Spring break is right around the corner, and for students without extravagant plans, here are some budget friendly spring break ideas for you and your friends.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Just under an hour away from the University of Tennessee campus is the beautiful Smoky Mountain getaway in Gatlinburg. Cabins in the woods are available to rent for a week or just a weekend. The area offers fun excursions for little to no cost, such as Anakeesta, Ober Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This destination would save the stress and money of travelling via flight while also being a fast commute, so everyone’s vacation can begin sooner.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is only around a three hour drive from Knoxville, but a great destination for a spring break getaway. There is so much to offer in Nashville or the surrounding areas. The nightlife in Nashville is known to be a fun experience, along with historical sights to see. These include museums, restaurants, art galleries or even the Grand Ole Opry. Lodging is not terribly expensive, especially with a larger group of people, and a lot of students are from Nashville or the surrounding areas and may be able to host guests.
Asheville, North Carolina
The historic city of Asheville is only 2 hours from the city of Knoxville, but offers so much to do and see. The beauty of the mountains is something people love to hike through and enjoy. Their downtown area offers many great restaurants, along with other accommodations. This is the perfect getaway for students who enjoy the outdoors and want to spend their spring break hiking, camping or just enjoying the city.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Although many students go away for spring break, there are still a ton of fun things to do in the area that a busy school schedule might not be able to fit in. Downtown Knoxville is filled with restaurants and nature centers like Ijams, which offer fun hikes. A day trip to Dollywood or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be a great way to spend a break from classes and have a relaxing week. Students can explore the city they go to school in and grow an appreciation for all the things it has to offer outside of the campus itself.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Although Panama City Beach is around an eight hour drive from Knoxville, it is a beautiful vacation spot. Many students travel to PCB for spring break and it creates a fun environment on the beach and in the downtown area. Lodging accommodations can seem expensive, however, with a group of people, the cost decreases immensely once the math is done. This getaway will give students a taste of warmer weather for the week and allow them to enjoy the water and all the great things PCB has to offer.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is just over a seven hour drive from campus, but offers a beach getaway in South Carolina. Although the weather may not be much warmer than it is in Knoxville, there are still beaches and students enjoy the quaint city of Myrtle Beach. Lodging can be affordable with a group of students travelling together and finding accommodations a little bit off of the beach. There is also a large shopping center, a ferris wheel, an amusement park, an aquarium and more.
