2008 Woodie Awards
Fall to the wayside: Travel ideas for the upcoming break
Rachel Feinberg
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Life
Midterms are just around the corner, but don't get too stressed studying. If you make it through all the exams and papers you will soon be able to relax.
If you haven't put a lot of thought into the mini vacation that is Fall Break, here are some ideas of places that aren't too far away. There are also some tips about what you should pack, with a few ways to save money, if you choose to get away.
Here are some places within a few hours drive that you can get away to.
-Myrtle Beach. It's still nice and warm down there, plus it's off-season so everything is much cheaper. The beach is a great attraction, and there is also shopping at Broadway at the Beach and many good restaurants still open during the off-season. Don't forget the Ripley's museum and aquarium, either!
-Washington, D.C. If you haven't visited our nation's capitol yet, or if you just love the city, this is a good time to do it. If you enjoy U.S. history, there are numerous historical places and great museums like the Smithosonian, and numerous memorials and monuments to see.
-Wilmington. It's a beach that's three hours away. You can soak up some sun and forget about classes for a few days.
-Asheville. For those who enjoy the mountains, Asheville has a great artsy vibe, and is home to the Biltmore Estate. It's rife with unique local stores for great shopping, and the hiking is great.
-Williamsburg, Va. This is another great historical place to visit, and isn't quite as far away as D.C. if you don't like long road trips. Busch Gardens Europe is also located in Williamsburg, and is currently home to Howl-O-Scream, which features haunted attractions and scare zones.
-Other colleges. Sometimes keeping in touch isn't easy when you go away to a new school. Since UNCG's Fall Break doesn't match up with the breaks at other universities, you could use the time to catch up with your friends from high school or friends you've made at other schools.
-Charlotte. It's a growing business city, but it's also a nice place to visit. If you are a sports fan, The Queen City is home to the Panthers and the Bobcats, and you may be able to catch a game. Don't forget to take a stroll in the newly-renovated and beautified downtown area.
-Raleigh. At the state capitol there is plenty to do, like visiting the free museums or touring historic buildings. Don't forget that the N.C. State Fair that will be at the N.C. State Fairgrounds during our Fall Break, too!
-Home. It's practically like a free vacation. You are almost guaranteed free food, a free place to stay, and if you really luck out, mom will do your laundry for you! Plus it's nice to see your parents once in a while - especially if they are paying your tuition.
If you do choose to travel, here are a few things you should bring with you along with some money-saving tips:
-Food and drinks. Starving and dying of thirst is no way to enjoy a break from classes. Packing a cooler with some snacks and drinks will also cut down on spontaneous buys at the convenience store and will save you some dough.
-Cash. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone accepts credit cards and you never know when and where you'll need some green.
-Sunscreen. It's nice to get fresh air during the day and the prospect of skin cancer just isn't that appealing.
-Magazines or books. You can get all caught up on that casual reading you've missed since classes started. If you prefer, open up on of those trashy magazines you love reading in your spare time.
-Your own bed. If you are feeling really adventurous, or poor, bring a pillow and blanket and find a safe-and legal-place to sleep in your car. Don't rule out camping, either. You can rent gear from Campus Recreations.
-Your cell phone. In case you chose to stay connected with those not in your immediate vicinity, or in case of an emergency, you'll have access to AAA, 911, or someone else you may call for help.
-A map. If you are going on a road trip to a place you have never been to before, it's always helpful to know the way. If you're not a fan of the paper ones, you can MapQuest directions to take with you.
If you didn't find anywhere to go from this list, hopefully it stirred up some ideas for you. No matter what you choose to do with your four-day weekend, just remember that you've made it halfway through the semester, and that is something to smile about!
If you haven't put a lot of thought into the mini vacation that is Fall Break, here are some ideas of places that aren't too far away. There are also some tips about what you should pack, with a few ways to save money, if you choose to get away.
Here are some places within a few hours drive that you can get away to.
-Myrtle Beach. It's still nice and warm down there, plus it's off-season so everything is much cheaper. The beach is a great attraction, and there is also shopping at Broadway at the Beach and many good restaurants still open during the off-season. Don't forget the Ripley's museum and aquarium, either!
-Washington, D.C. If you haven't visited our nation's capitol yet, or if you just love the city, this is a good time to do it. If you enjoy U.S. history, there are numerous historical places and great museums like the Smithosonian, and numerous memorials and monuments to see.
-Wilmington. It's a beach that's three hours away. You can soak up some sun and forget about classes for a few days.
-Asheville. For those who enjoy the mountains, Asheville has a great artsy vibe, and is home to the Biltmore Estate. It's rife with unique local stores for great shopping, and the hiking is great.
-Williamsburg, Va. This is another great historical place to visit, and isn't quite as far away as D.C. if you don't like long road trips. Busch Gardens Europe is also located in Williamsburg, and is currently home to Howl-O-Scream, which features haunted attractions and scare zones.
-Other colleges. Sometimes keeping in touch isn't easy when you go away to a new school. Since UNCG's Fall Break doesn't match up with the breaks at other universities, you could use the time to catch up with your friends from high school or friends you've made at other schools.
-Charlotte. It's a growing business city, but it's also a nice place to visit. If you are a sports fan, The Queen City is home to the Panthers and the Bobcats, and you may be able to catch a game. Don't forget to take a stroll in the newly-renovated and beautified downtown area.
-Raleigh. At the state capitol there is plenty to do, like visiting the free museums or touring historic buildings. Don't forget that the N.C. State Fair that will be at the N.C. State Fairgrounds during our Fall Break, too!
-Home. It's practically like a free vacation. You are almost guaranteed free food, a free place to stay, and if you really luck out, mom will do your laundry for you! Plus it's nice to see your parents once in a while - especially if they are paying your tuition.
If you do choose to travel, here are a few things you should bring with you along with some money-saving tips:
-Food and drinks. Starving and dying of thirst is no way to enjoy a break from classes. Packing a cooler with some snacks and drinks will also cut down on spontaneous buys at the convenience store and will save you some dough.
-Cash. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone accepts credit cards and you never know when and where you'll need some green.
-Sunscreen. It's nice to get fresh air during the day and the prospect of skin cancer just isn't that appealing.
-Magazines or books. You can get all caught up on that casual reading you've missed since classes started. If you prefer, open up on of those trashy magazines you love reading in your spare time.
-Your own bed. If you are feeling really adventurous, or poor, bring a pillow and blanket and find a safe-and legal-place to sleep in your car. Don't rule out camping, either. You can rent gear from Campus Recreations.
-Your cell phone. In case you chose to stay connected with those not in your immediate vicinity, or in case of an emergency, you'll have access to AAA, 911, or someone else you may call for help.
-A map. If you are going on a road trip to a place you have never been to before, it's always helpful to know the way. If you're not a fan of the paper ones, you can MapQuest directions to take with you.
If you didn't find anywhere to go from this list, hopefully it stirred up some ideas for you. No matter what you choose to do with your four-day weekend, just remember that you've made it halfway through the semester, and that is something to smile about!
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