5 US spring break vacations on a budget
Do you smell flowers blooming? Even if you can’t, spring is almost here and that makes it a great time to plan your next vacation. Going on a spring holiday doesn’t have to be expensive; and in fact, spring is a great time to travel since it’s just the beginning of the tourist season. Not only do you avoid large crowds, but also travel and accommodations will be cheaper. Instead of booking a trip to Europe or the Caribbean, why not stay local? We at N26 love traveling and finding new destinations to explore. Here are some perfect spots for an affordable getaway that will help you get some much-needed R&R.
Key West, Florida
Are palm trees and a fresh ocean breeze calling your name? There is a good reason why Florida is called the Sunshine State — it’s warm 360 days of the year. If you’re looking for something more low-key and less expensive than Miami, Key West is ranked fifth by US News’ “Best Cheap Spring Break Destinations.” If you are looking to do more than just relax by the water, there are many activities to keep you entertained. Why not get some exercise and see Key West at the same time? The best way to explore the island is by bike. If you need some guidance, there are plenty of bike tours, like Lloyd’s Tropical Bike Tour.Take a stroll down Duval Street and grab a Mango Dog from Garbo’s Grill. If you want to enjoy an outdoor drink afterwards, check out Willie T’s on any Saturday to get two margaritas for $12. If you are looking to discover a gem, take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s 200-year-old home and keep an eye out for any six-toed cats. Key West is waiting and ready to give you an adventure of a lifetime.
Washington D.C
If you love blooming flowers, then you can’t miss DC’s cherry blossom festival. Travel and Leisure estimates that 1.5 million people attend the event at Tidal Basin annually. Hop on the $1 shuttle from Union Station and you’ll arrive at Potomac Park before you know it. The cherry blossom festival is a whole month of celebration from March 20 to April 15. You can enjoy live performances, games, art, fireworks, food, and more. Steps away is the National Mall where memorials stand in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps you have seen photographs of the Washington Monument, but nothing will compare to witnessing it in person. After exploring the memorials and monuments, go for a walk along the Potomac River or Washington Channel. If you work up an appetite, stop by &pizza for a $10 customizable pie with unlimited toppings. For more “Spring Break Activities in Washington D.C.” check out this Trip Savvy post.
New Orleans
Are you ready for one of the most amazing cultural experiences ever? This is your time to go on memorable adventures. See local wildlife and maybe even an alligator on a swamp tour with Cajun Counters. After you dry off, there are endless possibilities to discover something new. Everywhere you turn music is playing from different corners of the street. The French Quarter provides an experience like no other. You can listen to great music while eating the best Cajun food. For some delicious seafood, eat at Foursquare’s #1 ranked place for crawfish, Deanie’s Seafood. Your eating adventures don’t have to stop there. Satisfy your sweet tooth with beignets. Café Du Monde has been serving delicious beignets since 1862 and offers a deal of three for $3. To quench your thirst after all the sweetness, drink the night away at TripAdvisor’s favorite dive bar, the Chart Room. As soon as you get home, you will immediately start planning your next trip back to New Orleans.
Myrtle Beach, SC
What better reason to visit Myrtle Beach than 60 miles of clear water and soft sand? This spot is perfect for anyone who loves relaxing or participating in fun activities on the beach. Stop by Broadway at the Beach for some live entertainment and shopping or ride to the top of the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. Want to see the city from an even higher vantage point? Have the experience of a lifetime on a helicopter tour for $20 with Helicopter Adventures. If you’re hungry after all the excitement, grab a $4 Cheeseburger at Hamburger Joe’s. Make sure to dedicate lots of time to walk on the beautiful sandy beach. Dangle your feet off the pier while fishing at Cherry Grove and wait to experience the stunning sunset. Afterwards, put your mind to the test and “escape the room” at Break Out. If you’re curious about other activities, Thrillist has a great list of “non-touristy” things to do.
Portland, Oregon
Do you love bikes, beer and bridges? Portland has it all. It’s a veritable mecca for craft spirit admirers, with its Distillery Row featuring independent spirit warehouses. And everything is homemade. You can purchase a “passport” at any distillery, or download the app! With this purchase, you will be able to visit up to 11 different locations with $5 of credit for each. To find out more, check out Distillery Row PDX. After your drinking experience, head to Eastbank Esplanade and walk along the Willamette River. Keep your eye out for the famous Portland bridges, like Hawthorne Bridge, Tilikum Crossing and so many more. There is no better way to experience the city than by bike. Rent a bike from Cycle Portland for $20 for the entire day (9 am-6 pm). You will also get a helmet and a map explaining the bike routes and featuring different sites. If that isn’t enough to win your heart, Huffington Post explains 10 reasons to fall in love with Portland.
Are you packing your bags yet? Our N26 team loves finding new destinations to explore. We can’t wait until our services come to the U.S. so we can all travel with an N26 card for a convenient and simple experience.
