As the weather gets warmer, it becomes harder to focus on school. Thoughts begin to turn to being elsewhere on such a lovely day. This itch to get away not only applies to the classroom, but also to the DU area in general. While Denver and the DU campus are lovely, especially during spring, being confined to the same few blocks all year can begin to feel a bit like cabin fever.
So, whether you’re looking to take a weekend trip or are already planning for the summer, here are some tips and tricks have awesome travels as a poor college student.
1. Road Trip
Take a road trip with a band of friends. It is far cheaper than airfare, especially with gas prices so low and everyone splitting gas. You will also be able to explore at your own pace, rather than having to depend on the pre-determined schedule of a plane. Want to spend an extra day in a cool little town that you all have discovered? Do it. Want to take an adventure across the country with no particular itinerary? The world is your oyster. Embrace your inner vagabond, get a few playlists ready and get ready for the freedom of the open road. Bonus points for making a tent out of your car and sleeping under the stars.
2. Explore your neck of the woods
As a Colorado native, I can honestly say that I have never seen a vast majority of this state’s beautiful cities and places. When you live somewhere, especially if you have lived there for your entire life, it often gets taken for granted. So, if you’re planning on going home for the summer, make a plan to visit one new part of your state every weekend or so (if you live in New England, you can try to tackle a certain area). Not only will you be able to do plenty of sightseeing and have lots of little adventures, but you will also have a greater appreciation for your home.
3. Couch Surf
One of the great things about DU is the variety of places that people come from. Try arranging to stay with a few of your friends over summer break if they are going home. If not, or if you’re just looking for a weekend get away, see if you can stay with some friends from home or family in another state. One of the more expensive parts of travel is finding somewhere to sleep, and eliminating this expense will allow you to get out there more and have a bit more money to spend actually doing things on vacation. You’ll also get a chance to spend some quality time with your friends and family, and they’ll know all the local hotspots and fun things to do.
Just make sure you’re not being a freeloader—take them out to dinner or pick up their tab at the bar a few times while you’re staying with them. Also, be sure to keep in mind organizations like couchsurfing.com and airbnb.com, which can both provide great and affordable opportunities to find a place to stay while on vacation.
4. Travel on foot
I’m certainly not suggesting that you set out on foot to get to your next travel destination (unless that’s your thing, in which case you’re winning life). All I’m saying is that the world certainly seems a lot larger from 3 miles per hour than 60. Set out on a long hike, maybe even a several-day hike, and see how much it helps you to appreciate how big and beautiful the world is. The trip and the destination are one and the same if you want to go this route, but, then again, isn’t that life? Bonus points if you watch or read “Wild” before you set out, it will completely inspire you.
