It may only be the second week of school, the daydreaming offar-away lands has already begun. My professor lectures aboutmarket trends, but I’m thinking of a charming farmers’market in San Luis Obispo.

In my next class, the professor drones on about case studies butI’m envisioning fruit spinning as I pull the handle of a slotmachine in Lake Tahoe.

San Luis Obispo, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, all just a shortdrive, yet worlds from the baking hot sun of the Sacramento Valley,perfect for quick getaways even on a student’s budget.

You don’t need days off of work or phony homework excusesto find yourself miles away. A little exploring close to home willuncover relaxing and affordable mini vacations.

Recently, my boyfriend and I decided a mini escape was in order.Thursday is the only day that many students like us can spare, sowe grabbed some clothes and headed south to San Luis Obispo. Ourfirst stop was Pismo Beach, just south of San Luis Obispo.

At Pismo Beach we walked on the rustic pier, ate creamyaward-winning clam chowder at Splash Café, and played videogames in a very old beachfront arcade.

I found our hotel, Morgan’s Mansions, by browsing reviewson www.tripadvisor.com. After reading a variety of peoples’raves of the unique bed-and-breakfast, there was no doubt it wasthe place. We picked up a weekday traveler rate of $99 by bookingdirectly through the web site; a steal compared to the weekend rateof nearly $300.

The room was everything the reviews applauded and more; hardwoodfloors, a fireplace, hand-laid tile in the bathroom, a Jacuzzi tub,and a king-size bed.

After relaxing in the room we went out on the town anddiscovered a quaint farmers market while strolling the evening awaywith the locals. As relaxed of an atmosphere as San Luis Obispo is,everything closes up rather early. There were only a few bars openpast 10 p.m., and despite the large crowd for the farmers market,the bars were bare. Relaxing at the hotel was lovely, however, andwhen morning came it was a short four-hour drive back to Sacramentoand back to real life.

Lake Tahoe also serves as a prime location for these minigetaways. In less than two hours students could be feeling thecrisp mountain air and viewing the big blue oasis.

On a recent trip I learned that those hotel “clubmember” cards are not just for your grandma and her bingobuddies. The free member cards are a key to low room rates.

Twice I’ve called the number on the back of the card torequest a room at Harvey’s or Harrah’s and got a ratemuch lower than what was available online.

In April we stayed in a beautiful room on the 16th floor ofHarvey’s casino with a lake view for $29.99. My favorite partwas the TV in the bathtub (heaven!).

California State University at Sacramento senior Christina Deanfeels Lake Tahoe has a lot of appeal. “It’s smallerthan Vegas, but still has that buzz of gambling and fun.”

One night is all you need to enjoy Tahoe. Like Las Vegas, itscasinos, restaurants and bars are open 24 hours. Take advantage ofthe beautiful lake during the day and try your luck at the tablesor slots at night with no rush to fit it all in your schedule.

If your luck is not so hot at the tables and you’d stilllike a nice dinner, then find a relative who owns an Entertainmentcard. Many restaurants in Tahoe offer discounts when you presentit. One of my favorites was The Broiler Room in Caesar’sPalace where they offer a buy one, get one free deal when youpresent the Entertainment card.

Dance the night away at Altitude in Harrah’s or take in acomedy show at The Improv. Tahoe’s nightlife ranges fromdance clubs to Vegas showgirl style shows at the larger casinos.When enjoying all Tahoe has to offer, it’s hard to believeyou are only a short drive from home.

San Francisco is alive with culture, plays, concerts, theater,and food offerings from around the world.

A short two-hour drive uncovers a peninsula waiting to beexplored. There are so many attractions such as Pier 39,Embarcadero Street, cable cars, Fisherman’s Wharf andAlcatraz Island, there’s never a lack of things toexplore.

San Francisco offers a much cooler climate year round and has awide variety of public transportation making it easy to travel.

If you’re a fan of The Cheesecake Factory restaurantchain, don’t miss their rooftop location on the eighth floorof Macy’s in Union Square. Opt to sit inside though, or youmay end up sharing your table with pigeons.

If you choose to spend the night, skip the hotels on the Wharfand try the locations closer to the airport– the same chain hotelsand motels offer much lower rates there.

It’s these short escapades that can make the bestmemories. They can be spontaneous and romantic, or bondingadventures for friends. Best of all they don’t require muchplanning.

Sacramento’s geographic location allows endlessdestination possibilities. Information on hotels and areaattractions are available online at www.tripadvisor.com for anycity you choose. Trip Advisor also offers “trip watch”a service that sends you e-mail notifications about weekendgetaways in your area when you provide it with your zip code.