By Kaylee Johnson
Campus News
As a college student, I know that summer is supposed to be a time of tranquility and rejuvenation, but many students work relentlessly to fund their tuition and other expenses. When people think of summer break they think of sugary sand and calm blue waves, but the truth is, expensive travel is unattainable for most college students. Loans, housing, car payments, and meals plans are enough to get anybody in over their head, so of course travel in general seems frivolous and out of the question. But travel does not have to cost a fortune; in fact there are a lot of hidden gems across the northeast. Often, people see staged vacation photos on their social media feed and feel envious or somber that they are not able to go to those luxurious resorts, but travel comes in an assortment of shapes and sizes. Here are a few of fun, economical road trips to enjoy this summer:
Lake George: Located in Upstate, New York, Lake George has been attracting summer tourists for generations. The nostalgic arcades and picturesque waterfront dining makes the town attractive and enjoyable for people of all ages. Most tourists spend their days walking the sidewalks and lying on the sand, but there are activities that suit every personality type. Most people know that there is a Six Flags amusement park in New Jersey, but did you know that there is one in Lake George? The quaint park is filled with wild roller coasters, lazy rivers, and games. If you are a thrill seeker, spend your day at Six Flags Great Escape for $61.99 per person. While the town may seem rather hokey and artificial, it actually houses a historical landmark, Fort William Henry. The museum is supposedly haunted and offers spooky “ghost tours” on Wednesdays and Sundays during the summer. If you’re brave enough, it is $18 per person. Lake George’s dreamlike mountain landscape and sailboats make the whole town and will impress people who enjoy spending time outdoors. On another positive note, Lake George is an extremely dog-friendly town, in fact there are many stores devoted to selling dog products in the heart of the town. Road trips are always better with a dog goofily sticking its head out of the window, just saying.
Atlantic City, New Jersey: AC is a classic summer destination for college students and families alike. The funnel cake, foot long hot dogs, and salty air create an irresistible, carefree summer atmosphere. Atlantic City is a great road trip destination for partygoers, since the boardwalk is full of bars and restaurants that stay open all night long. There are plenty of affordable Atlantic City motels and hotels in walking distance of the ocean, and many of them offer free continental breakfast buffets. After the sun goes down, Atlantic City is known for slot machines and casinos surrounded by cigarette smoke clouds. Keep in mind that you have to be twenty-one years old or older to gamble in all of the Atlantic City casinos, and you will not be able to keep your winnings if you have a fake ID. But there are plenty of other fun things to do on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, including Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, large arcades, delicious dining options for all budgets, and Steel Pier, a whimsical fun park located at the end of the Boardwalk.
Montauk, Long Island: Glamorous, nautical Long Island has many quaint beach and tourist towns that attract thousands each summer and become vacant during the winter. Montauk is one of the most popular, as it is known for its sandy ocean beach, charming seaside town, and yearly Shark Tournaments. The 32nd Annual Shark Tournament will be held on June 14th. If you are not a Long Island native, you probably don’t know that the Shark Tournaments are controversial, because a shark is publicly hung and displayed each year. It is debatable whether it is unethical or not, but that hot topic does not take away from the gorgeous beach and fun atmosphere. If you visit Montauk, I would suggest staying at a hotel out of the way to save money. Some other fun, spirited, beautiful Long Island beach towns include: Southampton, Port Jefferson, Sag Harbor and Greenport.
Lake George, Atlantic City, and Montauk offer more than good Instagram photos and sunshine. They also act as an escape from reality, and I have found that sometimes a brief relaxation is necessary in order to be the best possible version of oneself. If you can, take a weekend off this summer to explore your surroundings and immerse yourself in nature. Walk through tulip festivals, dance at concerts, swim in the ocean, walk the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and play in an arcade. Remember that balance is key, and if you do not balance work with rest you can burn out. On that note, have a memorable, fulfilling summer, no matter what your plans are.
Kaylee Johnson (pictured with parents) attended Adirondack Community College and now attends the College of Saint Rose.
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