Explore the backyard

To say that we’re in a recession might be an understatement, but there’s still no reason to ditch a summer vacation, even as a cash-strapped student.
Backpacking through Europe or going on an extensive road trip might seem like an enchanting retreat, but that tuition bill and the minimum-wage paycheck is quite a hindrance and, perhaps, a reality check.  
Instead of pulling out a soul-stealing credit card or sitting at home counting time, students can enjoy a trip across Michigan, at an affordable and comforting price.
Caseville, Petoskey, Silver Lake – all of these vacation spots are in Detroit’s backyard, in Michigan and, generally, budget-friendly.  
Recently, I visited Silver Lake, and beforehand, I didn’t think the trip would warrant any undue excitement, unlike a trip to say New York or Chicago. I was happily surprised.
Silver Lake is a rural vacation town. Located just north of Grand Rapids, Mich., the lake sits cozily next to Lake Michigan, which is separated only by their main attraction, the Silver Lake State Park. But the word park is really an incorrect term to describe what lies there – giant, desert-inspiring sand dunes. Out on the dunes, it’s otherworldly; it can feel like a lost Sahara.
At little more than a three-hour trip, coming out to Silver Lake for the day is feasible, but there’s a lot to do and see apart from the dunes. Lodging can be rather affordable for around $30 per night at the various campgrounds in the area, or if splurge is in your vacation vocabulary, there are also a few resorts located on the lakefront, which provide a gorgeous sunset view above the sand dunes. But it also provides a quick drain on the wallet at more than $100 per night.  
Unlike a big-city vacation, however, staying one night is still affordable. Besides, there’s a lot more to do at Silver Lake than traversing the dunes. While swimming is an obvious choice at both lakes, there’s also the option to rent any number of watercraft, ranging from a rowboat to a jet ski.  
Apart from the lakes, White River is a short trip from Mears. There are a few places to rent canoes, kayaks and rafts to paddle through the log-floating river, and rental rates start at $24.
For aquaphobes, there are other options on a rustic getaway like one to Silver Lake. Horseback riding at the nearby ranch is $20 for an hour, and the trails are devoid of civilization. You don’t have to be an experienced or even a novice at riding, either, as they have trained staff and guides for the trails. On my recent trip through these trails, we saw several deer, included a newborn fawn.
It’s not just about the things to do out at a place like Silver Lake, either. It’s the air, the people and the pace of life away from a city like Detroit. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of a city is enough to bust stress and make hours seem like days.