The Murray State News

Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Opinion

Ever since I was a little girl the end of the school year meant I got a whole three months away from dry, boring lectures, rules and stuffy classrooms.
It also meant it was time for our annual family road trip to some painfully-classic American vacation destination like the Grand Canyon or Disney World.
As a student, I definitely try to be more thrifty with how I spend my money to get the most out of my trips.
With studying abroad last summer and through various spring break and weekend trips, I've come up with a simple list of little things any traveler can do this summer to stretch that ever thinning dollar.
•Share the driving, share the wealth
Lets face it, most of the places we are going are drivable, but don't let the horrendous gas prices deter you from traveling this summer. If you get a group of friends together and split the cost you'll not only have more money to spend when you get there, you'll have people to do stuff with.
•Brown bag it baby
No you're probably not going to be able to pack a whole weeks worth of food in the car to take with you. But, if you can pack a lunch and healthy snacks, you'll not only be saving yourself from jacked up gas station prices, but the jacked up calories. Bring a water bottle too. You can refill it for free instead of spending $1.50 every time you need your thirst quenched. Plus, that means less soda, which translates to less butt jiggling once you actually get to your destination and put your swimsuit on.
•Enjoy the great outdoors
Camping is not only a cheap alternative to staying in hotels, it also adds a little adventure to your trip. Research campgrounds on the way to your destination to scope out the one with the most amenities. Showers are usually helpful and necessary, especially if you are going to be in the car for hours on end. No one likes a stinky fellow traveler.
•Map Quest = directionally challenged
Always, always, always bring a map along with your internet directions. While Web sites are convenient, they sometimes don't know about traffic or construction and can be wrong. Invest in a good atlas. It will save you time and money.
•Public transportation is your best friend
If you are travelling to a big city, park in the suburbs for free and take public transportation into the city. Once in the city use the subway or bus system instead of cabs. Many cities offer metro passes and weekend deals which offer unlimited rides. Public transportation will cut down on the headaches of maneuvering high traffic areas. Try to bring a buddy for safety reasons and maximum fun having.

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