2008 Woodie Awards
Summer vacations on a college budget
Five vacation getaways for under $500 provide thrifty students with a chance to explore the U.S.
Casey McCorkle
Issue date: 4/18/01 Section: News
The key to any great vacation is a well-thought out itinerary. However, summer is quickly approaching and many students find few vacations choices on fixed budgets. Here are several ideas and vacation destinations that might help get you started:
Washington D.C.
Visit our nation's capital. Slightly over eight-hundred miles away, a 12-14 hour drive, D.C. is loaded with free attractions such as The Smithsonian, White House tour, the famous Ford's Theatre-where President Lincoln was shot, The Bureau of Printing & Engraving, The FBI Tour, Arlington National Cemetery and the Capitol.
"Definitely save time for a walk around the monuments after dark, " said student Nick Palmer, "Check the local papers for cheap concerts and shows."
Other hotspots such as Georgetown are mixed with college students and young professionals. Upscale shopping and restaurants convert to popular bars at night. Adam's Morgan, another local nightspot, is more culturally diverse with many bars and clubs. This will be more affordable than the high-class Georgetown environment. Remember to budget money for food and drinks. Also, hotels will be more expensive here, so be sure to reserve ahead of time. Best advice? Shop around. Internet prices list certain rooms as low as $50 a night. But remember driving is nothing like our daily I-4 commute. Take the Metro instead, a $5 pass and you can ride a full day. Another hint, certain tour tickets are hard to find so begin days bright and early. Find or purchases maps and familiarize yourself with the area, or you might spend most days lost.
Cruise
Sail away. Many cruise packages can be purchased for under $500.
Russ Wade, a frequent cruise traveler suggested, "For $500 or less you are looking at 3 or 4 night Bahamas on any line, or a 5-nighter on Carnival (most likely western Caribbean to Cozumel and Key West)."
Activities aboard include multi-course meals, entertainment, 24-hour drinking and of course, gambling. All this is included in the total package price. Again the Internet is a great source for information, but be careful, some cruise packages may not include port charges. Reserve your tickets early, cruises often fill up and prices fluctuate according to seasons. Most cruise lines depart from Miami, Port Canaveral or Tampa, so you will need to provide your own transportation.
Whitewater Rafting
Take the scenic route. Some students may wish to take "Mini-Vacations" as provided by Appalachian Wildwaters. This company offers custom vacation packages that involve camping in the New River country with activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and white water rafting. Nights are spent participating in various entertainment activities such as live music and story telling. Adventure "Mini-Vacations" range from two to five day/nights priced from $215-500. Both lodging and food are included in package price.
Atlanta
"Hotlanta" far away, but close to home. Just eight hours away, Atlanta is perhaps the best unknown affordable vacation spot. Visit the famous Coke museum for just $6.
"It was fun because it was something different, and they gave us free coke but I thought it was a waste of money, too over priced," said student Krista Lehn.
For those who prefer an outdoor adventure, try hiking Stone Mountain. College students will want to visit Buckhead, an area offering numerous clubs, with diverse atmospheres from Swing to Salsa dancing. Those looking for cultural enlightenment may want to see exhibits at The High Museum of Art, located in Midtown, the business district just south of Buckhead. Also located in Midtown, history buffs should plan to see the house of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind. Sports fans won't want to miss an Atlanta Braves baseball game, with ticket prices ranging from $40-$1.
Thrill seekers need look no further than Six Flags over Atlanta, a popular amusement park featuring a variety of roller coasters and thrill rides. Check listings for park hours, tickets are $35.Remember also to set aside parking fees. Finally for great shopping, go to Underground Atlanta, with over 130 shops, and a great nightlife. Hotel room rates are as low as $60 a night, plan ahead.
Amtrack
Ride the Rail! Have a little more time on your hands? Try a month traveling cross-country by taking advantage of Amtrak's limited offer "One Continent, One Price" which gives you the chance to plan your own itinerary.
For thirty days, you and your closest friends can travel across America and into Canada along Amtrak and VIA train routes. 28,000 miles of railways are available for students at an off peak special discount of $424. This offer is only valid through May 31, 2001 so reserve your boarding fares beforehand.
