Article by David Bogner | Additional Reporting by Chelsea Bradley & Stephanie Perkins | Photography by Josh Eller | Owl Staff
If your bucket list resembles mine, “traveling” is near the top. Transportation, lodging, and things to do are typically what you may consider or stress about when traveling. However, with proper research, these can be made easy and affordable.
To beat normal travel expenses, ground transportation is a good way to reach any destination, however, driving your own car can be costly when adding up gas, tolls, and the general wear and tear on your vehicle. Fortunately, both Megabus and Boltbus offer fares starting as low as $1.
Paying for activities can add up while traveling on a budget. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer ideas and deals on local activities. Use sites like Booking.com or Trivago.com to find cheap yet secure hotels.
There is affordable travel everywhere; all you have to do is look in the right places. If you’re looking for more local places to explore, look no further than Catoctin Mountain Park, a breathtaking national park located in Thurmont, Maryland. If you like adventures and challenging mountain trails, or hiking to a magnificent waterfall, then Catoctin is the place for you.
“Any jazz lover who simply can’t be satisfied by just one performance can attend Havre De Grace’s Mardi Gras parade annually during February. Larger than life floats and jazz bands
swamp the streets as hundreds of locals come to celebrate.”
Located in Western Maryland, hiking Cunningham Falls, swimming, or canoeing down the lake can be any nature lover’s fun-filled day. The waterfront town of Havre de Grace offers a memorable view. Admission to the park is free, and it is open from dusk to dawn.
On the occasion you are craving a more inspirational atmosphere, the Smithsonian American Art Museum located in the District of Columbia, is the perfect place for you. With no cost to enter, the museum offers an extensive variety of paintings, sculptures, contemporary craft, and many other masterpieces.
If exploration and education of nature excites you, Harford Glen Environmental Education Center could be a good place to spend your time. Many trails of different difficulty levels allow guests to either hike rough terrain or stroll and take in the view. Harford Glen offers education about surrounding nature not only to schools, but to any individual who wants to learn about the surrounding nature.
Any jazz lover who simply can’t be satisfied by just one performance can attend Havre De Grace’s Mardi Gras parade annually during February. Larger than life floats and jazz bands swamp the streets as hundreds of locals come to celebrate.
In recognition of the traditional French roots and Fat Tuesday, spectators can enjoy a variety of authentic creole and Cajun food at the fair. You are encouraged to dress in crazy colors and feathers, enjoy all of the Cajun and creole foods, and listen to the jazz music from local Benny Russell.
The buzz of New Orleans is sure to stick with you. Traveling does not have to be stressful or expensive. With these cheap and easy tricks, you will find great transportation, lodging, and things to do.