In the real world, there are no spring breaks. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take one anyway. Travel, however, can be pricey – which is why we’ve asked Gilt City curators Nicole Banks and Simmone Chaddan to share insider info on the the best eats and experiences for your buck in San Francisco, Atlanta and (should you just decide to play hooky for the week) Chicago.

The first stop on our trip is San Fran.

Spa
You can spa on a dime in San Francisco with a plethora of holistic services and treatments that are good for the soul and good for the pocket. For the best Thai Massage check our Pure Organic Spa located in the heart of Union Square. This urban oasis will transport your body and mind to the coasts of Phuket for less than $100.

Lunch
The Ferry Building is an indoor open market with some of the freshest California fare in San Francisco. Our best advice is to “taste” your way down the corridor. Make sure to start at Frog Hollow Café for a few pieces of in season stone fruit followed by oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company.  If you absolutely must sit for lunch, grab a table at Slanted Door and make sure to get the jicama and grapefruit salad. On your way out, step into line for Blue Bottle Coffee, it is definitely worth the wait.

Photo courtesy of Blue Bottle Coffee.

Activity
You would be remiss to visit San Francisco without experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge firsthand. Walk or bike the length of this American icon at no cost whatsoever. Work up an appetite for dinner.

Dinner
Off the Grid is the roving food truck caravan that anchors at Fort Mason during the Spring and Summer months.  You can find some of the top chefs in San Francisco cooking and serving out of these truck windows. A favorite is Southern Sandwiches Co., started by two brothers who really know how to sweet talk Carolina style pulled pork.

Kabuki Theatre; Photo courtesy of Sundance Cinemas 

Other Hot Spots
The place to be for cocktails is the Americano Restaurant at Hotel Vitale. On a clear day, the patio is open and pumping with delish bar bites and drinks. Sometime during the day, make your way to the famous Fillmore Street and stop into Fraiche for a cup of soy, natural, or pomegranate yogurt with fresh fruit or puree toppings. If it’s a rainy day, take a seat at the bar in Woodhouse Fish Co., next door to Fraiche, for a “cup o’ chowda” followed by a movie at the famed Kabuki Theatre.

Don’t forget to scope out Gilt City deals within your destination – you never know what restaurant, spa, hotel or boutique is offering up a discount.