By Ainsley Raha

As the itch to take a break from daily life grows, so do prices. However, there are still many places that offer a lot, even on a budget!

Travelling is a form of recreation that sparks excitement, joy and offers visitors a peak into a different way of life. So much can be taken away from exploring new places, such as beautiful scenery or adrenaline inducing thrills. New memories and perspectives can each be made after one solid trip, although logistics can get in the way. Traveling is daunting; deciding where to go, finding transportation, creating an itinerary and of course, paying for it. But, you don’t need to travel halfway across the world or stay in the nicest hotel to have a good time. In fact, travel destinations don’t even need to be a long flight away. There are locations with lots to offer a car drive or subway ride away! Here are 3 places that are interactive, unique and worth a visit.

Oftentimes, New Yorkers tend to overlook the exciting attractions that are just a few subway stops away. But, there are some hidden gems lying around the city that can mimic a vacation for a much cheaper price. So if you have no plans for the long weekend and are itching to leave the house, consider a day trip to Coney Island.

The last stop on the South Ferry, which is free thanks to Student OMNY cards, offers more entertainment than you’d think. Coney Island consists of the New York aquarium, the Coney Island Beach, Luna Park, the boardwalk, and many, many, tasty options for food.

Luna Park is the city's largest amusement park and is packed with rides varying from more low-key experiences to exhilarating adventures. Famous roller coasters, like the Cyclone have been operating for over 100 years and continue to provide excitement for visitors. Rides can range from 6 to 12 dollars and there is an option for purchase of a wristband that provides access to the whole park starting at $38.

However, those in search of a more relaxing trip might be interested in the neighboring beach. Right next to the amusement park lies the Coney Island beach. This beach is open for the whole summer season and is free for the public. It goes on for 3 miles, is lined with concession stands and has different sports courts, including volleyball, basketball, and handball. After a busy day of activities, watching the sunset over the horizon can feel as if you’ve traveled to a different country—except you don’t have to pay for flight tickets! Versatile for younger children, Coney Island is home to the New York Aquarium. Hours can be spent at the aquarium due to the large amount of animals on display. Penguins, sea lions, sting rays, sand tiger sharks are just a few of the notable animals featured at the aquarium. Tickets range anywhere from $25 to $32. This experience includes a 4D movie theater, sea lion shows, a touch pool and quests, to name a few. Exploring sea life is truly a magical experience and is not something that can be done in the Hudson!

As your day progresses, there are a number of restaurants worth popping into. Nathan's Famous is known for their hotdogs, chicken tenders and fries. Nathan Herdwerker, a Polish immigrant, opened a hotdog stand in Coney Island with his wife Ida back in 1916. Over time, the company gained traction and opened multiple locations around the city; however, the original is still standing on the boardwalk. Hot dogs cost $5.99 and are worth every bite. Looking for a sweet treat after? Williams Candy is your go-to! Just like Nathans Famous, Williams Candy is an authentic company that has been around for a long time and specializes in Candy Apples.

You can finish up your day along the boardwalk which overlooks the beach and parts of Luna Park. Coney Island contains the perfect amount of activities to transport you to a totally different location, while still being in the same city! So next time you catch yourself awaiting a new adventure, look no further than Coney Island.

City life can be a bear sometimes, but hopping on the next flight out of the country is a little excessive. If you are in this position, you might want to consider exploring a new area in driving range and a really strong contender is Lake George. Within a four hour car ride from New York City, you can find yourself in one of the most peaceful lakes in the Adirondacks. Lake George is full of wildlife, stunning scenery and islands, which contain campgrounds that are accessible to the public.

Camping on these islands is a different but enjoyable form of traveling and truly does expose others to a new way of life. Smaller islands have around 4 campsites whereas larger ones can have up to 20. Campsites fit up to 6 people and have their own outhouses as well as fire pits, which are perfect for gathering around with loved ones and watching the sunset.

Car rentals can cost anywhere from $32 to $50 per day and can be parked on one of the marinas. Marinas are also where another form of transportation can be rented! To get to each island, you will need to rent a boat. There is a variety to pick from, ranging from chase boats, pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks. For those on a budget, kayaks or canoes are the best option. Rentals can be made upfront at the marina and cost around $95 dollars each day, this will most likely be the priciest part of your trip. Each island has multiple landings where boats can be docked.

In order to camp at Lake George, you need to pounce on the opportunity to rent a campsite, oftentimes it's ideal to book them 6 months before the season starts (May 16 to October 12). Campsites can hold 6 people and rentals can be made at reserveamerica.com (search for “Glen Island”) for just $30 a night.

The most important aspect of camping is the gear, which can be quite expensive and such a purchase might not appeal to first time campers. However, there are ways to work around this. Certain websites have rental programs where gear can be rented for a much better price than purchasing. OutdoorsGeeks is a company that has been providing campers all over the United States with resources for many years. The company has a wide stock of all the materials needed for a weekend away. Tents, sleeping bags and pads, tarps, and kitchen supplies are just a few of the necessities available for a solid price.

Eating at Lake George is up to you, but it is convenient to bring your own groceries and prepare certain meals beforehand. Yogurt, muffins, sandwich material, pasta, rice and beans are all popular and reliable camping meals. Store-bought snacks like chips, fruit and granola bars are also good to have on hand. Most campers prefer bringing pre-made food, although the options can vary if you choose to bring a camping stove, which can be used with a bit of propane. This is extravagant but not necessary to enjoy good meals! The bonus to camping on an island is that you do not need to pack your food up at night because there are no animals that will try to break into it.

