1. Decide on your destination.

Deciding a destination can be the hardest part when planning a vacation. Choosing a place with tourist attractions should be high on your list. Ask yourself a few questions. Are you willing to go out of the country? How many days are you planning on vacationing? How many people are going?

During this phase, my sister and I brainstormed places we would love to see in the U.S. We only planned on going away for a few days due to work and other responsibilities. We shortened our list to a few places, such as Savannah, GA, Miami, FL, and Los Angeles, CA. In conclusion, we chose LA.

We both are very well up-to-date with the latest movie and music stars. We have dreamed of walking upon the stars on Hollywood Blvd. This was the perfect location for a mini vacation.

2. What's your budget?

As a college student, you either may not be working or if you are working, all of your money is going towards school. Luckily, for my sister and I, we live close enough to college to live at home while keeping a steady job.

We split our budget into three parts: flight, residency, and spending money on food, Uber, etc. This allowed us to filter our results when searching for flights and places to stay.

3. JustFly.com should be your best friend.

No, this is not sponsored by JustFly.com, but their website gives you looks into flights like no other. As you're searching, be sure to fluctuate the arrival and departure dates. This strategy works wonders. Be sure to create an account and sign up for flight expense change E-mails.

JustFly.com will send you automated E-mails to notify you when the prices change. Be smart about your prices. If you're traveling to a popular tourist spot, the price will be much higher. Know when the cheapest deal appears.

Pro-tip: If you're traveling for less than five days, I would recommend to ditch the checked baggage. Checked luggage can range from $40-$200 per bag! Travel with a carry-on bag. A carry-on bag has to be small enough to fit in the overhead bins. Most smaller sized suitcases are made to fit.

Once you arrive to your destination, go to a local drug store and buy your hygiene products.

4. Find a place to stay.

During my planning process, I was glued to Airbnb.com. If you've ever been on Airbnb.com, you would understand. This website allows homeowners to rent their vacation homes to people. They're known for their beautiful yet very cheap vacation homes. Simply match your dates with your flight that you have previously purchased and enter your price range.

Don't let the home decor determine your home away from home. Focus on the amenities that will be useful to you! Be realistic. Will you be spending much time in your home? Simplicity is key.

5. What are you going to do? Where are you going to eat?

Find tourist attractions. Keep the cost to a minimal by trying to find free things to do. Do some research on the popular food places in that area. When my sister and I go away, we plan to hike to the Hollywood sign, go to the Hollywood Wax Museum, and eat at popular food places, such as In-N-Out and Del Taco.

We also plan to just take strolls down Hollywood Blvd. You never know what you'll come across. Sunset Blvd is full of the most delicious food companies in LA. Luckily, only one block from where we are staying! Make reservations and purchase tickets for exhibits/activities ahead of time.

Be prepared.

6. Pack. 

Packing can be the most difficult part of vacationing. My tip is, bring only what is needed. Since you're only bringing a carry-on suitcase, space is limited. Make sure your home has a blowdryer there already.

If you plan on doing more than blow drying, put items like that in the small compartments. You need as much space as possible for your clothes and shoes. Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes at the airport to save some space.

7. Have fun!

Have as much fun as possible! Take as many photos as you can without being distracted on your phone for the entire trip. Spring break is meant for de-stressing.