26/03/2011

Free and cheap things to do on a USA gap year budget

Take a gap year in the USA, work and travel. You can take the student out of the student ghetto, but you can’t take the student ghetto out of the student. Participants on BUNAC's Gap Year Work America Program might be making hard-earned dollars, but having lived the student lifestyle, many have developed an appreciation for a particular way of life: doing as much as possible while spending as little as possible. There’s plenty to get up to in the USA without having to spend like a taxpayer, and here are just a few suggestions for FREE ways to enjoy the USA...

California Gap Year

A night out with the A-listers

Ever wanted to watch a TV show get filmed? Selected sitcoms and game shows are recorded in Hollywood’s studios, and you could be in the audience! Make an advanced reservation, turn up early and you could spend the day whooping like a real American.

Free events in San Francisco

There are always loads of free festivals, fairs and parties going on in San Francisco. The San Francisco Mime Troupe performs free satirical shows with a comedic twist in city parks, while a beautiful, outdoor concert venue lined with eucalyptus trees provides the setting for the Stern Grove Concerts. No need to worry about bum-numbing plastic chairs - concert goers sit themselves down in the main meadow or on the surrounding hillside.

New York Gap Year

Get great views of NY from the water

The Staten Island Ferry runs from Battery Park to Staten Island. Hop aboard to get the amazing views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the New York Harbor without paying a penny. Sorry, cent.

Unwind in Central Park

There are free walking tours for those who want to explore some of the best bits of the 843 park. Catch a free Shakespeare performance or simply wind away a few hours with a picnic and a few friends on a sunny afternoon.

Maryland Gap Year

Say ‘ciao’ to Little Italy

For a little taste of Europe, head to Little Italy, Baltimore. It boasts of 20 excellent restaurants, as well as laid-back trattorias, so is the perfect place for authentic Italian cuisine. While you’re there, you could catch a roller blade street hockey match - or for something a little more Italian, a game of bocce.

North Carolina Gap Year

Take a walk on the wild side

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, and for good reason. Its spectacular forests are home to elks, white-tailed deer, and even black bear – keep an eye out! Mountains and waterfalls provide an idyllic landscape for hiking, camping or simply relaxing with a picnic.

Colorado Gap Year

Fancy a brew?

You may be about 4,500 miles from home, but there’s no reason why you can’t get a nice cuppa. Celestial Seasonings specialises in herbal tea blends and proudly boast that all their brews are made from all-natural ingredients, and many are organic. Join a free guided tour and you can see how they make their amazing selection of herbal tea, green tea, wellness tea, red tea, white tea, chai, holiday tea and black teas - then make your way to the sampling bar to enjoy some free samples!

Contact

To find out more about Work America Gap Year Programs with BUNAC please call 020 7251 3472 or e-mail: traveladvice@bunac.org.uk.

BUNAC

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