An electoral vacation...

November 4, 8:59 PMNY Budget Travel ExaminerSusan Finch

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The polls were packed in New York today as voters banned together to cast their choice for the next President of the United States. 

Despite long lines, my peers were in good spirits and ready to become a part of history.

To celebrate our hopeful victory, we've all been doing our part by stuffing our faces with free America Dream (featuring Mr. Steve Colbert) from Ben and Jerry's, we've had our free electoral coffee from Starbucks, and gotten a slew of free donuts along the way.  Not to mention polishing off last week's Halloween candy.

And now we wait. 

I wonder if it will turn out like the movie Election.  Instead of Reese Witherspoon, an overeager Palin is jumping up and down, assuming her victory, before Anderson Cooper sees her annoyingly exuberant face and sneaks a few votes in the trash.

I myself come from a very politically divided family and respect anyone who takes the time to make an informed choice.  And regardless of the outcome, we're all in this together. To ban together with Democrats and Republicans, plan your own mini-staycation celebration tonight (and into tomorrow and the next day if you can... let's just make it the whole week). 

Here are some low-cost options to celebrate, or mourn, the final outcome for $62 or less.

TONIGHT

Obama Says Knock You Out: Free tonight with RSVP at Public Assembly, 70 North Street Brooklyn.

The Onion’s War for the White House Election Night Event Extravaganza - Free at Fontana’s, 105 Eldridge St between Broome and Grand St.

Election Night with Obama Girl: She's got a mad crush on Obama, and so can you for $15 at  Haven, 244 E 51st St between Second and Third Ave

Blue Seats Party - A free nonpartisan event for elephants and donkeys alike at Blue Seats, 157 Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton St

THE MORNING AFTER

So you're either celebrating or lamenting the fate of the country for the next 4 years.  Storm down to DC and revel in your victory or protest.  Take the Bolt Bus for $20 from New York to DC and take of the city's variety of free attractions.  Try the Capitol Building, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, National Archives, National Museum of American History, Supreme Court, and US Holocaust Museum.

If you're ticked off at your forefathers, or want to thank them, head to Boston for $15 on Bolt Bus. Save your money and walk The Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, browse Faneuil Hall, and see the US Constitution.

Or head to Philadelphia and join one of the many Ben Franklin statues for an honorary beer for $12 on Bolt Bus.  Get a free look at the Liberty Bell, City Hall, Independence Hall, and hit the park.

If you find yourself defeated and decide all is lost, become an expat and head to Montreal on Amtrak for $62.  Visit Basilique Notre-Dame, meditate over your political misfortunes at Centre Bouddhiste Kankala, stop by the Parc du Mont Royal, and explore the markets at Marché Jean-Talon.

We all need a reason to celebrate new energy and leadership in this country. If you could go anywhere to celebrate, or mourn, the outcome of the election, where would you go?