Back in the days when my best friend and I were single, we did some cheap weekend traveling - all paid b/c I wasn't aware of the miles game yet. It would be the 2 of us, sometimes 3, sharing a 4-star hotel room in a big city that we bid for $70 on Priceline (how I miss those days). The cost after splitting among 2-3 people was minimal. Car rental was cheap too when splitting among 2-3 ppl. It was a good way to experience new places for cheap, and of course enjoy the company of friends.