Gates Magazine....

SUMMER TRAVEL

THIS BUDGET'S FOR YOU

Summer break means free time to travel. But travel isn't necessarily free of cost or hassles. That's why we've provided ten of America's top destinations for budget travel and ten top tips to save money and avoid hassles on the road.

TEN TOP TRIPS

THE WILD WEST:

San Diego: This is southern California at its sunniest. The world's best triathletes train here and the world's cheap travelers head south to Baja California. Call (619) 232-3101.

Los Angeles: Hollywood isn't cheap, but you're still a star when you stay at the busy youth hostel, soak up the free California sunshine, or join the eccentrics on Venice Beach. Call (213) 624-7300.

San Francisco: You can see the Golden Gate Bridge at no charge and the streetcars have to be one of the best transportation deals in the U.S. San Francisco is a treat that can't be beat. Call (415) 974-6900

Seattle: Hot coffee, cooling rain, and even cooler music make Seattle a summer haven for students on the road in the northwest. The seafood is cheap and the great outdoors are right outside the city. Call (206) 461-5840.

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE:

Grand Canyon: The view is priceless and you can sleep cheap by camping or staying down in Williams. Call (800) 408-2052.

Las Vegas: From the Liberace Museum to nickel slots to cheap buffets, Las Vegas can be really cheap (or really expensive). For relief from the neon and long nights, head out to Red Rock Canyon for some great hiking. Call (702) 332-5333.

Kansas City: Whether you're in town for the blues, the barbeque, or some baseball, Kansas City is a major league city without major league prices. Call (800) 767-7700.

West Virginia: Anyone who's been to this outdoors mecca knows that it's one of the top whitewater rafting and mountain biking spots in the east. Be sure to taste the ramps, a popular form of local onions. Call (800) CALL WVA.

SOUTHEAST FEASTS:

New Orleans: The Big Easy can be easy on the budget, even with a splurge for spicy cajun cookin'. They also don't charge you to walk on Bourbon Street, one of America's hottest streets. Call (504) 566-5011.

Miami: It's the unofficial capital of the Sunshine State and the Caribbean. If you like it hot and spicy, you'll love Miami's tune. A swim in the crystal-clear water is free and so is a stroll through South Beach. Call (305) 283-2707.

NORTHEAST NOMADS:

New York City: You'll take Manhattan if it's cheap. If you stay in the huge youth hostel, eat ethnic, and take in all of the great free stuff, the Big Apple doesn't have to mean big bucks. Call (212) 484-1200 or (800) NYC VISIT.

Maine: From whitewater rafting to sailing along the majestic coast, Maine is a main choice for the outdoors in the northeast. Call (800) 533-9595.

TEN TOP TIPS

American Youth Hostels (AYH): Quite simply, AYH offers students the best budget accommodations, service, information, and contacts. Wherever you're heading this summer, there's probably an AYH nearby. They also offer their own budget Discovery Tours at great prices. If you're not already a member or need help planning summer travel, call (202) 783-6161. For hostel reservations, call (800) 444-6111.

Bookin' It: Two of the top guidebook series for budget travelers are Let's Go and Lonely Planet. If you want to find the cheapest way to eat, sleep, and see America, check out the books from these two guidebook gurus.

Let's Go Surfin' Now: You can hit the Information Highway for thousands of budget travel ideas. Check Global Network Navigator for a wide variety of interesting web sites. Lonely Planet, at http://www. lonelyplanet.com/, is one of the best.

Gear Weenies: Camping and other outdoor activities are inexpensive, but you need the right gear. Call L.L. Bean at (800) 221-4221 or R.E.I. at (800) 828-5533.

Volunteer Vacations: Giving your time and energy is a great way to spend your summer break. Bill McMillon's Volunteer Vacations, (800) 888-4741, provides hundreds of ideas.

National Parks: Uncle Sam's public lands may just be the best budget travel option in the U.S. Call (202) 619-7222 for brochures, maps, lists, and much more.

State Parks: As with national parks, most states offer a huge range of public lands, activities, and inexpensive lodging or camping. Contact any state tourism or state parks office.

Outward Bound: Though it's generally not cheap, the experience is definitely priceless. They offer a wide array of trips and budgets. Call (800) 477-2627.

Take a Hike: Walking's free and it's a great way to see the U.S. one step at a time. If you want specific ideas or also want to help maintain the trails for others to enjoy, contact the American Hiking Society at P.O. Box 20160, Washington, DC 20041-2061. Ask about their public lands volunteer opportunities (free room and board).

John Muir Would be Proud: The Sierra Club offers a wide range of inexpensive outings that include travel and service. Contact them at 730 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Don't Forget these 10 Take-Alongs: hostel membership card; driver's license or other ID; moneybelt; credit or money card and PIN number; travelers checks; durable travel backpack; guidebooks; camera and plenty of film; combination lock; a sense of humor.

10 Things to Make Travel Easier: sports watch with alarm; shower thongs; ear plugs; pocket change; a travel journal; mini-flashlight; language phrasebook for communicating with foreign visitors; pocket knife with tweezers; sheet sleeping sack (for hostels); rail or other transportation passes.

10 Rules of the Road: don't take anything with you that you can't afford to lose; McDonald's have clean restrooms; take overnight trains and buses to save on lodging; when you're wandering around lost and confused, try not to look like you're lost and confused; avoid illegal drugs and go easy on alcohol; dress in layers; wear a moneybelt at all times; keep copies of important paperwork in a separate place; pack light; keep an open mind.