Did you just get a travel itch? Instead of resorting to your usual two-hour-away travel destination, why not go somewhere new and exciting? Here are some of our favorite last-minute travel ideas for those with an adventurous heart and spirit.
Last-minute family travel ideas
Boulder, Colorado
Whether you go to Boulder for the mountains, the shopping, the skiing, the hiking, or the eating, you will have chosen wisely. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here. Situated 5,430 feet above sea level, Boulder has fast become one of America’s most unique cultural hotspots.
Savannah, Georgia
To anyone unfamiliar with Savannah, you’re in for a treat. The hanging moss drifting in the warm southern breeze, the amazing restaurants, the beautiful squares, and the stunning antebellum architecture are enough to make you scheme up ways to live in Savannah full time. If you head here during the summer months, you can cool off at Tybee Island, which is just a 30-minute drive away.
Last-minute travel ideas for students
Nashville, Tennessee
Skip the coast this trip and explore one of the best-kept secrets in the country: Nashville, aka Music City USA. Whether you know it or not, Nashville is one of the coolest places in North America. Not only is it arguably the nation’s premier music capital, but it’s also a great place to shop, eat, and explore. If country music isn’t your favorite, it’s easy to find a variety of venues playing just about any other genre. Arrive late at night? No worries. There’s always live music somewhere in the streets of Nashville.
Kansas City, Missouri
First and foremost, Kansas City has a great barbecue and jazz scene (in fact, the two often go hand in hand), and the city prides itself on how well it does both. It’s also a great place to go if you’re on a budget, as Kansas City boasts a number of free attractions (including a free streetcar that passes through many popular areas). From great museums, nature centers and parks, to live outdoor musical performances, you’ll definitely have a trip to remember if you go to Kansas City.
Last-minute green travel ideas
The Texas Eagle, Amtrak
Train travel’s carbon emissions per capita always beat out air travel. This means you can travel guilt free along the Texas Eagle route, which travels along:
- Chicago, Illinois
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Dallas, Texas
- Austin, Texas
- San Antonio, Texas
- Los Angeles, California
However, there are also numerous other stops along the route, as well. When traveling aboard Amrtak’s Texas Eagle, travelers get to cover a lot of ground from the comfort of a climate-controlled train. Our two favorites on the list above? Austin and Chicago. Austin for its views and culture, and Chicago for its restaurants and museums.
Greyhound
With free Wi-Fi and thousands of North American destinations, you can travel anywhere in the U.S. with Greyhound. The best thing? Buses are even greener than trains. While you may get stuck in traffic, you can at least zone out with a good book or movie on your phone (and even take a nap, too). Greyhound connects many of America’s greatest cities at a fraction of the cost of other modes of transportation, so not only will you be helping the planet, but you’ll also be helping your wallet, too.
Last-minute adventure travel ideas
Alaskan cruise
A lot of Alaskan cruises are purely sightseeing and eating (which there’s nothing wrong with). But there are many that offer multiple excursions off the ship so travelers can experience the great Alaskan wilderness firsthand. Go on a wildlife expedition and see if you can find some great Alaskan caribou, or go hiking or kayaking. Believe it or not, there are many Alaskan cruises aimed at intrepid travelers looking for adventure. Cruise ships aren’t just for sunbathers!
Northern Arizona
Arizona has a lot more to offer other than the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. There’s rafting, hiking, and even skiing. Make reservations at the Grand Canyon Lodge, or opt for one of they many campgrounds for tents and RVs. Whether your taste of adventure includes whitewater rafting, mule riding on rocky slopes, or helicopter rides, you can check off a lot of your to-do’s in Arizona.
Bottom line
If you need to rent a car for your last-minute trip to Chicago or Denver, Avail car sharing has you covered. We have car sharing locations across different neighborhoods, and each trip always includes insurance coverage through Allstate. Your reservation is always guaranteed, and you won’t encounter any surprise fees along the way.
