In 2018, the average college student graduated with almost $30,000 in student loan debt. College students must pay high tuition bills even as they try to live as cheaply as possible.
But students also have a lot of school holidays. That means if they want to relax, they have to find cheap vacation spots that won’t require taking on even more debt.
Read on for the student’s guide to finding the best vacation spots in the U.S. for people on a budget. All three of these locations allow college kids to kick back without killing their budget.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, which means you don’t need a passport to get there. That alone saves you about $150.
But that’s not the only reason it’s one of the best vacation spots. There’s also a ton of sun, and the beaches are top-notch.
Lodging is a big concern for any college student. Most of them can’t afford $100 or more a night for a hotel.
That’s why you should look for locations with safe, clean hostels. Puerto Rico has plenty of those.
If you go, aim for a trip in spring or early summer. The weather is best around that time. Don’t go in the fall, as that’s the peak of hurricane season.
Austin
The capital of Texas is a good place for young people, period. Part of that is because of the University of Texas.
More than 50,000 students attend the main campus in Austin. They have access to great restaurants like Torchy’s Tacos and Franklin Barbecue. And while Austin is getting more expensive, you can still find tons of cheap, delicious food.
The weather is also warm most of the year. Tornadoes and storms can be a concern in the spring, though.
You can have fun in Austin almost any time of year. But make a note on your college schedule maker and try to avoid South by Southwest. The gigantic film, media, and music festival has a way of taking over the town when it arrives in March.
The Florida Panhandle
South Florida has a glitzier reputation. Yet there’s as much fun in the Florida Panhandle, plus fewer crowds and lower prices to boot.
Pensacola and Destin are two of the biggest draws for college students on vacation. You can get a beach house steps away from the water.
A beach house rental may sound pricey, but it’s more reasonable if you divide the price among a few people. Round up four or five of your best friends and find a reasonably-priced cottage or bungalow.
Relaxing on the white sand beaches is worth sharing a room with a friend. And the water is some of the bluest you’ll ever see.
If you like seafood, you’ll love the Florida panhandle. Again, it doesn’t have quite the reputation of cities like Miami. But you can find delicious and incredibly fresh oysters, among other delicacies.
Cheap Vacation Spots for College Students
Going on vacation is often seen as a hobby only reach people can afford. But college students can find cheap vacation spots if they know where to look.
At Exsplore, we believe that travel is critical to your education as a human being. If you liked this post, stay tuned to our blog for more tips that will help you expand your view of the world.