The summer should be filled with adventure—as it is the only time DU students really get a break to enjoy the sun and explore whatever their hearts desire. Yet, often times adventures can be expensive, and this holds many people back from filling their summer with a much-needed vacation.
Sam Schooler, a sophomore studying computer science from Minneapolis, shares his best advice on how to explore within a budget as he answers questions regarding his favorite road trip to Banff, Alberta, Canada shared with friends.
“I discovered how cheap and amazing road trips were last June. Since then I’ve been on five road trips and to 30 states,” Schooler comments on why he road trips with friends so often. “I love them, because all you really have to pay for is food and gas—just camp or sleep in a car.”
Schooler loves these adventures because he never really knows where he’ll end up. “It’s crazy being able to live out of a car for 10 days without any help.” Schooler and two of his DU friends road tripped back to school this past fall. Leaving in late August, the trip lasted 10 days, and the trio travelled more than 3,000 miles—leaving from Minneapolis and arriving in Denver just in time for their sophomore school year.
As with any road trips, the excitement comes from the stops along the way. Schooler was inspired by their first stop in Banff, Alberta, Canada. “We drove 20 hours straight through the night from Minnesota to Banff. We stayed in a hostel there for a night, then camped for two nights.” The incredible views stunned Schooler, and he enjoyed hiking and biking in this region with his two friends. “It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We hiked Ha Ling in Banff and the view was insanely breathtaking.”
After their affordable stay in Banff, the group drove through and camped at Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and through Boise, Idaho, before finishing their journey in Denver.
Another perk of road tripping and camping is the ability of this way of life to introduce you to people. Schooler comments on how he really valued the people he met along the way “We met a guy when we were in the hostel in Banff, who just bought a van and drove from Alaska to Mexico for fun.” Schooler was able to share his sense of adventure with others along the way.
Schooler, and his friends, also took advice from the adventurers they met and changed their course. They drove through British Columbia instead of straight down through Alberta because someone had told them of an incredible hot springs in that area that not many people knew about. “It was worth the extra driving,” Schooler says of this addition to their journey.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive adventure this summer, follow Schooler’s advice and,“Go on a road trip. You will not regret it.”
