5 Budget-Friendly Trips for the East Coast Graduate

Graduating from high school or college is an exciting time. After four years of hard work you deserve the chance to celebrate. Five must-see destinations on the East Coast can be found in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Florida. Each destination holds budget-friendly options available to all.

New York City
New York City is known for fast paced days and vibrant night life. Here you will find limitless opportunities for fun. From most locations you can either take the train or fly in for a reasonable price. As a surprise to many, New York City does offer things to do for free. You can take a walk around Central Park or attend a a free taping of a television show. Before heading to New York City buy a CityPass card. This card entitles you to savings of up to 50% off popular tourist attractions, like the Empire State Building. Have fun walking around the city and enjoying the sights. Head over to Times Square for some night life. Try a home town diner for some inexpensive dining. Cheap souvenirs can be purchased almost everywhere. New York City really can be as inexpensive as you make it. This is a great place for all graduates because of the diversity, there really is something for everyone.

Boston
Boston offers up some affordable entertainment in a great city. You can enjoy a concert, watch a Red Sox game, or soak up some history and walk the Freedom Trail. Boston has a great aquarium that is fun for all ages. If you want to spend your day out on the water take a boat tour of the city. If you want a place where you can enjoy the ocean consider going on a whale watch. If shopping is on your agenda then head over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace or to the Down Town Crossing. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a great place to grab lunch. At the Down Town Crossing you will find many nationally known department stores. Remember the popular television show, "Cheers"? Head over to the well known bar where "everyone knows your name." Boston is such a great city for graduates because it offers so much to do. You can see a sports game, spend the afternoon shopping, or enjoy night life in the city. Boston can be budget-friendly in many ways including transportation. Getting around is relatively easy; you can walk, take the T, or hop on the subway. Once you get to Boston you do not need to worry about an added expense of renting a car.

Atlantic City
Atlantic city is a great choice for any graduate to unwind. A fun atmosphere, lively entertainment, and the beach make this an incredible destination. A good thing about a tourist city is something is always open. Head over to the Atlantic City Boardwalk where there is world class shopping, great dining, and entertainment all along the beach. In Atlantic City you can enjoy some free activities like the beach or shows on the pier. There are also lots of other options for things to do that are relatively cheap; Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum!, Atlantic City Aquarium, or try your hand at the 18-hole miniature golf course right on the Boardwalk. If you want to take a break from the beach head inside to one of the Casinos. Check ahead of time for deals on hotels. Keep in mind many of the casinos offer buffets for their guests at a great price.

Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its amazing beach front. Tons of beach time fun can be found; rent a jet ski, wind surf, parasail, or surf. Get a great beach front hotel for a deal. During the summer months you will find live music right on the beach. If you are looking for something a little different you can take a Casino Cruise or head over to Ripley's Believe it Or not Museum. If you want a break from the ocean head on over to one of Myrtle Beach's water parks. Check out Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline at the Palace Theatre. It is a great show with acrobatics, crazy special effects, and amazing costumes. Everything is choreographed to a classic-rock sound track. Myrtle Beach is known for having great weather. It is easy for most graduates on the East Coast to get to. The ocean is therapeutic after all that hard work.

Orlando
Orlando is great for the graduate because there are so many things to do in a close proximity to one another. There are definitely beaches close by to enjoy or you can make this trip all about theme parks. You have three major theme parks within reach of one another to choose from. Enjoy just one of them or celebrate at all three. Check out Disney World. With four theme parks, 2 water parks, Disney's Boardwalk, and Downtown Disney you have enough to keep you busy for weeks. Mickey Mouse is great no matter what age you are. "The happiest place on earth" is a great place for any celebration. When you are done with Mickey and friends head over to Universal Studios. With Universal you have three parks to choose from; Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Island of Adventure, and Wet 'n Wild Waterpark. Once you have your fill of the parks head over to the exciting Universal CityWalk. Here you can catch the Blue Man Group, enjoy dancing at one of the night clubs with live entertainment, or simply enjoy some incredible food. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs because there are so many shops. When you are done with all the thrilling attractions at Universal Studios then head over to SeaWorld. SeaWorld offers its guests amazing shows, spectacular dining, and thrilling rides all in one park. Shamu will keep you busy for hours! Many of these places offer discounts to those traveling in groups. To save a little extra money stay off site between your favorite attractions. Always check ahead before you go. Disney World offers "Grad Nite" for graduating high school seniors. Around graduation time you will find many ways to save money.