5 Spring Break Trips that Won’t Break the Bank

**Updated**

College is all about getting out of your comfort zone and finding out more about yourself, and spring break is one of your best opportunities each school year to get outside and try something new. So many of us give up this chance to explore because it’s just too expensive. That’s why I made this list of five trips that actually cost less than a month of rent in Missoula.

Moab Spring Break

  1. Road Trip to Arches National Park- This one is on the top of my list because it’s the only one I’ve personally done. Sure, it’s 10 and a half hours in the car, but if you spend it with your best friends, half the memories can be made on the trip. Once you get to Arches, there is so much to explore. My two buddies and I spent four days hiking and still left plenty to see. The arches are truly something that should be experienced in person. Gas will run you around $150 and the camping pass we got for the week was around $30.

Las Vegas Spring Break

  1. Take on Las Vegas- Everyone knows that Vegas is as much fun as you make it, and for me, the less money spent on flights and hotels, the more money I have to spend on “less essential” purchases. You can get a flight there and back through Allegiant for less than $200 and then stay at Circus Circus for less than $30 a night.

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  1. Seattle Mariners Game- April means it’s start of baseball season. Get your friends together and catch the home opener for the Mariners in Seattle for less than you think. Tickets are under $25 apiece through StubHub and camping at the beautiful Blue Sky RV Park just outside of Seattle is much cheaper than the city’s hotels. Another bonus road trips to Seattle provide is Dick’s Hamburgers in Spokane. There isn’t a better place in the Northwest to get quality burgers, fries, and milkshakes for less. And being so close to the interstate, it’s a must stop! Gas would run your group around $100, but burgers and shakes will fill you up for less than 6.  http://www.blueskyrvpark.net/blue-sky-menu/blue-sky-home-.html

Yellowstone spring break

  1. Camp out in Yellowstone- It still might be a little bit chilly to camp at Yellowstone right now, but spots go for $20 a night inside the park. A more realistic option would be to spend your nights at the Stage Coach Inn, a favorite for Yellowstone visitors. Located in West Yellowstone, you would be just a short drive to the edge of the park, and also be close to the restaurants and bars. http://www.yellowstoneinn.com/

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  1. Visit Salt Lake City- Catch some NBA action in Salt Lake City. The Jazz take on the Spurs and Clippers during the first week of April, who are among the best teams in the Western Conference. Tickets for both games are still less than $30 a pop, and gas will only run your group about $100. Stay at the cheap, but clean and well equipped EconoLodge for around $50 a night.

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BONUS TRIP to the Redwood Forest-  All an unforgettable trip needs is one friend that pushes to make it happen. I was going to sit at home this break, but my buddy was adamant on going to the Redwood Forest. For less than $100 a piece for 4 friends, he planned out gas, other travel expenses and two nights ocean-side at the Crescent Beach Motel. For a few days, we are going to hike through a North American rain forest and hangout by the beach at night. That sounds too sweet to pass up for a few Montana kids who just thawed out from winter.

Well that’s all the ideas I have for now. I hope this article gets you thinking about going on an adventure of your own this spring break, and if it does, share this article to get someone else inspired!

 

 

 

Ryne B.

 

 

 

Around The World And Back

It all started one day sitting in high school not sure what in the heck I was going to do when I graduated. A Marine Corp. Recruiter came in to our class and I gave him an ear to talk to. Little did I know he would sell me on a trip of a life time. So three months down the road I was graduated from high school, sitting in sunny California, getting yelled at in boot camp. To flash forward a year or so, I was done with all my training and getting ready for what I really signed up for. To see the world of course!!!

So we set out on our deployment, The 13 MEU, and this hog right here was how we were getting around. Its a fine ship, a little crowded but damn it can do some damage if need be. The USS BOXER.

The first stop after leaving San Diego….you guessed it, Hawaii!! After spending three weeks on a boat I was much do for some R&R. I’ll tell you four days here wasn’t nearly enough though.

The second stop of the trip was beautiful GUAM. With its amazing sunsets and sunrises… I never wanted to leave. I’ve made it a point in my life to venture back to this fabulous place.

I guess if you need something fixed you better call on us. Taking a little break during the flight schedule while the jets launch.

Next up Phuket, Thailand. If I could get on a plane and truly leave any where in the world right now, this would be the spot I would head. The people are amazingly friendly. The weather is wonderful and the food is some of the best I’ve ever had.

