For those wanting to spend the weekend away from UTM, the UTM Travel Study office offers students several ways to find local trips on a tight budget.
“There are many places of interest within driving distance from Martin, Tenn., that offer cultural, social and family events that are visited by people from all over the world,” said Mike Sudzum, the University Travel Consultant for UTM.
Local getaways for the weekend include trips to cities such as Paducah, Memphis, Nashville and St. Louis.
Places of interest around these cities are the Memphis Zoo, Beale Street, Shiloh National Park, the St. Louis Arch, Opryland and the Music Row.
UTM Travel Study Coordinator Lorrie Jackson said that there are other local attractions within driving distance from Martin, as well.
“The Discovery Park in Union City is open now and Reelfoot Lake provides a nice getaway opportunity with its rich local history. Memphis has a variety of iconic things to do; it really depends on what your interests are,” Jackson said.
Costs of the trips, however, are largely based on the time it takes to get there, along with any other expenses that might occur during the trip such as hotel or car rental costs.
“There are free entries to some and minimal charges for admissions to others,” Sudzum said.
“Hotels and transportation will vary depending on distance and duration of stay. Entertainment and concert ticket costs would depend on what Ticketmaster would charge.”
Free locations that are available to interested students include Reelfoot Lake, the St. Louis Zoo and some art museums.
Sudzum encourages students who are traveling to some of the bigger tourist cities such as St. Louis or Memphis to follow the same rules they would normally follow when going on a trip.
“Just be diligent about your surroundings and travel in groups of three or more. Generally you will find these areas very populated in any hour of the day or night, so use your common judgments when out and about,” Sudzum said.
While these places seem maybe commonplace because they are so close to Martin, they offer educational opportunities.
“Whether you’re from West Tennessee or not, the uniqueness of these locations draw in people from all over the world. Having the opportunity to see them is an enriching, cultural learning experience,” Jackson said.
For more information on traveling, contact Sudzum at 731-881-3581 or msudzum@worldtrav.com.
