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Itineraries

We're here to make travel easy. Below, you can find pre-made itineraries curated to get the most of your journey with the least stress on your wallet 

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A Day in Philadelphia

The city of brotherly love is more than New York City's little brother. Philadelphia is a vibrant east coast city with incredible museums, expansive parks, and a vibrant dining scene. It is accessible by bus and is highly walkable, so you can plan your visit with or without a car. We've curated this itinerary to be as inexpensive as possible, while still getting the Philly experience. Go Birds! 

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8 AM - All Aboard

Head to Penn Station to catch an early bus out of NY to Philadelphia. FlixBus has journeys running every hour at an average price of $15 for a one way ticket. 

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10 AM - Arrive in Philadelphia

The bus drops off at the corner of Spring Garden and 2nd street - roughly a ten minute walk from  historic Old City. Take the stroll and check out Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

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11 AM - Tour Old City

After checking out Independence Hall, stroll south - taking in the cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial homes. 

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12:30 PM - Grab a Cheesesteak

One you hit South Street, grab the iconic Philadelphia staple, a cheesesteak. You'll be right by the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, a beautiful outdoor gallery made up of mosaics. 

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1PM - The Philadelphia Museum of Art

You can take the SEPTA, bus or Uber west towards the river and get off at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the iconic site of the Rocky Steps. Channel your inner boxer and climb to the top, soaking in the incredible assortment of art the museum has to offer.

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4 PM - Stroll Along the Wissahickon 

Now that you feel a little cultured, stroll along the Wissahickon - the river that divides Philadelphia from West Philly. If you look just north from the museum, you'll see the iconic boathouses from ofll of the city's incredible colleges and universities.

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5:30 PM - Have a Fishtown Tea

Take public transit or an Uber to Fishtown and have dinner at the iconic Interstate Drafthouse. Order a Fishtown Tea and a basket of tots and you won't be disappointed. 

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7 PM - Have a Nightcap at El Bar

El Bar is the dive of all dives. The beer is cheap and the vibes are immaculate. You can get a city=-wide (Philly's version of a beer + shot combo) for only $3. 

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8:30 PM - Catch a Late Bus Home

Head back to Spring Garden street for your ride home. The bus drops back off at Penn Station.

A Weekend in Lake Placid

The Adirondack Park is the largest national landmark in the country, made up mostly by protected wilderness. It's also only a hop, skip, and a jump away from New York City. In the heart of the high peaks region sits Lake Placid, the iconic location of the 1986 Winter Olympics. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and a great destination for a weekend getaway. 

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Day One

We recommend staying somewhere between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. This gives you the best access to all the trails, lakes, and restaurants you should explore. 

10 AM - Grab a Coffee at The Coffee Bar

Situated on Mirror Lake (the lake that the town of Lake Placid sits on, interestingly enough) this coffee shop gives a perfect view of undisturbed morning waters. Enjoy a coffee as you breathe in the clean mountain air. 

11 AM - Climb Cascade Mountain

The Adirondacks has 46 high peaks - mountains that scale about 4,000 feet in elevation. Cascade mountain is a moderate climb that offers incredible views of the Adirondacks at its peak. 

4 PM - Check Out Gear at The Mountaineer

Once you finish your climb, bop around the small shops that make up Keene, NY - especially The Mountaineer - a perfect store for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. 

6 PM - Grab Dinner at Tail of the Pup

Part campground, part outdoor barbecue, Tail of the Pup is the perfect place to have dinner. The food is delicious, the location is wonderful, and you'll definitely be wanting seconds.

8 PM - Get an Ice Cream at Donnelly's

This is going to be the best ice cream you'll ever have in your life. Donnelly's has only one flavor a day, and it's all homemade. You won't be disappointed, trust us. 

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Day Two

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8 AM - Kayak on Mirror Lake

Start your day off on the clear waters of Mirror Lake. Rent a kayak in the center of town and enjoy some peace and quiet out on the lake.

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11 AM - Visit John Brown's Farm

Lake Placid is the former home of the great abolitionist John Brown. Check out his farm and learn more about the ideals that he fought for.

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12:30 - Lunch at The Dack Shack

The Adirondacks has 46 high peaks, The Dack Shack has 46 different sandwiches to choose from. Grab lunch and sit outside, you won't regret it.

