With summer break nearly upon us, thoughts of getting away undoubtedly come to mind. The dream of hopping from one first class airplane to another and seeing all of the sights that the world has to offer is very enticing.

For many of us, this “jet set” style of trekking is an unrealistic luxury. But, travel does not have to be limited to those with overflowing trust funds. Keep reading for some cost effective and fun travel alternatives for the summer months. From family vacations to nightlife for singles to extreme shopping, countless travel options are available in our own backyard.

If your goal is to pack the family in the car and go, several great getaway spots are a quick drive from San Antonio.

Alexis Hayes Lowe, adjunct Kinesiology professor, and her husband discovered the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country at Pedernales Falls State Park. Located just east of Johnson City on FM 2766, Pedernales is a mecca for hiking, camping, swimming and enjoying the great outdoors.

“At Pedernales Falls, there are a variety of activities to do. So, if there are a lot of people at one, you can always go to another activity,” said Lowe.

As part of the Texas State Park system, Pedernales Falls is an affordable getaway for Texas residents. And, for an annual fee of $60, you can gain entrance to over 115 Texas state parks. There are many other park options nearby, including Blanco State Park and LBJ National Historical Park.

If sand and surf is more your family’s style, a drive to the Coastal Bend may be your best option. JoAnn Tate, a sophomore, Education major, and her family love what the Corpus Christi area has to offer.

“I enjoy deep-sea fishing, but we throw the fish back,” said Tate. Joined by her husband and her two sons, her family also explored the Texas State Aquarium, Mustang Island and Port Aransas.

With a price tag of $300 for a four-person weekend, the Tate family is proof that interesting activities don’t have to break the bank.

While communing with nature is how many students and faculty enjoy spending their vacation, some have a different focus. Freshman Business Management major Joseph Borrego found the shopping and nightlife in Laredo to be a great way to spend his off hours. Joseph’s girlfriend is a Laredo native, so he has the “inside scoop” on the best places to hang out, such as Azul and Agave, “the hottest nightspots there.”

“There’s also a lot of college kids there,” Borrego said. Laredo is home of Texas A&M International University. To make the roughly six-hour roundtrip drive, dine out and enjoy the town, Borrego estimated that he spent about $175. Laredo, the gateway to Mexico, is an inexpensive getaway with an international flair. Be advised that if a trip across the border to Nuevo Laredo is in your plan, there has been a rash of violence there lately.

If your financial means are a bit more substantial, the distance of your journey can increase exponentially. For example, if checking out the Hollywood sights, getting some great bargains in the Garment District, and walking the beaches of Malibu and Venice get your attention, an escape to Southern California might be just the ticket.

For Philip Macias, sophomore, Education major, “The experience was mind-altering. The feeling you get there…it’s very different from Texas,” said Macias. For his six-day flyaway, Macias spent about $800, which included his airfare and meals.

For those who might be “historically minded,” one of the best museums in the state is a short drive up I-35 to Austin. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is touted as “telling ‘the story of Texas.’” Located downtown on Congress Avenue, near the capitol, the museum features its own IMAX theatre and many unique exhibits grouped into three sections: land, identity and opportunity. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Admission ranges from $5.50 to access the exhibit area only up to $13.50 to have access to the whole museum, including the IMAX theater.

When planning your travel, don’t be afraid to think big. Or, at least, consider big as an option. With the high cost of gas, flying may be more cost- effective than you would expect. A great way to monitor the very best airfares is by signing up for free e-mail fare specials, such as Southwest Airlines’ DING, United’s E-Fares, and Frontier’s Wild Web Weekend Fares. It’s not unusual to find roundtrips to interesting places for barely over $100 — not too exorbitant when you consider how much it would cost to drive!

Whether by plane, train, or automobile, there are some great low-cost travel options available. Thinking creatively about your summer outing cannot only save you some cash, but may also open a world of travel options you hadn’t even considered.