After weeks of stressing out over exams and presentations, Thanksgiving break is finally just around the corner! Instead of staying in bed and napping your break away, change it up. Here are the best places to make your holiday as exciting as possible!
For the Day: New York City
Take a day trip to the Big Apple just in time for the Black Friday sales. Driving into the city and finding parking can be a pain, so a bus service into NYC is the best way to go. Us.megabus.com has some of the lowest fees around- a round trip ticket starts at $59. While in the city, get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping with bargains that won’t break your bank! Don’t forget to experience some entertainment too. Free museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art, showcase unique talent only found in New York City. If it’s not too cold, take a walk around Central Park; the falling leaves create the most beautiful fall atmosphere.
For the Weekend: Chicago
For a little longer of a getaway, Chicago is the perfect destination. Again, driving against holiday traffic is stressful and parking is near impossible. Train services are the affordable alternative and take the frustration out of traveling around the holidays. A must see in the Windy City is Millennium Park, especially the public structure called Cloud Gate. On November 26th, the Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place in Daley Plaza and is simply too beautiful to miss! For night life, Chicago does not disappoint. Some hotspots are Studio Paris, Cuvee Ultra Lounge, and Chicago’s Beauty Bar. Chicago is just the right mix of tourist attractions and a lively night life. A weekend here would be the perfect break from the stress of classes.
With the Family: Washington D.C.
With cousins running around and grandparents asking you constant questions, your house can feel a little crowded around the holidays! Washington D.C. is a great place to get everyone out of the house and is enjoyable for all ages. However, avoid the cliché tourist spots! The International Spy Museum has a new 007 Exhibit that focuses on the villains of the James Bond movies throughout the years. Tickets for adults are around twenty dollars and can be ordered online to avoid waiting outside.
With Friends: Get Involved
After months of living within the excitement of the college “bubble,” Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to do something different. Instead of just hanging around your hometown, remember the spirit of Thanksgiving and give back. Grab some of your best friends and look for volunteer opportunities; soup kitchens always need extra help around the holidays and are a perfect way to interact with your local community. Websites such as foodpantries.org allow you to find locations near you.
Relaxing On Your Own
If you just need some “me time,” you could spend your break cuddled up with a good book and a hot Gingerbread Latte. Nothing wrong with that!