Listen, I know your budget is basically spare change and whatever your meal plan doesn't cover. I've been there. Junior year I spent spring break on my couch watching Netflix because I couldn't afford a plane ticket to anywhere. But here's what I wish someone had told me back then: there are legit resort vacations available for under $100 total. Not per night. Total.
Now, there's a catch — there's always a catch — and I'll be upfront about it. These are timeshare preview packages, which means you attend a sales presentation. But the vacation itself is real, the resorts are nice, and the price is unbeatable. Let me break down everything you need to know.
The $59-$99 Resort Vacation (It's Real)
Timeshare companies like Westgate, Wyndham, and HGV sell promotional vacation packages at massive discounts to get potential buyers into their properties. You pay $59-$99 for a 3-4 night stay at a full-service resort with pools, hot tubs, restaurants, and suite-style rooms with kitchens. In exchange, you attend a 90-minute presentation about their timeshare program.
You don't have to buy anything. Most people don't. You just sit through the pitch, say "not interested," and go enjoy your resort vacation. It's that simple.
Pro Tip:
The minimum age for most timeshare preview packages is 25. If you're under 25, you'll need to wait or have someone 25+ book the package. Some brands accept ages 21-24 but with stricter income requirements. Check requirements carefully before booking.
Best Deals Under $100 for Students
| Destination | Price | Nights | Brand | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | $59 | 4 | Westgate | Suite, pools, near theme parks |
| Branson, MO | $69 | 3 | Wyndham | Lake resort, shows, outdoors |
| Gatlinburg, TN | $79 | 3 | Westgate | Mountain resort, national park |
| Las Vegas, NV | $79 | 3 | Wyndham | Strip-area suite, pool, nightlife |
| Williamsburg, VA | $79 | 3 | Westgate | Colonial area, Busch Gardens |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $89 | 4 | Westgate | Oceanfront suite, beach, boardwalk |
Check our deals under $100 page for the latest availability.
The Fine Print (Read This)
Before you get too excited, here's what you need to qualify for these deals:
- Age: Usually 25-70 years old (some accept 21+)
- Income: Most require $50,000+ combined household income
- Two adults: You need to bring a partner or friend (both attend the presentation)
- Credit card: Required at check-in for incidentals
- Presentation: 90-120 minutes, usually morning after check-in
The income requirement is self-reported — they don't verify it. I'm not telling you to lie, but I'm also not your accountant. The two-adult requirement means you need a travel buddy, which hopefully isn't a problem in college.
Making It Work on a Student Budget
The resort is $59-$99, but you still need to eat and get there. Here's how to keep the total trip under $200:
Transportation: Drive if possible. Split gas 2-4 ways and it's maybe $20-$40 per person for most destinations. If you have to fly, use student discounts on airlines or book budget carriers early.
Food: Your suite has a full kitchen. Hit Walmart or Aldi when you arrive — $30-$40 in groceries covers meals for 3-4 days. Cook breakfast and lunch in the suite, maybe eat out once for dinner (or not).
Activities: Resort pools and hot tubs are free. The beach is free. Hiking is free. Walking around Las Vegas is free. You don't need to spend money to have a great time.
Fun Fact:
The average spring break trip costs $1,145 per person according to a 2025 student travel survey. A timeshare preview resort stay costs $59-$99 total for the entire accomodation. That's roughly 95% cheaper than the average spring break. Your wallet will literally thank you.
Spring Break Alternative
Forget dropping $1,000+ on a spring break package to Panama City or Cabo. Get a group of 4 friends (two pairs booking separate rooms), grab a Westgate Orlando deal at $59 each, and you've got 4 nights in a resort suite for less than the price of a textbook. Pool parties, Disney Springs nightlife, and International Drive restaurants are right there.
Seriously, Orlando is the ultimate spring break hack. The resort has everything you need, the nightlife is 15 minutes away, and your total cost is probably under $150 per person for the entire trip.
Las Vegas on a Student Budget
Vegas is surprisingly doable on a college budget. The resort deal is $79 for 3 nights. Free activities include the Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street Experience, walking the Strip, and casino people-watching. Food can be cheap — In-N-Out, $5 casino cafes, and those famous $2 shrimp cocktails at casino bars. Your biggest expense will be self-control.
Check out our Las Vegas vacation deals page and our full deals listing for all current options.
After Graduation Trips
Just graduated and want to celebrate without going into more debt? Stack two or three timeshare preview trips back-to-back with different brands. Do Westgate Orlando ($59), then Wyndham Myrtle Beach ($89), then Marriott somewhere fancy ($149). That's 10+ nights of resort vacations for under $300 total. Call it the "broke but living my best life" tour.