If the idea of sleeping under the stars, cooking over a campfire and hearing forest sounds rather than traffic noises appeals to you, camping may be a way to get away. If your funds are limited, research to find a state or national park within easy driving distance where you can hike, ride your bike or go paddling. With a bit more money to cover airfare, you can pitch your tent in the Alaskan wilderness of Denali National Park. Denali offers opportunities for everything from day hiking to mountaineering. Animal-lovers can visit the park's sled dog kennel, or you might catch a glimpse of wildlife, including moose, caribou, foxes, eagles and even grizzlies.
Choose a city you've always wanted to visit and get to know it by walking or biking its streets. Get the inside scoop from people who have lived in that location so you can check out some of the hidden gems not mentioned in tourist guidebooks. You might take a bike tour of Seattle that includes its seafood market. If you prefer an international trip, hop a plane to Spain. You can take a walking tour of Barcelona to see some of the famous Gaudi buildings and sample a few tapas bars.
If for you the word "vacation" conjures up images of ocean and beach, treat yourself to a Caribbean trip. The beaches of Cancun are accessible via relatively inexpensive airfare deals as of January 2011 and offer a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to hostels. While you're there, you can visit Mayan ruins; hire a guide and a boat to go fishing; dine on Mexican fare and fresh-caught seafood; snorkel among tropical fish or go cave-diving at a cenote.