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3 PM - Putt Putt at Boots and Birdies

Work off your lunch at Boots and Birdies, a mini golf course just outside of Lake Placid. It is gold rush themed, so don't forget your pick axe!

6 PM - Dinner at Casa Del Sol

You might be inclined to think that the Adirondacks doesn't have great Mexican food and you'd mostly be right - with one exception. Case Del Sol is a literal diamond in the rough. The food is incredible, just don't tell anyone.

8 PM - Ice Cream at Donnelly's 

What's better than having the best ice cream of your life? Having it twice.

Day 1 – Arrival in Santo Domingo

  • Arrive at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).

  • Check into a budget hostel or guesthouse in the Zona Colonial.

  • Evening: Explore the Zona Colonial (UNESCO site), with cobblestone streets, live music, and cheap eats.

  • Dinner: Try La Bandera Dominicana (rice, beans, meat, plantains) at a local spot.

Day 2 – Santo Domingo City Tour

  • Visit Alcázar de Colón and Catedral Primada de América (oldest cathedral in the Americas).

  • Walk the Malecón for oceanfront views.

  • Lunch: Street food (empanadas, tostones).

  • Evening: Budget nightlife—bars and merengue clubs often have no cover.

Day 3 – Road to Punta Cana

  • Take a budget shuttle/bus (~3–4 hrs).

  • Check into a budget hotel or hostel near Bávaro Beach.

  • Afternoon: Chill at Bávaro or Macao Beach (free entry, great vibes).

  • Sunset swim + beach bonfire if available.

Day 4 – Adventure in Punta Cana

  • Morning: Optional day excursion: Saona Island ($60–$80 includes boat ride + lunch).

  • Budget alternative: Local bus to Macao Beach for surfing (cheap rentals).

  • Evening: Group dinner at a local comedor (cheap buffet-style food).

Day 5 – Travel to Puerto Plata

  • Bus ride (~6 hrs, $15–$20).

  • Stay in a budget hostel or Airbnb.

  • Evening: Explore the Malecón and enjoy fresh seafood at local stalls.

Day 6 – Puerto Plata Excursions

  • Ride the Teleférico cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres (cheap, stunning views).

  • Explore 27 Charcos de Damajagua (natural waterfalls—hike & slide down).

  • Evening: Chill in town or try bachata dancing.

Day 7 – Departure

  • Depending on flight location, return to Santo Domingo or fly out from Puerto Plata (POP).

  • Souvenir shopping: local coffee, rum, larimar jewelry.

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Portugal

Day 1 – Arrival in Lisbon

  • Arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS).

  • Check into a budget hostel in Bairro Alto or Alfama (both lively, affordable areas).

  • Afternoon: Wander Alfama’s winding streets, see the Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint.

  • Evening: Dinner at a tasca (local eatery) → try bacalhau à brás.

  • Nightlife: Bairro Alto is full of budget bars with free entry.

Day 2 – Lisbon City

  • Morning: Visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (both UNESCO sites).

  • Snack: Pastéis de Belém (famous custard tarts).

  • Afternoon: Ride the Tram 28 (cheap way to see the city).

  • Evening: Watch sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Sintra

  • Train from Lisbon (~40 min, very cheap).

  • Explore Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle.

  • Picnic lunch to save money.

  • Evening: Return to Lisbon → casual dinner in a student-friendly spot near Rossio Squar

Day 4 – Travel to Porto

  • Morning train (~3 hrs, budget fares if booked early).

  • Check into a budget hostel near Ribeira (riverside area).

  • Explore Dom Luís I Bridge and stroll along the Douro River.

  • Dinner: Try a francesinha sandwich (student-friendly price, very filling).

Day 5 – Porto City

  • Visit Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello (famous bookstore), and São Bento Railway Station (tile art).

  • Afternoon: Free port wine cellar tours (some offer tastings for €5–10).

  • Evening: Cheap riverside meal & sunset view from Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 6 – Douro Valley or Coimbra

Option A – Douro Valley (Day Trip)

  • Budget wine tour or take a train ride through the vineyards.

  • Pack snacks to save money.

Option B – Coimbra (Student Town)

  • Halfway between Lisbon and Porto, known for its historic university.

  • Visit the Joanina Library & enjoy student-life energy.

Day 7 – Departure

  • Depending on your flight, return to Lisbon or fly out of Porto.

  • Last-minute souvenir shopping: Portuguese tiles, sardine tins, port wine.

