Despite the financial struggles, college will possibly offer you the last completely carefree break from school and work. Choosing a destinations on a budget can get quite frustrating, but we’ve got you covered on some of the best options. Put the books away because and get ready to vacay the thrifty way. Who said you’ve got to go to Cancun or Miami for a good time with other endless amounts of places you can go around the globe while on a budget? So make sure to choose wisely. At the end of the day the people you go with make it an overall good time.
These 10 cheap vacations will save you money for souvenirs.
1. Havana, Cuba
Havana ooh-na-na. Cuba screams history and color…no seriously. Have you seen their architecture? Forget the flashy lifestyle you normally see in downtown tourist destinations. The beautiful beaches, old fashioned cars and homes here will offer you a different feel. Try visiting Cabaret Tropicana (a carnival themed club). Pro tip: Learn how to dance salsa before getting here so you won’t miss out on all the fun at the clubs. Or for some traditional Cuban cuisine, visit La Guardia.
2. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
“You don’t even have to leave the resort…there’s mini bars inside the pool, restaurants and a nightclub,” Alvernia University senior Chris Reinhart said. Get the full Dominican Republic experience without going broke in Punta Cana. Visit Puerto Plata, an underrated part of the island. Check in at their all-inclusive resorts and you’ll have everything from Dominican food, beaches, entertainment and nightlife just a walking distance away. Some famous Dominican dishes you should try during your stay at the resorts are mangu with salami and jugo de chinola…and don’t forget their famous beer, Presidente. If you’re into gambling, visit a well-known casino outside the resort, Kviar Show Disco & Casino.
3. San Jose, Costa Rica
Pura vida. Become a tourist in the capital city of San Jose. You’ll do less partying and more of grasping a day in the life as a Costa Rican resident. Learn about their cuisine and music. Take advantage of the history here and learn more about their rich culture. Google translate will come in handy here. If you like adventures, visit the Arenal Volcano where you can go hiking or zip-lining. Enjoy rich history and culture? Stop by the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica.
4. Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston has beautiful mountain view sceneries from your window or balcony. You can get the best out of Kingston with the resorts but also with the nearby city. “The waterfalls in Jamaica look even better in person…no one should go to Jamaica without visiting one,” Kutztown University senior Kelly Hill said. Happen to be a Bob Marley fan? Then you don’t want to miss out on the Bob Marley Museum. You can’t leave without seeing the views from the mountains either. Hike Blue Mountains for breathtaking views.
5. New Orleans, Lousiana
Don’t just visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras. New Orleans has a variety of attractions in the city and nightlife. Check out America’s first gambling casino, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino. You can’t visit New Orleans without seeing live jazz music performances. Make sure to keep your camera handy because the town has culture and art wherever you go. With that said, they’ve got museums for everything too. Have a love for animals? Check out the Audubon Zoo or the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Consider coming to NOLA if you want to do things besides laying in the sun all day.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Have you seen the sunset here? Talk about breathtaking. Myrtle Beach has a little bit of everything. From the Myrtle Beach Carnival, to the Hollywood Wax Museum, aquarium and other attractions, you and your squad will have a lot of variety. “My friends and I come to Myrtle Beach all the time…it’s also very family friendly,” Penn State junior James Wright said. If you don’t want to spend so much money on boardwalk food, check out the variety of restaurants you can choose from outside you hotel. Try Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse, an all you can eat restaurant, and end the night at The Bowery, a live music bar.
7. U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. citizens don’t even need a passport to visit these tropical islands. You will find the most beautiful beaches here in the crystal clear water. Perhaps you’d want to travel here on #baecation because of the peaceful and relaxing scenery. Visit the Coral World Ocean Park on your vacation here for aquariums & other attractions. Does snorkeling interest you? Then make sure you and your friends go to Magens Bay.
8. San Diego, California
Why spend thousands of dollars in Hollywood or LAX when you can feel like a true Californian in San Diego? The beaches look like what you’ve seen in the movies and you’ll feel like you’re in a scene from Baywatch. Don’t just visit the beach here. Go to Mount Woodson for breathtaking views and amazing photos of course. End the night visiting the endless amount of clubs downtown. You can never go wrong with a trip to Cali.
9. Daytona Beach, Florida
If you thought you had to go to Miami to have fun on spring break in Florida, guess again. With the Daytona boardwalk and carnival, you will experience a side of Florida you don’t always hear about. “This part of Florida is so much more relaxing…takes you away from the party scene and gives you a real vacation,” Kutztown University senior Samantha Pierce said. Want an incredible view and great food? Visit the Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club. If you’re into jazz music and blues, visit The Bank & Blues Club to see live performances.
10. Atlantic City, New Jersey
You will definitely have just as crazy a time as MTV’s Jersey Shore if you visit this NJ destination. From the carnival, boardwalk, beach, variety of clubs and nearby shopping centers, you and your friends will never run out of things to do here. Get ready to let your inner Snooki out. “You get a little bit of everything here…walking the boardwalk at night is fun as it’s right by the beach,” Penn State sophomore Donna Reed said. If you’re tired of listening to the same hit music from nowadays, hit up club Boogie Nights for their 70s and 80s theme.
