New Orleans, Louisiana
white concrete building near green trees under blue sky during daytimePhoto by Steve Lussier on UnsplashOne of my besties lives in NOLA and oh my goodness, it was a blast. Whether you’ve never been there or been there a dozen times, there is always something to do and it is so much fun. There is plenty of historic sites (bonus points if that area is haunted by supposed ghosts) and Bourbon Street is sure to help you have a good time. Pro tip: October-March is past the tourist season and not as hot as the peak summer months.
1. A Weekend at the Lake
photo of calm body of water surrounded by treesPhoto by Jack B on UnsplashI don’t have a specific “go-to” area, but go to any place with a waterfront view! Renting a boat by the hour is affordable if you split the cost between your friends. These kinds of weekends got me through my broke summers in college. My best friends would all get together after finishing our summer jobs and take an hour’s drive to the lake near my hometown and not leave until Sunday night. It was one of those points in my life that I will never forget.
Tampa, Florida
white and black concrete buildingPhoto by David Hunter on UnsplashNow Tampa in particular is pretty affordable compared to other Florida cities. Tampa is only an hour away from Orlando so if you are a Disney fan, this a great option if you don’t want to fight the Disney family crowds. Tampa has a lot of different excursions including zip-lining, an Adventure course, and so many more options for fun activities.
Chicago, Illinois
building beside sea under clear blue skyPhoto by Muzammil Soorma on UnsplashI am lucky in that I have a lot of college friends that live in Chicago so I always have a place to stay. My best friends from high school are all from the St. Louis area, so between having a free place to stay, and a quick train ride that ranges $40-60 round trip? It’s a no-brainer to go up for the weekend. You got a lakefront view, plenty of attractions and great food options.
1. An All-Inclusive beach trip!!
two women sun bathing and another man swimming on blue body of water during daytimePhoto by Obi - @pixel7propix on UnsplashMy high school besties are planning an all-inclusive trip to Mexico next year. It’s our way of celebrating our 10-year friendiversary and us all having full-time jobs. While I haven’t experienced this kind of trip, I imagine having less stress knowing that everything is paid for and you can just enjoy being with your friends.
Life is too short. Take your PTO. Go on that spring break trip. And go take that vacation.