All of this information is easily found on the Internet. Vacation prices will vary based upon personal spending habits so budget carefully. When planning your vacation, remember to reserve everything in advance and confirm through the telephone.
Washington D.C.
Visit our nation's capital. Slightly over eight-hundred miles away, a 12-14 hour drive, D.C. is loaded with free attractions such as The Smithsonian, White House tour, the famous Ford's Theatre-where President Lincoln was shot, The Bureau of Printing & Engraving, The FBI Tour, Arlington National Cemetery and the Capitol.
"Definitely save time for a walk around the monuments after dark, " said student Nick Palmer, "Check the local papers for cheap concerts and shows."
Other hotspots such as Georgetown are mixed with college students and young professionals. Upscale shopping and restaurants convert to popular bars at night. Adam's Morgan, another local nightspot, is more culturally diverse with many bars and clubs. This will be more affordable than the high-class Georgetown environment. Remember to budget money for food and drinks. Also, hotels will be more expensive here, so be sure to reserve ahead of time. Best advice? Shop around. Internet prices list certain rooms as low as $50 a night. But remember driving is nothing like our daily I-4 commute. Take the Metro instead, a $5 pass and you can ride a full day. Another hint, certain tour tickets are hard to find so begin days bright and early. Find or purchases maps and familiarize yourself with the area, or you might spend most days lost.
Cruise
Sail away. Many cruise packages can be purchased for under $500.
Russ Wade, a frequent cruise traveler suggested, "For $500 or less you are looking at 3 or 4 night Bahamas on any line, or a 5-nighter on Carnival (most likely western Caribbean to Cozumel and Key West)."
Activities aboard include multi-course meals, entertainment, 24-hour drinking and of course, gambling. All this is included in the total package price. Again the Internet is a great source for information, but be careful, some cruise packages may not include port charges. Reserve your tickets early, cruises often fill up and prices fluctuate according to seasons. Most cruise lines depart from Miami, Port Canaveral or Tampa, so you will need to provide your own transportation.
Whitewater Rafting
Take the scenic route. Some students may wish to take "Mini-Vacations" as provided by Appalachian Wildwaters. This company offers custom vacation packages that involve camping in the New River country with activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and white water rafting. Nights are spent participating in various entertainment activities such as live music and story telling. Adventure "Mini-Vacations" range from two to five day/nights priced from $215-500. Both lodging and food are included in package price.
Atlanta
"Hotlanta" far away, but close to home. Just eight hours away, Atlanta is perhaps the best unknown affordable vacation spot. Visit the famous Coke museum for just $6.
"It was fun because it was something different, and they gave us free coke but I thought it was a waste of money, too over priced," said student Krista Lehn.
For those who prefer an outdoor adventure, try hiking Stone Mountain. College students will want to visit Buckhead, an area offering numerous clubs, with diverse atmospheres from Swing to Salsa dancing. Those looking for cultural enlightenment may want to see exhibits at The High Museum of Art, located in Midtown, the business district just south of Buckhead. Also located in Midtown, history buffs should plan to see the house of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind. Sports fans won't want to miss an Atlanta Braves baseball game, with ticket prices ranging from $40-$1.
Thrill seekers need look no further than Six Flags over Atlanta, a popular amusement park featuring a variety of roller coasters and thrill rides. Check listings for park hours, tickets are $35.Remember also to set aside parking fees. Finally for great shopping, go to Underground Atlanta, with over 130 shops, and a great nightlife. Hotel room rates are as low as $60 a night, plan ahead.
Amtrack
Ride the Rail! Have a little more time on your hands? Try a month traveling cross-country by taking advantage of Amtrak's limited offer "One Continent, One Price" which gives you the chance to plan your own itinerary.
For thirty days, you and your closest friends can travel across America and into Canada along Amtrak and VIA train routes. 28,000 miles of railways are available for students at an off peak special discount of $424. This offer is only valid through May 31, 2001 so reserve your boarding fares beforehand.
All of this information is easily found on the Internet. Vacation prices will vary based upon personal spending habits so budget carefully. When planning your vacation, remember to reserve everything in advance and confirm through the telephone.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Princess cruises
posted 7/24/08 @ 11:51 AM EST
I find it hard to believe that $500 is enough for a little cruise escapade. This is an unique opportunity and now that I think about it I could use a little brake. (Continued…)
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