The “Not-So-Popular” Vacation Spots for College Students

From Miami to Cancún to Las Vegas, you’re probably convinced that the best college spring break destinations were already discovered by someone else.

Fortunately, there are plenty of undiscovered destinations that might provide even more fun, excitement, and relaxation than the more traditional locales.

Sometimes with fewer crowds and lower prices, these spots are perfect for anyone on a budget. So let’s check out a few more obscure places you can visit to make new memories without resorting to a tired cliché.

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1. Asheville, North Carolina

My favourite small mountain college town is Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Asheville is perfect for the culturally or nature oriented student and is awesome for the college party-goer. The artsy downtown area has an array of fun college bars and clubs with a decent music scene (all that jazz), good food in many of the restaurants, and fun festivals happen every now and then.

It is also easy enough to the mountains to have access to trails for easy day hiking – board the shuttle bus at the Biltmore Estate and spend the whole day hiking with an awesome mountain backdrop.

Go a few miles in the opposite direction (west) and you are on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the winding urban highway through the mountains.

Some points of interest include going to Doughton Park or Mt Mitchell State Park for hiking, seeing the Linn Cove Viaduct, the highest span on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or driving a bit further to view Linville Falls (with falls, of course).

Biking and hiking through the mountains is fun, which Asheville is perfect for because it has numerous craft breweries for the athlete to recharge and sample some of ‘the greatest beers in the world.’ Asheville is unique and quite attractive to anyone looking for a quiet getaway – it is a funky college town with many good bars and restaurants at low prices.

2. Bend, Oregon

Bend, another small town I love and you’ve probably never heard of (you probably have though) and one of the most beautiful small central towns in a state that doesn’t have a coastline, Bend, Oregon – a year-round outdoor utopia, a winter where you can ski Mount Bachelor, a summer where you can kayak on the Deschutes River.

Almost any outdoorsy college grad would love it, and it can be relatively inexpensive to live in as well. And, of course, there’s a thriving craft beer scene, an increasingly great food scene, all at a lower cost too.

It’s a best-kept secret, too, less visited than some of the more popular vacation destinations, and you end up feeling more like you know locals than tourists. The weather is gorgeous year-round. Pick your season.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

The first place that comes into someone’s mind when they’re thinking of vacationing at the beach are probably the beautiful beaches of Florida, Dover or California.

However, if you’re a student trying to explore a new place while saving money, a great option would be the beach in Gulf Shores in Alabama.

Its white sand and clear blue waters provide the perfect alternative to the more crowded beach locations like Florida Dover or even California.

Students are allowed to have fun by partaking in water sports like parasailing or jet skiing, or just by relaxing by the beautiful shore.

One recent report showed that the number of college students visiting Gulf Shores – which boasts pristine sands and rock bottom prices compared with other more notorious spring break hotspots – has climbed 20 per cent in the past five years.

A room for the week at a popular spot could cost $150 a night, while Gulf Shores hotels typically go for $90 a night.

This makes it a popular destination for students who want to be able to have a great time on the beach but are conscious of their budgets.

Many assignment services available online offer useful guides to help students plan their trips effectively, ensuring a smooth vacation experience while managing academic deadlines.

4. Stowe, Vermont

In particular, for those students who enjoy skiing and snowboarding, there is no better place than Stowe in Vermont, and it is not only the best skiing/snowboarding in my opinion, but also better than all the more-crowded (and higher priced) ski areas in other states, including Colorado and elsewhere around the US.

In the summer, Stowe is a great place to hike and mountain bike, and for anyone who enjoys all the natural beauty of Vermont.

Here’s a quick comparison of Stowe with other popular ski destinations:

Destination	Lift Ticket Cost (Day)	Lodging Cost (Per Night)	Crowds
Stowe, Vermont	$100 – $125	$75 – $150	Less crowded
Aspen, Colorado	$150 – $175	$200 – $300	Very crowded
Park City, Utah	$140 – $160	$180 – $250	Crowded

The fact that Stowe has similar, if not better, slopes and accommodations than the other resorts but comes at a fraction of the price makes it a perfect place for students to let off some steam in the snow.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

I believe that Santa Fe is an amazing place to visit as a student. Santa Fe is a city in New Mexico’s north-central region, best known for its unique culture.

The city’s culture is a product of its blend of Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences. Santa Fe literally has something for everyone if they like it or not and there is nowhere else in the world that has a place like it.

A student could greatly benefit from visiting a city full of so much culture.

First of all, there are numerous art galleries and museums where students can get acquainted with the history of the city.

In addition, there are historical sites where one can witness the admiration-deserving remnants of the past.

Of course, it is quintessential for a trip to the west to also include some sort of adventure on the part of the outdoor activity.

When it comes to Santa Fe, people can go hiking, mountain biking or skiing in the winter period.

Foremost is the food, in many local restaurants serving traditional New Mexican food at knockout prices.

And there are festivals throughout much of the year to spice up your visit.

Santa Fe will appeal to the student that wants a somewhat more cultural experience, it’s a place that’s easy to roll into, do nothing or do it all.

6. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is often ignored as a vacation spot, but for college kids it offers a wide variety of activities.

The Tennessee River on the Chattanooga Riverfront is beautiful. Its rafting and hiking trails attract many people to come into the city.

On a path, known as how you can see seven states from Tennessee, Lookout Mountain has an exciting feature. Its caves, waterfalls, and many attractions, make Chattanooga the best place to visit.

Museums like the Civil War and Museum of American History and historic sites abound where history lovers can take their programs.

Even food went into the mix, because even though our food scene is an ‘emerging food city,’ my aunt still shook her head at what a hurry it was in.

There is little better than making a vacation that is affordable on a student budget that appeals to the interests of an aspiring adventurer and history buff.

7. Quebec City, Canada

For an unsung destination that feels like you’re crossing an ocean but really aren’t, try Quebec City in Canada.

It’s a classic European-feeling city, but with a French flair. Explore Old Quebec – a UNESCO World Heritage site – or one of its lively festivals.

The most attractive thing about Quebec City, however, is its reasonable cost: it has to compete with Montreal, a similarly charming metropolis, but is far more affordable than international destinations.

Hotels, food and entertainment are all reasonably priced, and it’s often a good exchange rate for U.S. students.

If you’re always telling yourself that you want to experience another culture but can never justify the expense or time, Quebec City is an excellent compromise.

Conclusion

Stepping off the well-trodden tourist paths can mean getting more of what you want for less, whether you’re after beaches, mountains or culture.

What’s more, many of these unsung destinations offer a lot of what makes their more famous counterparts great – not to mention adventure – without the crowds or the big price tag.

With some advance planning, you can craft memorable trips to any of these destinations without breaking the bank as a student.