Senior Trip Ideas That Aren't Ocean City, MD

Lily Soler '22   Staff Writer
​Nicole Parker '24   Sports Editor
Although Ocean City is the traditional destination for Senior Week, over the years it has become over-crowded and very expensive. It is increasingly difficult to find a safe, inexpensive location that allows seniors, especially those under 18, to stay at. To counter this issue, here are some unique alternatives to take a fun trip with friends to participate in Senior Week without the disadvantages that come with Ocean City. 
1. Deep Creek Lake 

If you love hiking and water sports, Deep Creek Lake is the place for you. It’s located in Garrett County, Maryland, and you can rent boats, jet skis, kayaks and more from places like Bill’s Marine Service and Deep Creek Marina and Boat Rentals. For the hikers, Swallow Falls State Park and Deep Creek State Park have many different trails ranging in difficulty and size. There are also many arcades throughout the area, like Funland and The Alley. Popular restaurants include Deep Creek Seafood; a seafood and steak restaurant that is more on the expensive side and The Casselman Cafe and Bakery; a vegetarian friendly breakfast and lunch place. Cabin and condo rentals are common places people stay at Deep Creek. The Hillside Hideaway is a three bedroom, two and a half bath house, that includes a full kitchen and hottub. Up to eight people can stay at the highly-rated home for $1,196 for three nights, four days at the end of June. If you are interested in an inn, The Casselman Inn is a historic inn that has suites and rooms for $68.00/night.
Deep Creek Lake photo via Tips for Family Trips
The New York State Capitol Building photo via ny.gov
2. Albany, New York

When you think of New York, you probably think of the busy city and bright lights. The capital of New York is Albany, which has rich history and lots of art; perfect for anyone who likes a more relaxed vacation. The Capital Walls Murals have educational and thoughtful art all across downtown Albany. Artful Albany is a podcast that walks through exploration of downtown Albany’s art. The African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region offers a variety of exhibits celebrating African American culture. On June 19, there is the 17th Annual Albany Juneteenth Celebration. Next, the New York State Capital offers tours of the building Monday through Friday. There are also tours of the Empire State Plaza, Executive Mansion and the Plaza Art Collection. Also, there are a ton of colleges in Albany, like University of Albany, Albany School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Siena College and more that you can tour. When you are hungry, check out A Better Bite, right next to the Capitol Building, for Mediterranean cuisine and traditional New York dishes. Ama Cocina is another great restaurant that serves Mexican street food. The Hampton Inn Albany on Western Ave University is close to all of the attractions, and even has a nature trail and indoor pool. A single room with two queen beds is $169 per night.
3. Newport, Rhode Island 

If you love the beach but hate the crowd, Newport, Rhode Island is the perfect destination for you. There are plenty of beaches like Easton’s Beach, King Park Beach, Gooseberry Beach and more. Mansions are very common in Newport, one of the most famous mansions is The Breakers, a classic Italian palazzo style mansion that was previously owned by the Vanderbilt Family, but is now owned by the Newport Preservation Society. The mansion was built in 1895. There are 70 rooms, with 48 bedrooms and 27 fireplaces. For youth ages 6-17, you can tour the Breakers for $8. Anyone over the age 17 can get a ticket for $26. If you are a Swiftie, Taylor Swift’s holiday house is located in Newport, which inspired the song “The Last Great American Dynasty” on her album, “Folklore.” In addition, Newport has a 3.5 mile cliff walk that overlooks beautiful ocean views, rocks and more. After your long cliff walk, head over to The Black Pearl, located on Bannister’s Wharf. The restaurant started in 1967 and serves very popular clam chowder. The Cru Cafe is a local favorite that serves breakfast all day and has Saturday and Sunday brunch. Vanderbilt is an upscale hotel that has two pools, a spa, a fitness center and more. If you are looking for something a little more casual, The Newport Marriott is another great place to stay that is on the waterfront. The hotel includes a pool, fitness center and arcade. 
The Breakers photo via Town and Country Magazine
The Newport Cliff Walk photo via Visit Rhode Island 
The Moon Palace Cancun Resort photo via Booking.com 
Cancun, Mexico photo via Travel + Leisure 
4. Cancun, Mexico

Although in a different country, staying at an all-inclusive resort at the beautiful beaches of Cancun is not much different in price than a hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. The Moon Palace Cancun Resort is perfect for all ages. The resort has a waterpark, golf, bowling, arcade, restaurants and more all right along the beach. The cost is $495 per night during the end of June for one room and two double beds. In comparison, the Quality Inn Boardwalk in Ocean City is $369 per night during the same time; only around $100 per night cheaper. Some of the best restaurants in Cancun include the Kiosco Verde Marisquería, a local favorite for seafood and Divina Carne, a highly-enjoyed Brazilian Steakhouse. Downtown Cancun is another fun place to go which has small shops, street food, parks and Mexican wrestling.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana

This culturally rich city is a top destination for trips this summer. New Orleans has a balance of both tourist and local attractions to keep everyone both occupied and wanting more. Ride the Riverfront Streetcar Line which passes the French Quarter, Canal Street, and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Visit the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco festival in Armstrong Park, a free event which is held every June. Enjoy the fresh seafood and shop Cajun art, jewelry and music. If you’re interested in enjoying the outdoors, New Orleans is the perfect place to go. Whether it be exploring the bayou with the many tours offered, biking through the city or having a picnic in City Park, there are plenty of things to do for outdoor enjoyment. One of the many things New Orleans is known for is their food. Cafe Du Monde is in the heart of New Orleans and serves the ever popular beignets, known as Louisiana’s state doughnut. Liuzza’s By The Track has earned the title of one of New Orleans’ best gumbo and cajun restaurants and was even featured on the Food Network. If you’re in the mood for sandwiches, Killer Poboys is a great restaurant for New Orleans style sandwiches and other deli food. A historical place to stay is Hotel Vinache. For $152 a night, four people can stay one mile from the French Quarter and a walkable distance from many tourist attractions. Four people can also stay closer to the city center at La Galerie for $191 a night. Like Hotel Vinache, it is close to the French Quarter, but is only 0.1 miles away from the city center and is close to convention centers such as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Whether you are into exploring the history of Louisiana or enjoying the ever growing modern attractions it has to offer, New Orleans is a great, inexpensive and unique place to visit this summer.
A Riverfront Streetcar photo via Michael Strauch, Streetcar Mike
Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans, Louisiana, photo via Nathan Myhrvold, Modernist Cuisine Gallery