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Thailand

Day 1 – Arrival in Bangkok

  • Arrive at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airport.

  • Check into a budget hostel around Khao San Road or Sukhumvit.

  • Evening: Explore Khao San Road (street food, night market, backpacker nightlife).

  • Dinner: Pad Thai or mango sticky rice from a street vendor (<$2).

Day 2 – Bangkok City Highlights

  • Morning: Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha).

  • Afternoon: Ferry to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha).

  • Evening: Stroll the Asiatique night market by the river.

  • Optional: Tuk-tuk nightlife tour for cheap eats + rooftop views.

Day 3 – Ayutthaya Day Trip

  • Train from Bangkok (~1.5 hrs, <$2).

  • Rent a bicycle and explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO temples).

  • Return to Bangkok in the evening → night bus/train to Chiang Mai (budget sleeper train ~$20).

Day 4 – Chiang Mai

  • Morning arrival in Chiang Mai.

  • Visit the Old City temples: Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang.

  • Lunch at a local khao soi noodle shop.

  • Evening: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for cheap souvenirs & street food.

  • Optional: Muay Thai fight night (budget tickets available).

Day 5 – Chiang Mai Adventure

  • Choose a day activity:

    • Ethical elephant sanctuary visit (~$50 with transport/meal).

    • Doi Inthanon National Park (Thailand’s highest peak).

    • Ziplining or jungle trekking.

  • Evening: Relax at a hostel social bar or student-friendly cafés.

Day 6 – Fly to Krabi or Phuket (Southern Thailand)

  • Budget flight (~$40–60).

  • Check into hostel near Ao Nang (Krabi) or Patong Beach (Phuket).

  • Afternoon: Beach time!

  • Evening: Sunset views & budget seafood dinner at local market.

Day 7 – Island Hopping

  • Day trip options:

    • Krabi: Four Islands Tour (Poda, Chicken Island, Phra Nang Cave).

    • Phuket: Phi Phi Islands tour (snorkeling + Maya Bay).

  • Cost: ~$25–40 with lunch included.

  • Evening: Last night beach party or chill café hangout.

  • Departure: Fly back to Bangkok for return flight home.

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Mexico

Day 1 – Arrival in Mexico City

  • Arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX).

  • Check into a budget hostel in Roma or Centro Histórico.

  • Afternoon: Walk through the Zócalo (main square) and visit Palacio de Bellas Artes.

  • Dinner: Try authentic tacos al pastor at a local taquería.

  • Evening: Rooftop bar or chill night market.

Day 2 – Mexico City Cultural Day

  • Morning: Visit Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul) in Coyoacán.

  • Afternoon: Explore Chapultepec Park and the National Museum of Anthropology.

  • Evening: Street food tour (tacos, elotes, churros).

Day 3 – Teotihuacán Day Trip

  • Bus from Mexico City (~1 hr, <$5).

  • Explore the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.

  • Pack snacks or eat cheap at local stalls.

  • Evening: Return to Mexico City → chill in Roma neighborhood cafés.

Day 4 – Travel to Oaxaca

  • Morning: Bus or budget flight (~6–7 hrs by bus, ~$40–50).

  • Afternoon: Check into hostel in Oaxaca Centro.

  • Explore colorful markets (Mercado Benito Juárez) and try mole dishes.

  • Evening: Stroll the lively Zócalo with live music and dancing.

Day 5 – Oaxaca Excursion

  • Choose one:

    • Hierve el Agua (natural infinity pools + petrified waterfalls).

    • Monte Albán (ancient Zapotec ruins).

  • Afternoon: Mezcal tasting at a local distillery.

  • Evening: Budget dinner (tlayudas—Oaxacan-style pizza-like tortillas).

Day 6 – Travel to the Coast (Puerto Escondido or Huatulco)

  • Bus to Puerto Escondido (~10 hrs overnight, budget-friendly).

  • Check into a hostel near Zicatela Beach.

  • Afternoon: Chill at the beach, swim, or surf (cheap rentals available).

  • Evening: Sunset on Playa Carrizalillo + seafood tacos.

Day 7 – Beach & Departure

  • Morning: Relax on the beach or join a bioluminescent lagoon tour (if in season).

  • Afternoon: Souvenir shopping → woven textiles, coffee, mezcal.

  • Fly or bus back to Mexico City for departure.

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