A Weekend Getaway Guide
Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re itching to explore the USA but your wallet is giving you side-eye, don’t fret. I’ve got some awesome under-the-radar destinations perfect for a student budget. Here’s the scoop on a few of my favorite spots, complete with detailed weekend budgets from my own travels. So pack light, and let’s hit the road!
1. Asheville, North Carolina: A Hidden Gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Downtown
- Accommodation: Sweet Peas Hostel – $20/night
- Lunch: Tupelo Honey Cafe – $15
- Get the Southern Fried Chicken BLT. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Afternoon: Walk around the River Arts District – Free
- Check out the street art and local galleries.
- Dinner: White Duck Taco Shop – $10
- Their tacos are legendary and affordable.
- Evening: Free live music at The Grey Eagle – Free (but grab a drink for $5)
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway – Free
- The views are breathtaking, and the trails are well-marked.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic from groceries – $10
- Ingles Market has everything you need.
- Afternoon: Visit the Biltmore Estate – $40 (student discount)
- It’s a bit of a splurge, but totally worth it for the history and gardens.
- Dinner: Farm Burger – $12
- Delicious and filling burgers made from local ingredients.
- Evening: Brewery tour at New Belgium Brewing – Free
Day 3: Wrapping Up and Heading Home
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Stroll through Asheville’s historic downtown – Free
- Window shop and enjoy the street performers.
- Lunch: 12 Bones Smokehouse – $12
- Best BBQ in town, hands down.
- Afternoon: Departure
Total Weekend Budget for Asheville: $184
2. Boulder, Colorado: Outdoor Adventure on a Budget
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration
- Accommodation: Boulder International Hostel – $25/night
- Lunch: The Sink – $12
- Try their famous Sink Burger.
- Afternoon: Walk around Pearl Street Mall – Free
- Street performers and local shops galore.
- Dinner: Illegal Pete’s – $10
- Huge burritos that won’t break the bank.
- Evening: Sunset at Chautauqua Park – Free
Day 2: Hiking and Scenic Views
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Hike the Flatirons – Free
- The trails offer stunning views and are great for all skill levels.
- Lunch: Snag some food at the Boulder Farmers Market – $10
- Fresh, local, and delicious.
- Afternoon: Bike along the Boulder Creek Path – Free (hostel provides bikes)
- Dinner: Mustard’s Last Stand – $10
- Their hot dogs are a local favorite.
- Evening: Free concert at the Bandshell (check local listings) – Free
Day 3: Last-Minute Adventures
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Visit the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse – Free to enter
- The architecture and ambiance are amazing.
- Lunch: Café Mexicali – $10
- Affordable and tasty Mexican food.
- Afternoon: Departure
Total Weekend Budget for Boulder: $137
3. Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm Without the Price Tag
Day 1: Arrival and Historical Exploration
- Accommodation: Savannah International Hostel – $22/night
- Lunch: Zunzi’s – $10
- Their Conquistador sandwich is a must-try.
- Afternoon: Free walking tour of the historic district – Free
- Soak in the history and beautiful architecture.
- Dinner: Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room – $15
- Southern comfort food at its best.
- Evening: Ghost tour (student discount) – $15
Day 2: Parks and Relaxation
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Forsyth Park – Free
- Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a game of frisbee.
- Lunch: Leopold’s Ice Cream – $8
- Treat yourself to some classic ice cream.
- Afternoon: Visit the Bonaventure Cemetery – Free
- Beautiful and hauntingly serene.
- Dinner: Treylor Park – $12
- Innovative Southern cuisine that won’t break the bank.
- Evening: River Street stroll – Free
Day 3: Last Bits of Savannah
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Explore City Market – Free
- Check out the local artisans and shops.
- Lunch: The Collins Quarter – $12
- Great spot for brunch or lunch.
- Afternoon: Departure
Total Weekend Budget for Savannah: $94
4. Flagstaff, Arizona: Gateway to the Grand Canyon and Beyond
Day 1: Arrival and Small-Town Charm
- Accommodation: Grand Canyon International Hostel – $18/night
- Lunch: MartAnne’s Burrito Palace – $10
- Their breakfast burritos are the stuff of legends.
- Afternoon: Walk around downtown Flagstaff – Free
- Quaint shops and friendly locals.
- Dinner: Beaver Street Brewery – $15
- Great food and even better beer.
- Evening: Stargazing at Lowell Observatory – $15 (student discount)
Day 2: Grand Canyon Day Trip
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Drive to the Grand Canyon (entry fee) – $20
- Split gas costs with friends to save money.
- Lunch: Picnic at the Grand Canyon – $10 (from groceries)
- Afternoon: Explore the Grand Canyon – Free
- Hike, take photos, and marvel at the views.
- Dinner: Back in Flagstaff at Pizzicletta – $10
- Delicious wood-fired pizza.
- Evening: Relax at the hostel or local bar – $10
Day 3: Nature and Departure
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Hike at Walnut Canyon National Monument – $8 (student discount)
- Lunch: Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery – $10
- Perfect for a light lunch and great coffee.
- Afternoon: Departure
Total Weekend Budget for Flagstaff: $116
5. Burlington, Vermont: New England Charm on a Budget
Day 1: Arrival and Lake Champlain Views
- Accommodation: Burlington Hostel – $25/night
- Lunch: City Market Onion River Co-op – $10
- Grab some fresh, local bites.
- Afternoon: Walk along the Burlington Bike Path – Free
- Gorgeous views of Lake Champlain.
- Dinner: The Skinny Pancake – $12
- Crepes and live music, what’s not to love?
- Evening: Free outdoor concert at Battery Park (summer only) – Free
Day 2: Exploring and Enjoying Nature
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Bike rental and ride along the lake – $10
- Lunch: Food trucks at Church Street Marketplace – $10
- Variety and affordability.
- Afternoon: Visit the Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – $7 (student discount)
- Dinner: American Flatbread – $15
- Their pizza is amazing and uses local ingredients.
- Evening: Sunset at Waterfront Park – Free
Day 3: Last-Minute Burlington
- Breakfast: Free at the hostel
- Morning: Visit the local farmers market – Free to browse
- Maybe pick up a small snack or souvenir.
- Lunch: Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour – $4
- A short drive away, but worth it for the ice cream and fun tour.
- Afternoon: Departure
Total Weekend Budget for Burlington: $93
General Tips for Budget Travel in the US
Before I wrap up, here are some general tips that helped me save money while traveling around the USA:
- Travel Off-Peak: Visiting destinations in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can save you a ton of money on flights and accommodation.
- Use Public Transportation: Many cities have great public transit systems. Buses, trams, and bikes are often much cheaper than renting a car or using ride-shares.
- Stay in Hostels: Not only are hostels cheaper, but they also offer great opportunities to meet other travelers and join in on free activities and tours.
- Cook Your Own Meals: If your accommodation has a kitchen, hit up local markets and cook your own meals. It’s cheaper and a fun way to try local ingredients.
- Look for Free Activities: Many cities have free museums, parks, and festivals. Do some research beforehand to find these hidden gems.
- Travel with Friends: Splitting costs on accommodation, gas, and food can make a big difference. Plus, it’s more fun to share the adventure!
- Be Flexible: Sometimes the best deals come when you’re open to changing your plans. Last-minute deals on flights and accommodation can save you a lot of money.
So there you have it! These are my top picks for budget-friendly, under-the-radar weekend getaways for students in the US. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, full of adventure and charm, without breaking the bank. Happy travels!