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Don't let the slow economy ruin your summer
By Kandice Crompton
April 1, 2009-Logan | College students
have enough trouble paying for groceries during the
school year, having enough money to go on vacation in
the summer can seem impossible. Having been a college
student for four years I have mastered the art of the
cheap summer vacation and decided to share my experiences
so others can enjoy their summer too!
Jackson Hole
www.JacksonHole.com
One of my favorite summer getaways
is Jackson Hole. Being less than four hours from Logan
travel expenses are limited.
Accommodations
Over the years I have experienced
a wide range of accommodations in Jackson. Condo's and
hotels can be an inexpensive choice of lodging if you
have enough friends. Condo's have the added benefit
of kitchens, which will save you money on eating out.
Camping is by far the cheapest choice
of lodging. There are dozens of different campsites
throughout the valley, located everywhere from just
outside the city to the edges of the valley.
Activities
Jackson is fantastic in the summer
when it comes to finding cheap entertainment. Hiking,
biking and visiting museums are all free. Bikes can
be rented by the hour, day, and multi-day throughout
the valley. Bikes can be rented for $34 a day at Jackson
Hole Edge Sports (http://www.jacksonholeedgesports.com)
, or for those with a bike rack, they can be rented
for $15 a day from the ORC on campus (http://www.usu.edu/orc).
One of the best things to do in Jackson
Hole is rafting down the Snake River. Jackson Hole is
host to dozens of whitewater rafting companies, with
a wide range of prices. The cheapest rafting company
in Jackson is Teton Whitewater (www.tetonwhitewater.com).
Teton offers both whitewater and scenic trips down the
river, and group rates are available.
The last of my favorite Jackson activities
is in Teton Village. You can pay to ride a gondola up
to the top of the mountain, $12 for one ride, or you
can hike up to the top of the mountain and get a free
ride down. The hike is beautiful and definitely a good
way to spend the day (http://www.jacksonhole.com/info/jh.gondola.index.asp).
Zion National Park
Zions National Park is six hours
south of Logan. This trip will not get you out of the
state, but it will definitely get you far enough. Driving
there is definitely the best way to get there, and you'll
want a car to get around.
Accommodations
If you don't mind smelling funny
and possibly going to bed with dirt under your nails
then camping in the best way to spend this vacation.
There are plenty of places to camp, both inside the
park and out. Hotels are a good alternative for those
that need a good shower after a day of hiking.
Activities
Getting into Zion's National Park
costs $25 per vehicle for a seven-day pass (http://www.nps.gov/zion).
Once inside the park there are dozens of hiking and
biking trails for every skill level. Bikes can be taken
into the park for a fee, and food can be brought in
for lunch or dinner.
Other parks, such as Bryce Canyon
National Park and Cedar Breaks National Park, are also
located near Zions. Las Vegas is less than two hours
from Zions, and the Grand Canyon is three hours.
St. George is just a short drive
southwest of Zions National Park, and home to The Outlets
at Zion, a group of 30 outlets and restaurants (http://www.theoutletsatzion.com/).
For the occasional college student with a bit of money,
golfing is always an option.
Wendover
Ask almost any student where they
think of going when they think of gambling, but Wendover,
Nevada is just three hours southwest of Logan. Many
people see the billboards to Wendover on the trip from
Logan to Salt Lake, but most people have been there
before.
Accommodations
There are many hotels throughout
the Wendover area, but there are three large casino
hotels in the area, The Peppermill, Rainbow and Montego
Bay. All three hotels have casino's, and are actually
connected to one another (http://www.wendoverfun.com).
Activities
Of course the main event in Wendover is gambling, but if
you're like me and don't gamble there is actually plenty
to do. Each hotel has a swimming pool, and there are
great restaurants both inside the hotels and outside.
The Montego Bay Spa & Salon is a bit pricey, but it's
a spa, so what can you really expect? The Peppermill
Concert Hall plays host to many big starts, including
Phil Vassar, Frank Caliendo, Peter Frampton, Rick Springfield
and Larry the Cable Guy. Some shows cost as little as
$5. A full list of shows and prices can be found at
http://www.wendoverfun.com/concerthall/completelist_old.htm.
These are just a few of the many
cheap vacations college students can take around the
Logan area. So if you feel like getting away, but can't
afford a Hawaiian vacation give one a shot. They definitely
won't break your wallet!
SH
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