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Spring Break on a College Budget

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCLA chapter.

Cabo, Coachella, and the  Senior Cruise ain’t nobody got funds for that?! Okay well it seems like everyone on your facebook feed does, but you don’t! You have loans to worry about and textbooks to buy for next quarter! The great thing about going to school in LA and  living in California is the unlimited amount of awesome places you can take affordable mini vacations to that are near by. Here are some underrated unique areas that are perfect for affordable spring break getaways. So be different and spice up that instagram feed with some unique and interesting scenery.

 

1)   Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a great substitute for Cabo.

If you book early you can find some great deals for a jammed packed mini vacation on this beautiful island.  You can choose to stay in a hotel or save even more money and camp out on their gorgeous beaches. There are countless activities to participate in from snorkeling, zip lining, paddle boarding, shopping,  to spa dates, or just hanging out at the beach with your friends. Right now Santa Catalina Island Company is offering a “Ship & Zip” package that will not only include your boat ride to the island but a zip lining trip for $100!

image source:http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/catalina-island2)   

2) Yosemite 

Yosemite is a breath taking location. You can choose to rent a campground location or a motel 20 minutes away from the park. Depending on how much camping supplies you own (sleeping bag, tents, sleeping pads) it may be cheaper to stay at a motel near the park for a few nights. Activities range from hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and even horseback riding. 

 

iamge source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_Falls

3)   Joshua Tree

If you plan this trip right and depending on how many camp supplies you already own you can be spending about $40-$60 per person for two days and two nights. This is includes your food, campground, and gas. There are all kinds of great activities to do out here. It is a beautiful place to hike, rock climb, and boulder. When nighttime rolls around get ready for the most beautiful sky of stars you’ve ever seen while roasting marshmallows. 

 

image source:http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1845230_18…

4)   San Francisco

You can fly here, mega bus here, or drive here with your friends! Driving is usually the cheapest form of getting to San Fran and the most fun. You can blast your jams and sing and dance the whole way…I suppose you could do that on mega bus and a plane too, but that’s a different story. This city is absolutely stunning.  Just hanging out by the bay and soaking in the view of the golden gate bridge makes for a great day. You can also take boat rides under the bridge. On top of an awesome day of site seeing Ghirardelli square ice cream sundaes are a must.

image source: http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1845230_18…

5)   La Jolla

Want to spend Spring break at some of the best beaches in California; La Jolla is the place for you. Motels around this area can be a bit more pricey, but if you are driving from LA you save on the gas. Spend the day soaking up the sun on their beautiful beaches or check out their contemporary art museum. The nightlife is also a fantastic escape from school and work. The Gaslamp district is full of bars and fun places to get your dance on! 

image source:http://www.pixamundo.com/2013/08/12/la-jolla-sunset-on-the-rocks/

6) Salvation Mountain 

I seriously doubt anyone your instagram feed is going to beat the pictures you will get here. This place is just starting to really get hot and noticed. This is only a day trip,but it is worth the drive. An artist in the desert created this breath taking work and it is one of the most unique landmarks in socal. 

http://www.kcet.org/updaily/socal_focus/assets_c/2011/12/4088399805_b44f…

Her Campus at UCLA is a proud Elite Level Chapter in the Her Campus. Our team consists of talented writers, content creators, photographers, designers, event planners and more! Follow us @HerCampusUCLA and check out HerCampus.com/school/UCLA for more articles! Feel free to contact us at hc.ucla@hercampus.com for any questions.