May 21, 2013

Summer vacation ideas

Jonathan Crighton
Staff Writer

Summer vacation is almost upon us and that means travel season will be ramping up. Choosing the perfect vacation can be difficult and at times expensive. Budget can be a major factor when booking a vacation. Fortunately, there are vacation ideas for every price range.


For a relatively low budget, less than $500, going camping or going to the coast could be a good way to take in the summer weather without breaking the bank. This is a low cost, yet very fun idea. Jordan Lake is nearby and is a great place to go camping. If the beach is more your thing, Wrightsville is only about two hours away. The area features many affordable accommodations if you plan on staying for multiple days. Keep in mind that some hotels require you to stay multiple days during peak season.

If you have a moderate budget, between $500 and $1,500, a cruise might be a possibility. Cruising starts with a wide range of complimentary dining options all included in your cruise price, and all available on your schedule. The freedom continues with entertainment for everybody from Broadway shows to supervised activities for kids and teens. When it's time to recover from the excitement, you can retreat to luxurious
accommodations. Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer sailings from nearby ports in Baltimore and Charleston to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Bear in mind the summer is peak hurricane season in the Caribbean.

If you have an unrestricted budget, you are free to explore almost anywhere in the world. However, you don’t have to fly halfway around the world to experience other cultures. New York City is a cultural mecca, with residents from every edge of the globe. It features ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Chinatown. They offer a similar experience as traveling to those countries, all without ever leaving the United States. This is truly a global city, it has something for everyone, from going to a Yankees game to seeing a show on Broadway.