Cheap Vacation Ideas for Students

Going skiing or snowboarding doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. Call your local travel agency to find out where the closest slopes are to your location. If you live in the western United States, there is a good chance that you will find a ski or snowboarding area that is a short drive from your home, which will nix the need for expensive plane tickets. Make sure to call ahead to see if you can take advantage of student or group discounts.

Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your friends for little cash. Have one friend pay for food, one friend pay for gas and one friend pay for a hotel room. Then, just hit the road. Set a predetermined destination (such as visiting a friend who lives a state away) or just go where the road takes you.

If you like the outdoors, then camping can be an inexpensive trip for you. Grab a buddy who has an SUV or 4-by-4 and head to the lake or the woods with a few tents, a cooler of food and beverages, a lighter and fishing equipment. Make a campfire, tell stories, go on hikes and catch fish for entertainment.

If buying a plane ticket or several tanks of gas sounds too pricey, have a staycation. Invite all of your friends over for a LAN party, a Madden football tournament, a kegger or a mixture of the three. If you live with roommates or your parents and you are an adult, you could take up a collection and rent a hotel room for your party.

If you have an ATV, 4-by-4, dirt bike or dune buggy, or know a friend who does, load them and the vehicle up and drive to the nearest muddy field for a weekend of mudding. Make sure to pack food, drinks and extra gas.