Under $500

Dates: March 10 through March 16
For students on a budget and looking for an adult playground, Atlantic City is a convenient alternative to the pricier Vegas.

Considered the gambling capital of the east coast, Atlantic City has a wealth of daytime activities and nighttime parties to choose from. No matter what your partying tastes, there is always a good time, from gambling and games to dance clubs and chill bars. If you stay on the boardwalk, you’ll be within walking distance of shopping and watering holes that will keep you busy all week long.

And when you’re ready to go home, isn’t a relaxing train ride better than flying coast to coast?

Travel

By Train

• With two connecting trains through Amtrak and N.J. Transit, the total trip lasts three to four hours. The Atlantic City train station has a convenient central location. The trip is $45 each way for the two train tickets.
Cost: $90

Lodging

Caesars Atlantic City Hotel Casino

• The best way to ensure a fun time is to stay where the party is. It’s a bit pricier than a cheap motel, but it is worth it for the extra amenities. There is a Roman-inspired spa, the Circus Maximus Theater, a lot of bar options and most importantly, 145,000 square feet of casino.

A deluxe room with two double beds is probably the most comfortable option. Cost: About $124 per night, $744 total for six nights, including tax.2100 Pacific Ave.
Cost: $248

Gaming

Poker at the Trump Taj Mahal

• If you’re feeling lucky, or if you just want to play in the big leagues, try a game of classic Texas Hold’em in Donald Trump’s luxurious Vegas-style casino.

If you don’t like poker or don’t feel like pressing your luck, there are other fun options in the Trump Taj. There are over 500 slot machines of dozens of varieties, all kinds of blackjack and other table games, and, of course, bars. There is a bar in the majestic lobby that is good place to begin or end the night, as well as the popular Casbah Club, the more chill Casbar downstairs and Eco Bar and Lounge. If you grow tired of Caesars, you could easily spend several nights at the Taj. Cost: Poker tournament buyout and entry starts at $65.1000 Boardwalk at Virginia Ave.
Cost: $65+

Total: $403

Excluding meals, drinks, extra spending
* Individual costs based on splitting with two travel companions