I would love to go back and spend my young summers following the Grateful Dead in a little hatchback, fixing up an old VW bus, sticking my thumb out or just hitting the road anyway I could. There's so many years to build the resume and cart the kids to bandcamp. This summer you should pack up the Prius with your flowy skirts & bikinis or cut-offs & birkenstocks and your "besty" for some urban exploring on a starving artist budget. So if your free mind is thinking, your wanderlust is calling and your spirit is dreaming take your free spirit and $50 a day and see the USA!!
I'm starting this fantasy frock in Cleveland because it's just a quick jaunt west from my stopping grounds. No great hostels in this spot-yet-but there is Airbnb and a bed can be bought for $30 each. The number one thing to do in Cleveland is the Museum of Art and lucky for you and your non-budget it is free. With college ID you can save $5 admission at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and pay $18 admission and you can name your price at the West Side Market-maybe spend some dough for healthy goods to fix for dinner. Speaking of food, there are plenty of cheap eats around town if you do your research. One night should be capped off with a cocktail or 2 at the old speakeasy, The Duck Island Club. Last but not least google summer events for free concerts (some on porches), free walking tours and annual events like the Duct Tape Festival or the World Yo-yo Contest.
Next stop on your semi-beatnik roadtrip is Detroit "Rock City"! There is a totally hip hostel here, Hostel Detroit, where a bed will run ya $30 a piece plus $5 for parking. Hostel Detroit offers something totally new and free with its Ambassador Program. A program with many knowledgable local volunteers that will take you out and show you the city of Detroit from thier point of view. The owners of the hostel and the Ambassadors are dedicated to showing you a city they love and will help you find all the right parts of Detroit to speak to you. The one thing I wouldn't want to miss is The Heidelberg Project, 2 blocks of artsy magic! There is also The Henry Ford in, nearby, Dearborn and tickets are just $19 online. The Corktown neighborhood, where the hostel is located, is full of restaurants, cafes, breweries and whisky bars. Check out lunch at the Corktown Tavern where all menu items are $2.
This trip could go on for as long as your money holds and with some lower expectations it can be stretched even farther. If you stay in a tent and live on pb & j or ramen noodles this trip can just keep truckin' on but to meet more people and get an insider's point of view, hostels and airbnb homes have an advantage.
The next stop, Chicago, has such stylish digs that you will be happy to spend your $45-$50 a night and miss the dewy morning of the campground. The Holiday Jones Hostel sits away from the city center but offers free parking and is near the train. Free breakfast can also be had at Holiday Jones and the lowest price on a bed is $45 a night. Holiday Jones has a sister hostel-Urban Holiday located near the neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown and offering free breakfast, free parking and a bed for $46 a night. Both of these hostels offer stylish stays in neighbirhoods surrounded by great restaurants and "windy city" charm and attractions. The staff at each hostel is also more than happy to help make your visit awesome so, and help you enjoy Chicago like a local.
Once you decide where to hang your hat, get ready to explore Chicago. I, personally, think that if you want to splurge on one thing make it the architecture cruise. Shoreline Sightseeing was the company my family went with and our guide was fun and informative (she said Vince Vaughn used some of her material in the movie "The Break Up"). Tickets are $30 a person online and drinks are served on the boat. For lunch grab an authentic Chicago style dog at Portillo's or some beer and bar bites at the beer garden on Navy Pier. Make sure to get a picture of Cloud Gate (the bean) and souvenir and window shop the Magnificent Mile. Chicago also has many summer events so be sure to ask at your hostel what they suggest.
These venues are just an example of what travels you can experience and urban areas you can explore on a budget. If you are interested in these spots with more detail or other great cities throughout the USA and beyond, let us know at Stowaway so we can plan the perfect warrior road trip for you and your besty!