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With spring break roughly two weeks away, many college students are twirling their thumbs trying to decide where to spend their five days of freedom from school, work and responsibilities.
Considering that the words “broke” and “college students” go typically hand-in-hand, consider the following suggestions when planning out your spring break itinerary.
1. Panama City Beach, Florida
The tried and true destination for college students across the southeast, PCB is many students’ go-to for spring break.
Where to stay: Beachside Resort is located right on the beach so you won’t need to worry about walking or driving back and forth between your hotel and the beach all day long. Beachside Resort also offers an outdoor pool for those who want to lose the crowds and relax solo. This hotel features a poolside bar so guests can cool off with a drink. Oh, and it only costs $69 a night for a room that can host four people. If you wanted to be near the beach all the time, you could consider beach camping; there are plenty of fun camping activities you and your friends could do by the sea including watersports and building a campfire!
Where to eat: Breakfast: For breakfast, beachgoers need to swing by Andy’s Flour Power. Local favorites include the French toast, which some suggest tastes just as good without the syrup as it does with it, the veggie frittata for those trying to stay mildly healthy on their vacation and anything else including their assortment of fresh muffins.
Lunch: Taco lovers need to head over to Finn’s Island Style Grub to try their famous house-made fish tacos. The motto of this taco shack is “Keepin’ It Fresh” and they don’t fail to deliver with their made-to-order cuisine.
Dinner: After a day of day drinking and sunbathing, stop by Schooner’s to eat ocean-side. They’re known for their friendly service and fresh seafood.
What to do: What’s great about visiting PCB is that once you book your hotel and purchase your food, the activities should be free or inexpensive. If you’re trying to hold onto your dollars, you can stick to beach activities. Grab yourself a beach towel and a bottle of sunscreen (30 SPF or higher, please) and get yourself a tan. If you’ve got some bucks to spare, try renting a kayak for a day on the water or even go parasailing.
Total estimated cost for hotel and gas per person for five days: $99.52
2. Chattanooga, Tennessee
There’s nothing wrong with a good staycation. Chattanooga is a beautiful city with lots to offer the outdoorsy type.
Where to stay: The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel offers visitors a unique experience: the chance to stay in an old train station and for some lucky people, the chance to stay in a train car. Guests will be able to roam the grounds of the train station and soak in the history of Chattanooga, all while being located conveniently downtown. Prices start at $114 a night for a room that can host up to four people.
Where to eat: Breakfast: For breakfast, stop by the Maple Street Biscuit Company. This biscuit haven serves diners hearty breakfasts of big, flaky biscuits that are sure to start your day off right. Locals rave about The Farmer, a chicken biscuit topped with apple butter. Those with a taste for southern cuisine can enjoy their fried green tomatoes as a side.
Lunch: Ever wanted to eat a delicious sandwich in a tree house? Now you can. The Yellow Deli, located right beside UTC, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Offering fresh meals with local ingredients, The Yellow Deli will delight any sandwich lover.
Dinner: Beer lovers should definitely stop by the Terminal Brewhouse for a glass of fresh-brewed, ice-cold beer to pair with one of their delicious dishes. We suggest the Eat A Peach dish.
What to do: Chattanooga is ideal for the outdoorsy type. Go take a hike, raft down some rapids or stroll through Rock City.
Total estimated cost for hotel and gas per person for five days: $152.50
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
If you can’t make it to Vegas, N’Awlins will do the trick.
Where to stay: St. Vincent’s Guest House is located in the lovely Lower Garden District and gives guests a charming New Orleans experience at only $42 a night for two people. Rich with history, St. Vincent’s is sure to please anyone looking for authentic New Orleans culture.
What to eat: Breakfast: Those with a sweet tooth and caffeine addiction have to start their morning off with a café au lait and a basket of beignet at Café du Monde.
Lunch: To truly embrace a city like a local, you must eat like a local. Head down to any area of the river and enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell and some boiled crawfish.
Dinner: After an evening of strolling through the historic city of New Orleans, stop by Peche Seafood Grill for a dinner of delicious, fresh seafood. Their seafood gumbo is a fan favorite, along with their peanut butter pie for dessert.
What to do: The world is your oyster once you reach New Orleans. This city holds something for everyone. History buffs can spend their days soaking up the culture of New Orleans while those who just want a drink can find their way down Bourbon Street to bar hop. Jazz music plays across the town and the culture of voo-doo is alive and well. Stop by Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo to get your palm read if you’re feeling adventurous.
Total estimated cost for hotel and gas per person for five days: $131.96
4. Punta Cana, Domincan Republic
This Groupon deal is an all-inclusive trip for two to the Domincan for $499 for four nights. This includes airfare, unlimited meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, an introductory scuba diving lesson and a four night stay at Tropic Princess Beach Resort & Spa. Guests can enjoy windsurfing, snorkeling and go kayaking in the Carribean during the day and enjoy a drink at one of the hotel’s three onsite bars at night. If you want to get a feel for true Carribean culture, take a shuttle ride to Playa El Cortecito, a beach that reflects earlier times in Punta Cana.
Total estimated cost for trip per person for four days: $249.50
5. Travel the west in a campervan
If you are planning on getting a campervan for your travels then good for you, just remember to get something like this New-for-old cover just in case something happens. Getting a campervan is a perfect idea, particularly if sitting on a beach with a margarita in your hand isn’t your style, you may be better suited for the Wild West. Up to four people can pile into a hippie style van, drive your hearts out across the west for seven days and see breathtaking sights at various National Parks that most only see in hiking magazines and you will be able to take amazing pictures of it all as me across,; it’s sure to be good. Make sure to look for RV generators at generatorgrid before setting out on your journey acrIf you aren’t sure whether to go for a campervan or a motorhome, why not check out this guide on buying a used motorhome to see if this suits you for your journey! oss the country!
Total estimated cost for trip per person for seven days: $Travellersrong>
6. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Travelers can visit Puerto Plata and stay in the all-inclusive Puerto Plata Plaza for two for four nights for $589. Visitors can enjoy a day spent on the beach a short walk away or poolside at the hotel’s pool. Once night creeps in, be sure to stop by the hotel’s dance club to party the night away. During the day, you can visit one of the 27 natural waterfalls found in the area or hike to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres.
Total estimated cost for trip per person for four days: $294.50
7. Bahamas
If you’re one of the unlucky people who have gotten stuck working for most of spring break but still want to go somewhere fun, try this two night cruise for two in the Bahamas for $229. Your short trip can still be jam-packed with fun activities such as exploring Grand Bahama Island where you can swim with dolphins, take a jeep tour of the island and scuba dive through the island’s coral reef.
Total estimated cost for trip per person for two days: $114.50
Spring break doesn’t have to be spent passed out on a beach surrounded by rowdy teenagers. It can also be spent scuba-diving in the Caribbean or hiking to the top of Pike’s Peak in Colorado, all while sticking to your budget.
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To contact News Editor Amanda Freuler, email newseditor@mtsusidelines.com
