College students are always looking for a way to get away. Every semester or so, we all plan top throw a great party, attend a concert, or even take a trip (most often for Spring Break). But everyone, including students, have felt the wrath of the current condition of the economy. Traveling is expensive to begin with, but even now it is more difficult to find a trip that fits your budget and provides a great time. Road trips are making a comeback. With low gas prices a lot of students have been carpooling with suite or dorm mates to head out of town for a weekend. Casino trips are becoming more and more popular and even trips to New York City have spiked. But even places like a close by casino and even the Big Apple can put a hurting on your funds.

So what's the next great secret vacation that's affordable and fun? Believe it or not, the answer is still in New York, only  2-3 hours north of the Big Apple. The capital of Albany is actually an ideal place to visit that hardly anyone talks about. Albany is not only the capital of New York but is apart of the Capital District along with it's neighboring cities such as historic Troy (home of Uncle Sam), world famous Saratoga (home of the Saratoga Race Track), and the home of Proctors Theatre, Schenectady. The best thing about the Capital District is that each of these cities are within 15-20 minutes and all offer something different and unique.

If your looking for a slew of dance clubs, party bars, and high class lounges, both Pearl St and Lark St in downtown Albany are ideal. With college town being home to SUNY Albany, Russell Sage, and Saint Rose there are plenty of college students walking around the streets going from bar to bar. Pearl Street offers some of the best Albany bars and clubs in the area. If you are looking to dance the night away with big crowds, the choose from close to 15 bars & clubs in the Pearl St. area.

Lark St is more artsy and laid back. Close to 10 bars call Lark St home (it is a 3-5 minute drive from Pearl St). If your idea of fun is walking from bar to bar and not spending your nights dancing, then Lark is your place. Tons of coffee shops, eateries, and plenty of packed bars to play darts or shoot pool.

If your looking for a little more class and sophistication, than Saratoga is your best bet. Not only is Saratoga home to one of the world's most famous horse tracks but also a popular Racino (video gaming machines only). The Racino also has a popular nightclub in house and is only 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga. If your looking for the center of action when it comes to Saratoga bars and clubs, then downtown is your choice, particularly Caroline St. Caroline St is packed constantly, especially during track season. Home to close to 15 bars, restaurants, and eateries (including a club), Caroline St can provide any style an ideal night. All ages!

Troy is a little more low key than both, but certainly worth a visit. The one way streets can be a little bit confusing, but Troy bars are the perfect place for any music lover. Home of hardcore, Troy has built a niche of being a great place to find bars with many up and coming hardcore artists and rappers performing. An old fashioned city, Troy is one of the most historic places in America. Worth a visit if you are truly trying to be low key. You may stumble upon the next big band! All the major bars are close to the Sage College campus, RPI, and Hudson Valley Community College.

Finally, we have Schenectady. Home to Proctor's theatre, Schenectady has recently began revitalizing it's downtown scene by adding more bars and building a new club in the area. Downtown is home to another college town that includes Union College &  Schenectady County Community College. Schenectady bars have recently started experiencing a boom. 15 bars located in the downtown area provide a great mix for everyone to enjoy.

The best thing about all of these area in the Capital District is that it won't break your bank to visit. If your not interested in dedicating an entire weekend to the 518 area, then consider it a pit stop for a night during your trip to Boston (2 hours away), Philadelphia (5 hours away) , Atlantic City (4 hours away), Canada (4 hours north) or NYC (2-3 hours south).

If you are planning on a trip to the Capital District, then check out a few of the websites dedicated to the area to help you plan a great trip!