Lake George provides visitors with so much beauty and many activities. There are different hiking trails located on larger islands, which overlook the lake and neighboring towns. Hiking is a fun and active day trip that fully disconnects campers from city life. Kayaking or canoeing to the shore and spending some time in town is also a cool way to experience life upstate. There are many different ice cream parlors and gift shops which are cute to pop into. The shore also has a number of public parks with sand volleyball courts, soccer fields and playgrounds. Best for last is simply just taking a dip in the lake! Lake George is almost as refreshing as it is gorgeous and it is definitely worth it to spend some time swimming in the lake.

Camping isn’t often viewed as a way to relax but the tranquility that the lake and mountains offer provides visitors with just that. There is no better way to connect with nature than fully embracing it and this experience is both enriching and knowledgeable. There is more to New York than the city, so if you ever feel like escaping take a trip up to Lake George!

For tourists in search of leaving the country while maintaining a budget, Costa Rica is the perfect country to visit. Costa Rica is rich in wildlife, food, activities and gorgeous sights.

Flights out of JFK can range anywhere from $100 (USD) to $600, but with a little research you can scope out a good deal. American Airlines sells one way flights in February, to Arenal, costing around $95 (USD) which is significantly cheaper than other airlines.

Arenal is one of the most versatile towns inland of Costa Rica. It is a 3 hour drive from San Jose and is filled with fun activities and good prices. Accommodations can be found on Hostel websites and range anywhere between $7 and $20 (USD) per night. In a country like Costa Rica, not much time is spent in your room so finding a cheaper place to stay is a practical idea. Transportation in Costa Rica can range from $5 to $20 (USD), bike rentals and public buses are all smart ways to travel to different areas on a day trip without spending tons of money on Ubers. Travelers that would rather drive from place to place can find rental deals on Expedia, it can cost around $15 to $30 (USD) each day to rent a car for your trip. Depending on your budget and preference, this might be a better option.

The most important part of a trip to Costa Rica is the itinerary. This country is known for having a variety of activities. The most popular ones consist of ziplining, white water rafting, surfing and hot springs. But not all are necessary to have a good trip, it can get expensive and overwhelming deciding which adventures to pack your itinerary with. For those interested in exploring the rainforests in an action-oriented manner, may want to consider ziplining. The adrenaline and exploration that comes from zipping through rainforests is what makes it so popular. Certain companies have courses consisting of 20 different zip lines that can be up to 800 meters long. To add on to this experience, tons of wildlife can be spotted from high up in the trees. For most of the tourists, it is the highlight of their trip and will definitely be a story worth sharing with your friends when you return. Reservations can be made online and can cost anywhere from $60 to $100+(USD).

A more affordable activity is a day trip to La Fortuna Waterfall which is part of the Arenal Volcano national park. Admissions are $20 (USD) per person but once you enter, the beauty is endless. To get to the 70 meter waterfall, you must climb down 600 steps. There are benches and rocks surrounding the pool that the waterfall plummets into. The natural, cool water is perfect for a quick swim and is packed with all sorts of (harmless!) aquatic animals. Countless hours can be spent hanging around the waterfall, as well as the park itself.

A free and stunning way to connect with nature and the hundreds of species that comes with it, is to hike. Arenal Volcano national park offers many different trails that are each unique, climatic and mostly user friendly. Each hike features at least one bit of charming Costa Rican scenery. Formerly flowing lava from the Arenal Volcano, which has now turned to rock can be found on certain hikes. Some trails make their way through waterfalls, including La Fortuna. Others have multiple hanging bridges scattered throughout the course, which are fun to cross and add on to the majestical feel. Costa Rica is home to hundreds of different species which are usually guaranteed to spot and are an exciting addition to the trails.

The volcano in Arenal hasn’t erupted since 2010 but still contains magma which heats up the ground water and results in hot springs scattered throughout the town. Visiting hot springs is a very popular Costa Rican activity, but the experience is rather pricey. Near Arenal National park lies the El Choyin river, which is naturally heated and free to use. A similar, more natural experience can be made through taking a dip in one of these rivers and will definitely be a memory not forgotten! Spending time in this river is at your own risk, but it is a popular activity among foreigners and isn’t particularly dangerous. It is a cool way to interact with nature and enjoy what Arenal has to offer.

Eating on a budget in Costa Rica is very accessible due to the soda shops that are commonly found. Soda’s were originally made for workers and visitors to eat home-cooked food on a budget and still continue to serve a similar purpose. The authenticity of each Soda makes for a comforting experience and provides travelers an inside perspective of Costa Rican life. Popular meals to expect consist of gallo pinto, casado, ceviche and, a common favorite, babidos (a traditional, refreshing fruit blend)! The recipes and ingredients are authentic and can sometimes result in a better meal than one from a restaurant.

Costa Rica contains endless opportunities for recreation and entertainment all while maintaining a budget. The uniqueness provides tourists with fond memories and invites them to embrace the culture and beauty the country offers.

Travelling doesn’t need to be excessive or lavish. The fundamental memories can still be formed no matter where you go, but it does help to explore entertaining places. That is what makes Coney Island, Lake George and Costa Rica great contenders. Each location presents its visitors with action packed activities, pretty landscapes and many, many smiles. Vacations can be found wherever you decide, sometimes even just a subway stop away!

Ainsley Raha is a freshman at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics and enjoys exploring new parts of the world. Her interest for traveling often results in constantly daydreaming about the next location to visit. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, running and obviously traveling!

Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics

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