College students everywhere are powering off their laptops, closing their textbooks and tossing their book bags to the side.
Classes are done. Finals completed. Grades are being calculated. Bags are being stuffed with clothes. Jeans and t-shirts are being replaced with bikinis and swimming trunks. Summer is finally here.
Now that it is finally here, what should we do next? Our budgets don't allow us to take crazy trips across the country and, after a while, going to the beach all day and the club all night loses its appeal.
What is there left to do when you don't have the money and are tired of the norm?
Well, here are some top vacation spots for students on a budget looking for excitement.
1. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is an option for anyone who has ever wanted to try sand boarding and sand sledding. Yes, sand boarding and sand sledding are real things and the sand dunes provide you with just the right amount of exhilaration to try them out. And if the dunes aren't your thing, you can chill in the Medano Creek or check out some restaurants on or around the park. You have the option of camping in tents or RV's or renting a cabin for the true rustic experience. Hotels and inns are also available nearby the park as well.
2. Ruby Falls, Tennessee
For something truly different, head on down to Ruby Falls. The waterfall is actually 1,120 feet underground. This waterfall was discovered by Leo Lambert and he decided to name the entire place after his wife. It is the nation's largest and deepest waterfall open to the public. After viewing the falls, you can check out the park from their Lookout Mountain Tower or try one of their obstacle courses amongst the treetops. They have one restaurant called Ruby's Kitchen for you to enjoy.
3. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
For the ones with an affinity for the spooky, the Mammoth Cave National Park is for you. These are the longest known cave systems in the world -- stretching over 400 miles. The park offers tours for everyone. So whether you are down for the entire 400 miles or can only deal with enclosed spaces for an hour, you can find a tour for you. They have varying prices for people of all ages and offer camping grounds. Choose from a cabin or right out in the open. The only downfall would be the limited restaurants on the park premises. For food, travel outside the park.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
All the artsy folk listen up! Santa Fe, New Mexico is the place to be. You will be surrounded by Spanish, Native American and Western cultures. See buildings still built from adobe clay. Give your tastebuds a treat with authentic Spanish food. Just be prepared to be asked "green or red sauce?" a lot. You can take an official tour of Santa Fe or just walk around the various stores and museums yourself. Hotels are available all around Santa Fe, but they do fill up quickly during the summer. The nightlife is also prominent here. Try Flamenco dancing or catch the Santa Fe opera.
5. Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia
Providence Canyon State Park offers up a version of Georgia's "little Grand Canyon" with this one. The result after years of bad farming in the 1800's, these rocks are said to look amazing during the sunset and sunrise. The canyons are as tall as 150 feet. You can view the canyons from the trail behind a fence or brave the conditions and hike the deepest parts of the canyon. There are also camping options, either indoors or right outside. Buy an annual pass for $50 dollars and you don't have to worry about parking prices. There are always a variety of tours and events going on. You are allowed to picnic but restaurants don't seem to be plentiful in the park.
The best part about these locations? You can decide to either fly or drive. You just have to make the right traveling decision for your budget.
So, who says you need to go halfway around the world or lie on a beach for some excitement?
Everyone already knows the best trips are the ones you least expect. Just grab your best friends, get the music and snacks ready and make it a summer to remember for years.
