The Best Mini-Vacations

This past semester, I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. Studying abroad is an amazing experience because traveling between European countries is so easy and affordable. After coming home, I wished there were as many inexpensive ways to travel and stay as the hostels of Europe offered me, then I realized, there are! A site that I had referred to numerous times while abroad, www.hostelworld.com, is not only available in Europe, but in 180 countries throughout the world – including the USA. They offer contact information for numerous clean, safe, cheap, and cheap hostels, and they are located in almost any place you hope to visit. The style of accommodations range anywhere from a dorm style, with numerous people (great if you are traveling with a big group!) as well as single private rooms, sleeping between 1-4 people. Many even include the great amenities that a hotel would, such as free wireless internet and free continental breakfast. 
 
Classes are coming to an end, and whether you are headed back to your hometown for the Summer, or staying local and living with friends, you are bound to need a break. Although you may not have even started your summer classes, job, or internship, with my newfound travel knowledge, I’m here to help you plan a fun getaway! Whether you opt for a big city or a quiet escape to the Cape, you can make it happen without emptying your wallet.
 
Driving Distance:
Cape Cod
Stay: Colonial House Inn & Restaurant – $70/night
Eat: Skippy’s Pier 1 – Seafood, Sweet Tomatoes – Pizza, Cape Cod Creamery – ice Cream
See: Gray’s Beach, Kayak/Boat rentals
Nightlife: Atrium Lounge, Boomers Bar & Grill

Martha’s Vineyard
Stay: Hostelling International – Martha’s Vineyard – $31/night
Eat: Slice of Life – Market/Deli, The Black Dog Tavern, Nancy’s
See: Beaches, Lighthouses, Gingerbread Cottages, Mytol
Nightlife: Dive Bar, Lampost Bar, Seafood Shanty Restaurant & Bar

Flying Distance:
Charleston, South Carolina
Stay: AAE of Charleston Rodeway Inn – $20/night
Eat: Poogan’s Porch (celeb spotting!), Fleet Landing Restaurant – Seafood, Charleston Crab House – Waterfront Dining
See: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston Pirate Tours
Nightlife: Squeeze Martini Lounge, Club Light, Silver Dollar Pub, Charleston Beer Works

San Francisco
Stay: USA Hostels San Francisco – $34/night 
Eat: Sauce, First Crush, Due Drop In, La Palma Mexicatessen 
See: Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Ride a cable car, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf
Nightlife: Wish, Matrix, Anu, Supperclub

Miami Beach
Stay: Miami Apartment Hostel – $30/night
Eat: Emeril’s Miami Beach – Upscale fusion,  Yuca – Upscale Cuban, Joe’s Stone Crab, Alma Mexicana
See: Haulover Beach Park (public nude beach!), Ocean Drive, South Beach Divers
Nightlife: Mango’s Tropical Café, Mansion Nightclub, Nikki Beach clubs, Mynt Lounge

Also keep your eyes open for great, inexpensive travel opportunities by viewing the “Deals” section of travel websites such as Kayak.com, Expedia.com, or Priceline.com. Lastly, immediately subscribe to Travelzoo, where you will find the greatest deals for wherever you hope to travel. Happy traveling!