What are you doing October 4–7? Fall break is right around the corner, but it’s not too late to plan a fun–filled getaway. Check out these four itineraries for your last–minute campus escape.
For the Outdoorsy: The Poconos
Chill out surrounded by nature or go on an active adventure. Boasting over 250 miles of woodland trails, there’s plenty to explore.
What to Do: Mountain bike or hike the Lehigh Gorge State Park, while finding time to admire the Bushkill Falls, a series of eight waterfalls that are also known as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” Saddle up and take a horseback riding tour.
Get Here: Take the Greyhound for $32 or drive over in under 2 hours. Don’t have a car? Sign up for Zipcar and get a student discount at $77 per day.
Where to Stay: Go camping or stay in a charming bed & breakfast.
What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a daypack, and a water bottle are essentials. Looking to mountain bike? You can rent bikes or bring your own.
Budget: $$
For the City Lover: Baltimore, MD
Skip NYC and DC, and pop over to Baltimore for the weekend. Enjoy shopping, museums, nightlife and crab cakes!
What to Do: Channel your inner kid at the Baltimore Aquarium, shop along Inner Harbor, admire the Baltimore Museum of Art, go out on the town in Federal Hill.
Get Here: Catch the Greyhound bus for $12 for under two hours. Or take the Amtrak—the cheapest tickets go for $38 on Wanderu.
Where to Stay: Crash at an Airbnb for as low as $40 a night.
What to Eat: Get your seafood fix at Sal and Son’s, an outdoor market in Fell’s Point. Split a plate of nachos and sip a spicy marg at Banditos Bar and Kitchen.
Budget: $$
For the Beach Bum: Ocean City, NJ
Don’t knock the shore in October. Cheaper off–season, yet still warm enough to splash around in the water, you can easily satisfy your beach cravings on a budget.
What to Do: Relax in the sand with a good book or just good company. Walk or ride a bike along the boardwalk as the sun sets.
Get Here: Drive for just over an hour or take the bus for $10 and transfer at Atlantic City.
Where to Stay: Make it a day trip or overnight at a cozy seaside inn.
What to Pack: Be sure to pack sunscreen and a swimsuit if you aim to work on your tan. A beach towel is also good to bring regardless of whether you plan to get in the water or not.
Budget: $
For the Party Animal: Miami, FL
Can’t wait for Spring Break? Beaches, clubs, and sunshine make a year–long appearance in Magic City. Skip the crowds by taking advantage of this long weekend.
Get here: Fly. Check out Kayak and Expedia for round–trip flights at less than $300. Mid–week is usually the cheapest time to fly so head out Wednesday night.
Where to Stay: Save and get an all inclusive package.
What to Pack: Your swimsuit. Hit up Miami Beach and get a tan to last you till spring break.
Budget: $$$
For the Homebody: Philadelphia, PA
Staying in Philly? You’re in for a treat. Check out these free outdoor festivals this weekend:
Night Market
When: Thursday, Oct. 4, 6–10 p.m.
Where: Point Breeze neighborhood, around 20th and Federal St.
Check out the final installment of Philly's famous food–truck festival. Head over for dozens of local food vendors, craft beer, and live music.
Midtown Village Fall Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 12–8 p.m.
Where: Midtown, around 13th St.
It's the largest outdoor festival in Philadelphia and attracted 50,000 attendees last year. Come for live music, food vendors, crafts, and performances.
Philadelphia Outfest
When: Sunday, Oct. 7, 12–7 p.m.
Where: The Gayborhood, centered at 13th and Locust.
Celebrating Philadelphia’s vibrant LGBT community, this massive street party spans over 10 blocks. Check out the belly dancing, drag shows, bar crawls, and over 150 vendor booths for a fun and spirited time.