Next stop Dubai. Here in this pic is the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa @ 2,717 feet high. Being a Montana kid born and raised, when I stood at the base of this marvel I couldn’t help but stare up at it for hours. Its pure bliss, you can see it from 30 miles away. Its incredible!!ski-dubai_2406593kSkiing in the middle of the desert? Dubai is known for many things and yes this is one of them. They have an indoor ski slope there. Being thousands of miles away from home…of course I had to give this a shot!

Some more flight deck fun somewhere out in the middle of the ocean.

The next stop was in Jordan. During leave we were allowed to visit the ancient ruins of Petra. Above is the Treasury, standing at a staggering 40 meters tall, the view was breathtaking. Above is the the Monastery, another building carved into the red rocks of Petra.Deployment was quite an experience. Getting to travel the world with great people was something I always wanted to do. I would do it all again if I could, no regrets. Well maybe without the working part. The leave time was amazing. When the ship ported in places like Hawaii and Thailand, I was ecstatic with joy. Thanks for taking time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed it.

 

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11 Realistic Yet Completely Satisfying Spring Break Getaways

Spring break is right around the corner for us college students and have you thought of where your next adventure will be? Here are 11 realistic yet completely satisfying spring break getaways as told by college students just like yourself that have gone, will go or are dying to get to in 2015.

Let’s start with the more obvious choices that students end up going anyway…

1. Lake Havasu, AZ

Lake Havasu, AZWhether you enjoy the beach, paddle boarding or listening to great music Lake Havasu has been named a top attraction among many college students to spend their spring break. -“Nicole Orrantia- University of Montana”

2. Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV

Another popular place to visit is the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas. Here people can go to clubs, lay by the pool or do some over priced shopping. -“Jayden Romero- Montana State University “

3. California

San DiegoSan Francisco, CA

Who could forget going to California? Not us! Expose your sophisticated side in San Francisco or enjoy a boat ride in San Diego. Either way there is no better place to enjoy some sun than in California. -“Bailey Harper- University of Montana & Kelsie McDowell- Boston University “

4. Panama City, FL

Panama City, FL

BEACHES BEACHES AND MORE BEACHES. Can’t get enough of them, right? Try another huge destination to experience music, major night clubs and that beautiful weather in Panama City. “Kyle Tevlin- Union College”

5. Grand Canyon, AZ

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If you want to check out the outdoors early put on your hiking shoes and trek around the Grand Canyon. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful scenery and unexpected friendliness of other travelers. -“Heather Donnelly-University of Montana”

Now let’s look at some awesome places you might not think to visit…

6. Lake Chelan, WA

Lake Chelan, WA2

There is SO much to do in the main cities of Washington but what about the secret lakes in the area such as Lake Chelan? It’s perfect for family trips to camp, boat and jet ski which gives you the feeling of being at beach but without the crowds. “Ally Goodall- Central Washington University” 

7. Wrightsville Beach, NC

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Let’s go East now to another beach, Wrightsville, NC. This town is all about the active lifestyle from fishing, paddle boarding to surfing. They even have the friendliest locals! What could beat that?-“Connor Gustafson- University of Montana”

8. Charelston, SC

charleston, S.C.

Charelston, SC is the place to be to enjoy amazing scenery. Here you can take about a million and a half tourists walking trips, go out to sea for some fishing and even explore the cute downtown atmosphere.
“Ryanne Frazier- SCAD-University for Creative Careers”

9. Fernie, BC

Fernie, BC

Put on your best retro 80’s gear and get ready for the skiing time of your life as you celebrate Hot Dog Day in Fernie, BC with all the other dedicated skiing enthusiasts. All true skiers and snowboarders will be there so make sure not to miss out on this event!-“AJ Frisell- University of Montana”

10. Goldbug Hotsprings, ID

Goldbug Hot Springs, ID

What better way to start spring off with a little camping trip to a non-commercial hot springs like Goldbug, ID? Enjoy the fresh air, a little bit of wilderness and soak up that warm water before the big camping trips start! -“Lindsay Forman- University of Montana”

11. Back Home

Mary Miller, Family

As we are all college students one of the best get away places is making that trip back home to see your mom, dad and bless the siblings of your presence for a delightful week. “-Mary Miller- University of Montana”


If you are a student and want to share your spring break  adventure please send a picture and description to: cassandralflynn@gmail.com