Spring Break on a budget; trip ideas under $250

Christina Duzan-Lifestyles Editor
2/10/12

Spring break will be here in a mere four-and-a-half weeks.  While many students might already have travel plans lined up, there are others who are racking their brains for something to do.
As college students, many of us are on tight budgets.  Fortunately, one does not have to travel across the country to find fun spring-break activities.  There are several options close by that allow for fun, yet inexpensive spring-break excursions.
Chicago is seven-and-a-half hours away on a direct train.  A ticket is currently $144 round-trip, but student discounts are available that make prices cheaper.  Hotel prices start at $65 a night. Using a travel site like Expedia or Hotwire also can provide some better quality rooms at discounted prices.  Museum admission prices range from $12 to $34 with student ID.  There are also free options for someone who wants to walk around the city and enjoys people-watching.  This whole trip would cost approximately $230 depending on whether or not one visits any museums.
For those wanting to get out of Kansas City, St. Louis is a six-hour train ride.  Round-trip it would cost $56, which is likely cheaper than gas to drive there and back.  However, having a car to drive around might be helpful.  The St. Louis Zoo has free admission, with some small fees on special exhibits.  The City Museum provides a day of entertainment for a group of friends at $12 a person, and Union Station has different shops and restaurants for enjoyment.  The St. Louis Science Center is also a fun place to explore.  Parking is $10, but general admission is free.  There are additional charges for movies and special exhibits.  The cost of this trip will range from $75 to $125 depending on mode of travel.
If leaving Kansas City is not an option, there are plenty of activities available in the area.  The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum downtown has free general admission.  It has several different exhibits currently on display.  Union Station offers different exhibits, restaurants and shopping options for patrons.  Crown Center and the Country Club Plaza downtown offer shopping and a variety of restaurants for customers.  This trip will be the cheapest because there is less travel distance and  many of the activities are free.
Do not be discouraged if a spring break trip to Florida or Texas is out of your budget and thus out of reach.  Take a few minutes to search locations close by for fun, inexpensive activities.