Should You Take A Quinceañera Trip?

by: Michael Kabel

The Quinceañera trip is an old custom that dates at least back to the 19^th Century, when young girls would embark upon a vacation, schooling trip, or expedition to celebrate their coming of age. In many ways, it was similar to the senior trip or spring break enjoyed by modern high school and college students.

But times change, and now just the idea of a Quinceañera trip is limited to only the most affluent families. Moreover, it's now largely a discarded custom, meaning it's not really part of the Quince tradition as it's practiced today. But there's still something to be said for its charms: the opportunity to see a new place, to expand your sense of the world beyond your own community, and of course to have a little adventure, too!

The Quinceañera trip is worthwhile, then, if there's room in the quince anos girl's budget.

Making a space for the trip on the budget may mean making compromises.

A budget is often compared to a pie or a cake because there's only so much of it to start with. And as the pieces get smaller (you spend the budget on more things), there's less of each piece to use.

A Quinceañera trip can be a great experience, but the money spent can also go towards paying for the gown and fiesta. On the other hand, quince girls who are planning a smaller fiesta with just a few family or friends may also have the money to take a trip, possibly wherever they want.

Quince girls need a traveling companion.

It's unfortunate, but it's true. Even after the Quinceañera, which symbolizes a young woman's maturity, trips and extended vacations should be taken with an older parent, relative, or trusted friend. There's simply too much possible in today's world to assume otherwise. Just the same, some quince girls might travel by themselves by plane or train if meeting friends or family at their destination.

If you take the trip by yourself, make sure you take all necessary precautions, including traveling with all your tickets and funds on your person (instead of a purse) and to keep in touch with family members by phone. There's no reason not to be careful.

Planning your time to go

You'll save money by planning a trip at certain times of the year. For example, taking a trip during the late summer increases the chances that hotels will be crowded and that your destination will be packed with vacationers. Going after Veterans Day in September, if you can miss the school, will also possibly lower hotel fees.

If you're staying with friends, plan your visit to last no more than a week or two. Remember they have lives of their own. While they'll certainly be glad to see you, it's not polite to overstay your welcome.

Remember too that you don't have to take your trip immediately after the quince, either. You can delay it weeks or even months after the fiesta concludes.

Plan to bring souvenirs as Thank You gifts for the padrinos.

Everyone loves a souvenir, and you can accomplish two tasks at once – buying souvenirs and thanking padrinos – by getting them a gift from your destination.