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Traveling on the cheap than your
Take a Road Trip for Less on the cheap than your Econ Book Cost You
By Misty Huber, Jayplay writer
Fall break's approaching, and you need to get away from academia, but you're a little low on cash. Not a problem. With a little preparation, you can have a brag-worthy vacation, and still have enough money to finish school.
Have a Plan
Have a Plan Before you leave, decide where you're going to stay and what you're going to eat, says Margaret Feinberg, author of Cheap Ways To...If you wait until you're on the road, you're going to spend more on hotels and food because you won't know where the cheapest places are. Pick a friend or two whom you will not mind spending four days with so you can split gas and lodging costs.
Sleep Well
Sleep Well If you have any relatives or friends in the area, ask to
If you have any relatives or friends in the area, ask to crash with them. Feinberg also recommends camping outside your car. Make sure you're in a legal area to avoid fines. Camping sites are a good place to park, and you can usually find one for less than $20 a night. Visit the National Recreation Reservation Service Web site at www.reserveusa.com to find and reserve a site. Feinberg says. Visit www.hiayh.org to see if there's
ice Web site at www.reserveusa.com to find and reserve a site. Another option is youth hostels, Feinberg says. Visit www.hiayh.org to see if there's one in the area. Hostels offer dorm-type sleeping accommodations and usually have kitchens and dining areas. Some even have laundry facilities and swimming pools. The cost is between $10 and$ 35 a night per person.
Cheap Chow
cost is between $10 and$ 35 a night per person. Andy Miller, Swansea, Ill., senior, and two friends took a different approach on a nine day, 4,416-mile trip across the northern United States and Canada. They took turns sleeping and driving, so not only did they never have to pay for lodging, but they made better time. They brushed their teeth at rest areas and showered at truck stops. Miller says it usually costs about $7 to rent a shower, but it is well worth it if you're all going to be in the car together. One of Miller's friends had an aunt in Denver, and the other had relatives in Saskatchewan, Canada, so they spent a night and ate a couple of meals at each place, and helped out with odd jobs.
Cheap Chow Before you leave, pick up some snacks for the ride. Be careful not to buy all sweet snacks or all salty snacks, Miller says. You will get sick of them before you reach your destination.
your destination.
Fast food is a no-brainer for a bargain bite, but grocery stores can be even less expensive, Feinberg says. Many have delis and salad bars, but even if they don't, you can buy sandwich makings. Look online for discounts and coupons at both fast-food restaurants and grocery stores.
Economical Entertainment
Economical Entertainment Check out state tourism Web sites to see what free or low-cost events are scheduled during your visit. Many attractions such as museums offer student discounts. Check out moun-
But don't just stay inside; autumn is a great time to get outdoors. Check out mountains, waterfalls and landmarks, Feinberg suggests. Miller passed through several national parks, such as Yellowstone in Montana, and drove through Canadian forests. Speeding tickets won't make for a cheap trip, and neither will DUI's, so don't be stupid. Driving slower on highways instead of taking interstates makes for better gas mileage and scenery.
Fall BreakEvents
9th Annual Haunted Castle Muskogee, Okla.
Castle of Muskogee
Oct. 15 and 16
(918) 687-3625
Culinary Arts Wine & Brew Festival
Glenwood Springs, Colo.
Hotel Colorado
Oct.16
(970) 945-2414
Haunted Hollow
Shubert, Neb.
Indian Cave State Park
Oct. 15 and 16
(402) 883-2575
Harvest Festival
Filley, Neb.
Elijah Filley Stone Barn
Oct. 17
(402) 228-1676
What to Pack
Music // Snacks // Sleeping bag // Clothes // Toiletries // Towel // Paper plates // Plastic silverware // Toilet paper // Cooler // Maps // Cell Phone // Charger
Damagecontrol
After eyeing your friend's favorite book, necklace, car—you name it—the unthinkable has happened: you've borrowed and lost it. Worse yet, when your friend has asked about the loaned item, you've come up with excuses, but now you know you've got to come clean. This isn't going to be a pretty situation, but here are some things to keep in mind as you approach your friend: Be honest about what happened. If you were negligent, admit it. Clearly an apology is in order. If your friend is angry, give him or her time to cool off. And if there's any way you can replace the lost item, do it.
Stephanie Lovett
minute fix Wave Your Egg
Prep Time: 1 minute, 20 seconds
Gobble Time: about 2 minutes
Eggstra Time: about 1 minute, 40 seconds
Just because you're running late, it doesn't mean you can just skip the most important meal of the day. Forget the dry toast, you can prepare and eat a delicious scrambled egg in just about the same amount of time. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt a small bit of butter in microwave for
20 seconds. Crack an egg, empty contents into buttery glistening bowl. Beat. Return to microwave and cook on medium heat for 1 minute, stopping once to stir. Add garnishes as desired.Mmm.
Source: www.cooks.com
Source: www.cooks.com
-Megan Claus
10.7.04 Jayplay
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