Dear Just Be: I want to go on a spring break trip but don't want to spend a lot of money, do you have any tips?

Starting to plan for your spring break trip now in February is a great idea! Planning in advance can save you time and money. First tip, decide why you are getting away. Is it to relax, see and do new things? Second tip, set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on your trip. Make sure to include every little detail into your budget calculations. Gas money, money for snacks or a bottle of water, money to tip servers, taxi drivers or house keeping - these little details can add up quickly and catch you off guard. Third tip, don't go over your budgeted amount. A great way to stay within your budget is to pay everything with cash! The fourth tip, vacation in uncommon areas (i.e. not touristy). Due to the recession, many people have discovered that staycations are a great way to get out, relax, see and do new things without spending a lot of money. If you have the privilege of living in Colorado, there is a plethora of places for you to go. Hot or cold, it is all relatively close by.

If you want to get away from the snow and cold that we have received lately, go down to Arizona to warm up. Phoenix is approximately 585 miles from the Denver metro area and the temperature this time of year is 60 to 70 degrees. Also, with current fuel prices the cost in gas for you to drive to Phoenix would be $121 round trip - currently the cost of a round trip airline ticket. The difference between flying and driving is that the price of gas and driving won't go up as dramatically if you wait as opposed to purchasing airline tickets.

If the cold and snow don't bother you then plan to visit one of the many unique areas that make up Colorado. For instance, visit Colorado's wine country on the Western slope. Visit Colorado's casino towns, or relax at one of Colorado's hot springs. If you enjoy taking in great artwork drive to beautiful Salida, Colorado. This little mining town has artwork that could be seen in big metropolitan areas like New York City.

Whether you decide you are getting away to rest and relax, or to see and do new things, you don't have to travel across the country or around the world to find it. Do your homework, and you will discover what you are looking for is in your own backyard.

Below are some great sites for you to check out and get ideas on what to do and how to save money on your spring break trip this year.

http://www.colorado.com/HotDeals.aspx

http://www.travelmath.com/