Peachy Pleasures

The same old routine – alarm clock goes off, go to class, then work, then gym, and then to hours at a library table pounding out the homework. If you’re not a student, I’m sure that’s not too far off minus the classes and studying. When you finally get home, you might be able to catch a couple minutes of your favorite reality shows. You’re itching to escape the monotony, thank goodness for peachy pleasure #3 — get outta town for the weekend!

This weekend I had an awesome opportunity to visit friends in Minneapolis. I didn’t spend much at all and had a fabulous time! So how then, you ask, can I have a weekend getaway on a budget?! Don’t fret I’ve got plenty of tips coming your way:

1) Public Transportation – namely, MegaBus. Book far enough ahead, and you could save yourself at least $20 instead of taking the train. Yes, this does mean a crowded, not nearly as comfortable as you’d hoped for, bus ride. But the money saved in the end,  could be put toward your first meal on your night out! Another helpful hint that made my trip even cheaper – our tickets were free! Register your email address, and receive notifications of upcoming promos – and don’t delete them! We saved our ticket promotion for a few months, and applied it when we knew which weekend worked best.

Also, choose a destination that has easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and attractions, thus cutting out cab fares, gas prices, and parking tickets.

2) Where to stay? Well, I’d recommend crashing at a friend’s apartment for the ultimate cheap route, but if you’re really having a getaway, a living room floor and makeshift mattress just might not cut it. My suggestion for last minute deals, Hotwire. The site sells rooms the hotels couldn’t at discounted rates. When my parents come to Milwaukee to visit, they frequent the site and often get to stay at the Hilton for surprisingly cheap rates. The downside, you don’t know where you’re booking until after it has been confirmed. To calm your fears the site’s rating system weeds out the duds.

Student Universe is another site putting the world at students’ fingertips. It’s a great site to check out local hostels that by nature are pleasantly cheaper then the average hotel. Having stayed in many a hostel in Europe, this is an option I definitely enjoy at least looking over, but have yet to stay in an American version — any experience?

3) Reference Peachy Pleasure 2: Check out the campus events! While in Minneapolis, I had the absolute pleasure of going to a Hypnosis show at U of M for free! The show was fantastic, mainly because our friend was the entertainment for the night. Easily persuaded into hypnosis, he had no shame as he belly danced flirtatiously across the stage, chased after bandits in the Wild Wild West, and stole a flying car from an agitated alien. Now I can’t promise that your hypnosis show will be that entertaining, but it definitely proves campus events are worth checking out. What made it even better, free Jimmy Johns for those in attendance. A show + dinner = $0. Awesome.

4) Shop. In Minneapolis there is this great store, Opitz, that sells designer clothes at least 70 percent off. It’s absolutely fabulous! Wherever you go, you must check into the shopping. Plenty of traveler’s sites will list various vintage shops and bargain finds. A quick google search for Chicago led me to Chicago Mag. The author provides plenty of detail on bargain hunting in the city, and while many of these stores may not have unique charm, they certainly have unique prices and may be worth a look!

5) What to eat, what to eat. Well you’ve spent maybe $50 at this point, $30 for your round-trip bus tickets, $20 on your shopping extravaganza – but all of this has left you hungry. My suggestion – hit the grocery store. This is certainly easier if you’re crashing with a friend, think taco night, spaghetti frenzy, or make your own pizzas. But, if you’re staying at a hotel you’re up to more of a challenge, or some may say sacrifice. Things you could go for: salad/soup bar, hot meals section, lunchables…you get where I’m going with this. I would recommend using this option for your lunch, and save your extra cash to get a real meal. Again do a little research to find quirky restaurants that offer affordable delicious meals before you go!

6) Research, research, research. It all comes down to a little digging around, and you’ll eventually come to the best deals in town. Take 15 minutes to do a quick google search of your next city, and you may just find some gems.

The final ticket of your weekend getaway may not be free or less than $30. However, if you’re in dire need of some R&R, a weekend out of town might just be worth spending a few extra dollars. After all, time away from the craziness of life has proven to increase productivitiy and motivation – so go on and reward yourself – have a fabulous weekend!

🙂