Embrace the Hunter-Gatherer in You: Sidequest on a Budget

Traveling Doesn’t Have to Mean Flying—It Can Be as Simple as a Short Train Ride Away

By Tiffany Wong

It's Saturday morning, you're calling your friend and debating what tomorrow's plan is. Newbury? No, you've been there practically every weekend at this point. You're tired of busy crowds, slow walkers, and the same 10 shops; any more, and the staff will start calling you by name.

Besides, in the city, when you get back you’re more tired than when you left. Shopping feels more like a quest than a relaxing hangout at this point. You just want to disconnect, relax, and go out with friends—without spending $60 on clothes and drinks you'll regret later.

Where to go, then? Boston's a city. You can't exactly just leave all of that behind. And what if you don’t have a car? Well, where there’s a city, there are trains. And where there are trains, there are endless possibilities.

Maybe you've previously entertained these thoughts of escaping the city, only to brush them aside. Because whenever you thought of leaving, your first thought was going skiing, traveling out of state, or something even bigger—something that makes leaving the city worth it. But these trips aren't weekend activities, and definitely not possible with the experience and the money you need for them.

If you want relaxation and silence, think of travel on a smaller scale. Want a real escape? Leave the massive skyscrapers and countless coffee shops, and go where there is nature. Go hiking.

Not only is hiking easily one of the cheapest and most casual outdoor travel activities, but it’s also versatile and easy to tailor to your needs and preferences. Unlike other travel itineraries, it can span from a few hours to an entire day trip, making it the perfect weekend getaway.

Going into nature also means you don’t have to worry about your account balance or impulsive spending. As long as you remember to pack your own food and a large bottle of water, the only expense should be the train tickets. If you are willing to splurge, though, there are almost always small towns or restaurants nearby to grab a quick bite to end the day with a treat.

Another advantage is the light packing required for such an outing. Everything you need can fit into a small backpack or even a fanny pack; for a light hike, you only need water and some food. If you’re looking for a more difficult hike you should also bring a first aid kit and sun protection in the warmer months.

As for what to wear, aim for breathable and moisture-wicking clothes and socks made of synthetic fabrics, since cotton is slow to dry and will absorb your sweat. Go for a pair of lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners, and remember to put on bug spray.

Don't let the possible difficulty of a hike intimidate you, either. Hiking apps like AllTrails or even Google Maps will provide information about a hike's difficulty, so you can pick one you're comfortable with. Hiking near Boston doesn’t require ample research; there’s an entire page on the MBTA website that lists all the hiking trails along the commuter rail (the MBTA is a great resource if you’re looking for places near Boston to travel to, and they always have deals).

Purchasing tickets is just as easy to navigate. You can purchase a $10 one Weekend Pass, which will get you unlimited trips on all lines and zones. That way, you don’t have to worry about figuring out the entire plan, making it easier to explore on both Saturday and Sunday.

If you still feel wary about hiking, whether that’s because you feel inexperienced or are concerned about going in small groups, there’s another alternative: the BU Outing Club! It’s an amazing opportunity. You go with a large group of people and are led by someone who has had plenty of experience. They host hiking excursions every weekend and provide transportation—all you have to do is apply and pay a small fee for gas. Even if you’re not a member of the club, you can still utilize their resources by renting out hiking gear from their free equipment closet.

All else aside, hiking is rejuvenating for both the soul and the body. It can easily double as your daily stairmaster workout while still feeling like a relaxing and enjoyable retreat. And once you get to the top, take as many cute pics as you want—it’ll be a fresh contrast from the usual Newbury stories. And who knows? Maybe something that initially started out as a form of escapism will become a new favorite hobby.