cheap travel ideas

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hi

i live in ontario canada where the winters are long and i detest the snow.

the last few years i do the following to get away in the winter for a break.

-fly out of michigan to tampa for 49 dollars
-buy a bicycle for 99 dollars
-stay in a mom and pop motel for 185 a week
-bike the area trails and beaches from tarpon springs, clearwater and st petes

i find this an excellent way to learn a new area and meet ppl, as most ppl out during the day are retirees or tourists who are naturally chatty and helpful. the locals are at work.

fly home, leave bike at motel for when down next time.
now that i have the bike there, it is a cheap getaway. two weeks average 235 with flite and room. food i eat anyway. from that i deduct gas i would have spent for my truck, and savings on cheap beer, it works out to 150 a week or less are tallied up.

anyone else have favorite cheap travel ideas or suggestions....

Buying and storing a bike is a good idea if you can arrange it. I always research my destinations and choose, if possible, those with good public transportation systems. Most offer discount passes. I also like to travel to my destination by train so getting there is part of the vacation. I feed myself on nuts, crackers and dried fruit so food costs are minimal, and I usually find I end the trip with the added benefit of a little lost weight.

I think I might like to take some time off and hike the Appalachian trail which extends from Maine to Georgia. I'd also like to run across the country Forrest Gump style one of these days. Staying in hostels in Europe and backpacking is supposed to be nice as long as you avoid being seduced by pretty eastern European women and find yourself chopped up into bits. You could also go old style and get a job on a vessel and get to see the world that way.

We go to cheap hotels for weekend breaks about two or three times per year, but generally ones based near towns, cities and tourist attractions in England. That way, we get to see a little bit more of the country and sample the local pubs.

The next trip we go on at the weekend cost £41 each for a three-day stay.