Long hours and countless responsibilities may have you frazzled and longing for a weekend away. Whether you prefer roaming the city streets or roasting marshmallows, a weekend retreat gets you recharged. Best of all, we can help you have more fun for less money.

You can visit even the largest of nearby cities for less. Most cities offer, on certain days, free public concerts and visits to museums, art galleries, and public centers. Many also have free or low-cost attractions year round. Use citysearch.com, virtualtourist.com and festivalsandevents.com as resources, and check local publications and independent newspapers to find more events and attractions.

Next, consider lodging. Among the savviest of affordable options are hostels costing $8 to $35 a night. Some cost as much as $50 or more in larger cities like New York. Visit hostelworld.com, where you can search for hostels and cheap hotels. The cheapest of all options (read: free) is couch surfing. If you don't know anyone where you are visiting, couchsurfing.com allows you to search a network for people living in your desired destination that are willing to let you stay with them. Couchsurfing.com uses an address and name verification system in an effort to make its network safe. There are tools to connect you with other users and let you read feedback on potential hosts. Nevertheless, always take a buddy and let someone at home know where you will stay.

Lastly, to minimize food spending, take advantage of breakfast if it is included with your lodging. Also hit up the city's international districts, public markets, or recommended hole-in-the-wall restaurants -- check out sites like yelp.com or citysearch.com for suggestions and ratings from locals. Don't forget to ask for suggestions wherever you decide to crash as well.

Trekking into the woods gets you in touch with Mother Nature and lets your wallet breathe. Start by researching campsites and costs. Look for campsites with affordable fees and plan on splitting the cost with friends. At backpacker.com, the "Destinations" section connects you with hundreds of trails should you choose to hike into your destination. You can also check with the US Forest Service at fs.fed.us to find trails, fees, and required permits in your state.

The camping trip you plan will dictate the type and amount of gear needed. At minimum bring tarps, sleeping bags, a first aid kit, trash bags, flashlights, a small shovel, food, plates, utensils and matches. Start with what you and your crew own. Then, if needed, ask to borrow gear from a friend. Consider shopping at thrift stores or scouring sale sites on the web, such as rei.com/outlet or camping4less.com.

When planning the menu, think about required cooking gear and pick items that don't need refrigeration. Pancake mix and oatmeal that just need water are great. So are meals you can cook over the fire: hot dogs, foil wrapped meat and veggies, and s'mores. Don't forget items requiring no cooking like bagels and peanut butter. If you're staying at a national park, research their website for free or low-cost activities. Look for hiking trails, swimming and fishing spots, rental boats and other activities that are common at many campgrounds.

Depending on distance, the transportation cost could be nominal or the most expensive part of your trip. Check out "Deals & Discounts" at greyhound.com, search megabus.com for discount bus fares, and click "Hot Deals" at amtrak.com for weekly specials on train trips. Transportation costs can be divided best with larger groups, especially if you drive, but make sure there's room for everyone and the equipment, if you're going camping. Whatever you do and wherever you go, travel with an open mind, allow for spontaneity and get ready for great adventures. 

Sources: backpacker.com; nps.gov; hostelworld.com; couchsurfing.com; canada.com; w-o-w.com; reserveamerica.com; greyhound .com; amtrak.com; tia.org; unwto.org; familytravelguides.com; studenttravel.about.com