Many of us in the U-District live on top of one another, crammed into buildings, which are crammed into paved city blocks, which are sometimes located under freeways or near noisy bus lines. Sometimes, one just wants to get away — and for cheap. Here are a few in-state ideas for the traveler with big dreams and an empty wallet.

Port Angeles

A ferry ride does a Seattleite good. Nothing says getting away like having the city on the other side of the Puget Sound. Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles is about an hour’s drive from Forks, just enough to avoid packs of preteen Twilighters and to sneak over for some ogling of your own after their bedtime, and just under a three-hour drive from Seattle. Along the way is Port Gamble, a U.S. National Historic Landmark that is perfect for a stroll. Once you arrive in Port Angeles, there is plenty of natural beauty to hike in if you want to get away from the tourists clogging the downtown. It’s fairly easy to search for accommodations that will fit your budget, since many of the hotels are close to one another. If you’re looking for something super cheap and want to try out a hostel or a motel, call ahead and then check out the digs before booking a spot. You can also camp out: Harrison Beach campground and Shadow Mountain are two options.

Frugals

1520 E. Front St., 360-452-4320

The name says it all. Frugals offers burgers, fries, milkshakes and a host of other goodies at costs ranging from $1.69 to just less than $4. However, this retro-style burger shack doesn’t offer inside seating, so either bring your car and drive through or sidle up to the back door on foot and ask nicely.

The Bushwhacker

1527 E. 1st St., 360-457-4113

This down-home restaurant and bar is a refreshing change of pace from Seattle clubs and lounges. It’s casual, comfortable and hopping on Friday nights, when there’s live music at 9:30 p.m. and no cover charge. Besides a comfortable atmosphere there’s also comfort food, from burger and brew specials Sunday through Thursday to all-you-can-eat fish and chips on Tuesdays.

Portland

Summer sun not making it to Seattle? If the weather isn’t good enough to get outside, pump up those tires or lasso an auto-owning friend into a trip south. Oregon has no sales tax, but what is does have might be even better — a city block of books and a donut shop so delicious it’s sinful.

Powell’s City of Books

1005 W. Burnside, 800-878-7323

Established in 1971 and taking up a whole city block, Powell’s Books carries more than a million new and used books and will often buy books off of you, too. If you bring textbooks in, be sure to carry your student ID. So bring in your old books and make a little money, just be prepared to let it go again after you unwittingly fill your cart with good reads.

Voodoo Donuts

22 S.W. Third Ave., 503-241-4704

Need a man and a baked good at 1 a.m.? Sometimes this 24-hour donut shop offers both — a voodoo doll donut that squirts raspberry jelly when you bite its head off. There’s also the Dirty Snowball, a chocolate doughnut with pink marshmallow glaze and surprise filling, and if you want a morning treat, a maple bar complete with bacon. For those who prefer their donuts without meat and dairy, Voodoo offers vegan donuts as well. However, their NyQuil and Pepto-Bismol donuts are currently on hold. Sorry to disappoint you. Voodoo Donuts is cash only, and the donuts range in cost, from less than a dollar up. You can also get married at Voodoo Donuts beneath a “holy” donut and a velvet painting, if you so desire.

Victoria

If you really need to get away, going to another country may be a safe bet. Pack your passport and prepare to board because it takes two ferries to get you where you want to go.

Hurting for money after that? There’s plenty of sightseeing in Victoria that is absolutely free.

Also, if you always wanted to get across the pond, pretending you’re in England isn’t difficult when walking the streets filled with many pubs and ornate buildings.

Symphony Splash

On Sunday, August 2, the Victoria Symphony will perform on a barge in Victoria’s Inner Harbor, drawing music enthusiasts and boaters alike.

Besides the symphony, there will be fireworks and opportunities for excellent people watching.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

721 Government St., 1-866-540-4429

Opened in 1908 the Empress is a beauty on the outside and the inside. So poke around the place both British and U.S. royalty has visited — Edward, Prince of Wales and Shirley Temple both set foot on its grounds.

Want a cup of tea and willing to spend some cash? Stick that pinkie out and make a reservation a few weeks in advance for the chance to have afternoon tea at the Empress.

The menu includes warm raisin scones with cream and strawberry preserves and finger sandwiches.

If you plan to take part, pack some nice clothes and be prepared to gussy up because torn jeans and flip-flops are frowned upon at afternoon tea.

Reach managing editor Erinn Unger at specials@dailyuw.com.