April 15th will be here soon - do you need an Extension filed? Call us 412-798-3157

Contact Now

Breaks on a budget

great smokey mountains with trees and mountains and sky in background

After the long stretch between the winter holidays and spring break, it’s common to want to go somewhere warmer or simply get away for a little R&R. Luckily, there are several destinations in North America that offer a great getaway destination without breaking your budget. Consider a few from budgettravel.com:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With miles of sand, charter fishing expeditions and world-class eateries, Myrtle Beach offers an irresistible southern-style welcome. The Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade features the Family Kingdom amusement park, which includes some massive roller coasters—a nice distraction from all that relaxing on the beach!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Named America’s most popular national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park features a major theme park and miles of trails and streams. Head to the park for fishing, hiking and scenic drives like the six-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. You can also visit Dolly Parton’s amusement venue, Dollywood, for authentic Tennessee music, food and a few thrill rides. Local motels offer restaurants, indoor pools and mountain views.

New Orleans, Louisiana
The French Quarter features cobblestone streets, hot jazz and unforgettable cuisine, and that’s just the beginning of New Orleans’ charm. Trendy nightclubs, ivy-covered townhouses and Creole cottages add to the appeal. You also don’t want to miss the annual French Quarter Festival in April, sampling a few beignets at Café Du Monde and exploring the city’s unique music scene.

Washington, D.C.
Interested in tours of noteworthy national treasures (at a lower cost)? You’ll find them in Washington, D.C. From tours of the Capitol building and exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution to the National Archives and the Library of Congress, D.C. offers its fair share of freebies. You can also enjoy a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. There are also many amazing restaurants that cater to travelers.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada
If your budget doesn’t have room for a trip to Europe, then this moderately priced Canadian city might be just the ticket. You can experience European-inspired architecture and food everywhere. While there, visit the Montreal Biodôme, which re-creates four ecosystems, including more than 200 species of animals. There is also the landmark Notre-Dame Basilica, the Vieux-Port de Montreal park and the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montreal. If you visit in late March or even early April, you may be able to take a side trip to see (and taste!) real Canadian maple syrup being made.

Cape Ann, Massachusetts
An authentic New England city without the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, Gloucester, Massachusetts is a tight-knit fishing community on Cape Ann—just 45 minutes north of Boston. Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach has a wide stretch of fine white sand with dunes that lead the way to Rocky Neck artists’ colony. Here, you can soak up the sumptuous light that has attracted many notable artists—including Milton Avery, Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer. Of course, you’ll also be able to enjoy a lot of fresh fish and other delicious local eats.

These lower cost spring getaways are great places to take family or to go with a group of friends. Be sure to inquire about package deals on travel booking websites or when you book accommodations directly. Chances are, you’ll have a fabulous time while staying on budget!

Back to issue