Looking for a summer adventure without breaking the bank? Follow in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac and go on the road! Road trips are great way to see the country and, split between a couple of friends, can be a lot cheaper than the typical vacation. Here are few destinations that are definitely road trip worthy this summer.
1. Ready to hit up the ultimate shopping experience this summer? Grab some girlfriends and drive to The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota to explore over 520 shops, 50 restaurants, and experience one of the 400 events held at the mall every year. The complex also has an aquarium, a theme park, a movie theatre, and an American Girl Place (you know you want to), so your options are basically limitless. Travel packages are available on the mall website with hotels starting at around $50 a night and include your pick of free tickets to the attractions throughout the mall. This trip would be the ultimate girls’ night and remember, there’s no sales’ tax in the state of Minnesota!
2. Staying on campus for the summer but still looking to get away? Cape May, New Jersey is the perfect weekend trip or daylong excursion destination. Just a two-hour drive from Haverford, Cape May has beautiful public beaches, free parking, and an adorable waterfront downtown and boardwalk. Pack a picnic or grab a few hoagies from the Cape May Wawa for an afternoon along the water or make a weekend of it; hotels range from $40-$215 with most lodging located within a few blocks of the beach (check out the Montreal Inn for a resort feel or the Calypso Boutique Hotel if you’re on more of a budget). A trip to Cape May takes very little planning and costs only the price of gas, so pack your bathing suit and hop in the car for a get away that’s close to home.
3. Any great American road trip would not be complete without a stop at The Grand Canyon. If you are up for the trek (or happen to live in the Arizona area), The Grand Canyon is the classic road trip destination and will satisfy your craving for the outdoors. Whether you explore the North Rim (which is cooler and less crowded) or the South Rim (more of a hot spot), The Grand Canyon has a myriad of outdoor activities like hiking, mule rides, rafting, and bicycle rentals to keep you busy. There are numerous campgrounds available at the national park, but hotel lodging is also available for those who aren’t as experienced with Mother Nature. This trip may take a little more preparation, but there are a lot of resources to help you plan your perfect Grand Canyon experience, so go for it and enjoy one of our national treasures!