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Travel Spots for Broke College Students

Grace Notarstefano
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at St. John's chapter.

Plane ticket costs have gone up, gas prices are on the rise, and it seems as though traveling is becoming an activity for the rich. However, there are plenty of travel spots (near our home base in Queens) that are perfect for college students on a budget. 

Take Advantage of New York!

Our state of New York has plenty of affordable travel options. For example…

  1. Lake George, New York

For around $25, you can take an Amtrak train to Lake George and its surrounding areas. This region is great for those looking to have fun on a budget. Lake George has natural beauty and a multitude of activities, as well as many fun attractions for tourists. Hiking in the area is absolutely beautiful and definitely a worthwhile experience. 

  1. Montauk, New York 

Being on the east end of Long Island and a bus ride away, Montauk is a well-known travel spot for great reasons. You can explore the long sandy beaches, go hiking, whale watching, shopping, or simply on a stroll through the quaint town. The amount of money being spent is completely up to you and how well you resist the urges of the beautiful shops. 

New England has a lot to offer, as well. 

  1. Boston, Massachusetts 

Once again with the convenience of Amtrak trains, you can spend a fun weekend in Boston. While hotel prices may be high, you’ll save money by walking to most attractions. Free sights like Faneuil Hall and inexpensive sights like the Museum of Fine Arts make for a great trip. 

  1. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence offers a weekend in a peaceful area with a hint of city life. You can take plenty of historic walks, try tons of new foods, go to museums and perhaps even visit some friends at the nearby colleges. 

For those wanting a beach retreat…

  1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a very popular summer destination. They have quaint villages, seafood shacks, ponds, bays, lighthouses and ocean beaches. Ferries depart from here as well to head to the resort islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. 

  1. Seaside Heights, New Jersey

Seaside Heights is fun for visitors of all ages. Their famous boardwalk is home to Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach. Fans of MTV’s Jersey Shore can also visit the famed house and perhaps even rent it out for a night or two. Overall, this vacation spot is worth your money. 

Clearly, going on a trip is not just an experience reserved for those who are financially well-off. With a bit of digging, you can easily find an exciting spot for you and your college friends to enjoy without having to break your bank account. 

Grace Notarstefano

St. John's '26

Grace is currently a freshman at St. John’s University in Queens NY. She is double majoring in History and Italian, with hopes to someday become a professor and enter the world of research. She can be found painting and sculpting, reading, trying new recipes, or writing up a post for her blog on the literature of the world.