck
Comment with which prize you'd choose AND your favorite spring break activity
For an EXTRA entry: Share to your stories with #SpringBreakLuck
The contest runs from March 10th to March 14th, with the winner announced on March 15th! For full details, head to our contest page!
No, let’s get into those spring break ideas!
Last-Minute Accommodation Options
At this point, you might be thinking that it’s probably too late to plan a last minute stay somewhere. But believe it or not, this might actually be the best time to do so. Let me explain!
Start by downloading hotel booking apps like HotelTonight or Booking.com. You’d be surprised how many last-minute deals you might find that can save you up to 50% on rooms that would otherwise sit empty. Many hotels drop their rates significantly in the 24-48 hours before check-in in an effort to maximize their bookings.
Airbnb and VRBO might surprise you with availability, especially if you check listings that were recently added or had cancellations.
Pro tip: Being flexible with your dates, even by a day or two, can dramatically increase your options and decrease prices. Midweek stays are almost always cheaper than weekends, even during spring break season.
Spontaneous Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Sometimes, the best adventures happen within a small radius of your home! Pull up Google Maps and look around your location – you might be surprised at how many cool spots fall within easy driving distance.
Parks, small towns with unique main streets, and local attractions often make the best day trip destinations and don’t require extensive planning. You can literally hop in your car and just GO!
If you need help finding hidden gems, there are apps for that too! An app called “Around Us” is a popular one, but there are dozens that serve a similar purpose that you can easily find in the app store of your smartphone
Local Facebook groups are gold mines too – just search "[Your Region] Things to Do" and you'll find recommendations from actual residents, not just tourist brochures.
Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas
Who says you need to travel far to have an amazing spring break?
If you have children, turn your home into a personal retreat by rearranging your living room for maximum relaxation – think pillow forts, string lights, and creating a cozy movie nook. Actually, who says you even need to do this only for children? Adults deserve to feel like kids once in a while, too!
This could also be a good opportunity to tackle some spring cleaning. A deep clean and some fresh flowers can make your home feel brand new.
Most cities also have tourist attractions that locals almost never visit, which is a shame. Check your city's visitor/tourist website and pick a few places you've always meant to check out but never have. There are probably so many museums, botanical gardens, and historic sites to check out that might even offer discounted weekday rates or even free admission days.
Again, don’t underestimate the power of local Facebook groups. Check them to find out about local community calendars for free concerts, outdoor movies, farmers' markets, etc.
Outdoor Adventures for Spring Weather
Okay, as Canadians, we all know that it might still be far too cold to spend an extended amount of time outside during spring break. That being said, if you aren’t opposed to throwing on a bunch of layers to stay warm, this might be the perfect time to reconnect with nature.
Provincial and national parks offer breathtaking winter-to-spring landscapes, and there will likely be fewer crowds than in the summer months. Dress in layers and enjoy the beauty of snow-dusted trails! Apps like AllTrails can help you find paths that are well-maintained even in variable March conditions.
Go EXTRA Canadian and check out some local sugar shacks or maple syrup festivals (yes, these are a thing). You can see the maple syrup tapping process and enjoy fresh treats!
Weather can change hourly in March, so always prepare and have a backup plan. Pack microspikes for potentially icy trails, waterproof boots for slushy conditions, and a thermos with your hot beverage of choice for warming.
Bonus Tips for Last-Minute Travelers
If you’ve decided to go away for spring break, here are a few things to keep in mind!
It’s easy to forget essentials or overpack with things you'll never use. Start with a simple rule: check the weather forecast, then pack for that temperature range plus one day of slightly warmer and one day of slightly cooler conditions.
For any destination, these items are important:
Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket or sweater (even for beach destinations)
Reusable water bottle
Basic medications like Tylenol or Advil
Portable phone charger
Save valuable suitcase space by using the rolling method (roll clothes instead of folding). For toiletries, buy travel sizes or use refillable containers rather than bringing full-sized products.
Also, it’s worth considering making some purchases once you get to your destination rather than overpacking beforehand. Sunscreen, bug spray, and bulky beach items might be cheaper to purchase at your destination.
Many hotels provide hairdryers and basic toiletries, so check ahead and cross those off your list. You’ll have more room for the essential items!
Easily Make Your Spring Break a Memorable One
See? It's definitely not too late to create an amazing spring break experience! Sometimes, the least planned breaks turn into the most memorable ones. You never know what kind of unexpected discoveries and stories you'll tell for years.
Don't forget to enter our contest for a chance to win some awesome prizes! Those goodies could take your last-minute plans to the next level!
