Road trips cheaper vacation option for college students on a budget

During the summer, there are simply too many choices to make when deciding what vacation to go on. Whether it be a cruise in the Bahamas, a visit to a theme park or an excuse to visit relatives, vacations can come in many forms. However, college students often are on a budget.

Instead of forking out thousands of dollars for an extravagant vacation, travel by car on a weekend excursion or road trip. Time away from a desk or a computer can be relaxing to your body, as well as relieve all the stress from homework or jobs. Road trips also help you become closer to the people who accompany you.

But driving can be expensive, right? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price of gas should stay around $3.79 per gallon the rest of the summer, which isn't too high these days.

Although there is a plethora of places to go on a road trip, the cheapest trip would be to a local state park. It just so happens that Oklahoma has more than 35 state parks, which makes finding a place to go even easier. At any of these state parks, you can relax in the great outdoors, as well as experience lakes, mountains, sand dunes and forests.

In addition to looking at the beautiful surroundings, you can even be part of them. Whether you decide to bike, hike, fish or participate in organized park activities, the entertainment factor never ends. After a full day of activities, you can rest in a comfortable lodge or cabin, or even bring your own tent, which once again saves you money.

However, before doing any of that fun stuff, here are some pointers on how to survive the trip there and back.

First, make up some games. Unlike “wheels on the bus,” games with your road trip companions can consist of fun games like “slugbug.” Get creative — depending on the length of the trip, you could be stuck together for quite a while.

Second, be sure to bring plenty of healthy snacks. Be sure to avoid sugary and fatty foods unless you would like to feel like you have dysentery the entire trip.

Third, avoid traffic at all costs. Nothing is worse than sitting at a stand-still while you are on a time schedule. To avoid this, be sure to know the busy hours and when there is the most traffic.

Max Meier

Max is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Life & Arts Reporter and Sports Reporter.