If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume you left planning spring break for the last second, but that's OK. It’s fun to be spontaneous. Allow this article to be your guide for the most exciting, budget-friendly ways to spend your spring break.
Cheap Flights
Need the beach? On Google Flights, round trips from Buffalo to Fort Lauderdale, Florida are averaging from $150 to $230 from Monday, March 17 to Saturday, March 22. This is a great option for some of the best beaches on the east coast, with Miami’s most popular beaches less than an hour away by car.
If the beach isn’t your style, but you still want to party, flights from Buffalo to Nashville are starting at $199 on Google Flights. Giddy up, cowboys.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has flights starting at $230. It won’t be super warm, but let’s be real. Anything is better than Buffalo.
Disclaimer: prices are subject to change.
Road Trip Ideas
Toronto is an amazing city that all UB students should get a chance to explore. Less than two hours away from Buffalo, Toronto provides the perfect opportunity to grab your friends, your passport and explore one of the greatest cities Canada has to offer.
Saratoga Springs, New York is one of the easiest road trips out there. Hit the New York Thruway East and don’t stop until you hit Saratoga Springs. This will take about four hours. Toga is a beautiful city with cute shops, electric nightlife and lots of mountains. It is the perfect spot to hit the slopes.
If you’re a nature junkie, Ithaca, New York is a charming town you can visit for spring break. Buffalo is only two and a half hours from stunning waterfalls, state parks, and farmers markets.
Erie, Pennsylvania is a vibrant little beach town off of Lake Erie, offering beautiful views, breweries, and historical landmarks like the Maritime Museum just under two hours from Buffalo.
Staying in Buffalo
When you Google ‘Things to do in Buffalo,’ the first thing that pops up is Niagara Falls. If you’re looking for a less generic vacation spot, here are some options that are just as exciting:
Catch a Sabres game. NHL tickets can be pricey, but you can find great last-minute deals. Check Ticketmaster or Gametime a couple hours before the game to score tickets at a low price.
Find a closeby Airbnb, grab your friends, and spend a night or two in a nice rental. This change of scenery could be a great way to get out of the dorms and explore Western New York.
Buffalo is full of overlooked nature spots. Check out hidden gems like Times Beach Nature Preserve (great for birdwatching), Wilkeson Pointe and Tifft Nature Preserve for peaceful walks and pretty views.
If you ski or snowboard, you’re in luck. One of the best mountains in Western New York is only an hour away from Buffalo. Holiday Valley, in Ellicottville, New York always has great powder and over sixty slopes to hit. This will make for a perfect day trip.
If you’re having a night in, go indoor camping. Gather some friends and plenty of pillows for a fun excursion at home.
Pro tip: put chocolate and marshmallows in a non-stick cake pan and throw it in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes for a delicious S’mores dip.
Whether you're catching flights, hitting the road, or staying local, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your spring break. Grab your friends and make some memories. After all, the best memories are often the ones you never saw coming.
The opinion desk can be reached at opinion@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Paul Hokanson / UB Athletics
Photo: Ryan Johnson / Wikimedia Commons
