Going home for spring break? Exploring somewhere new? Or maybe you're staying in Boulder to work, catch up on chores and recharge. No matter what your plans are, here are some fun, free and low-cost ways you can enjoy your spring break.
Plan a staycation
Colorado has plenty of warm and sunny days to spend outside, even if there’s snow on the ground! You could bike around Boulder, take a walk along the Boulder Creek Path or go for a hike.
If you or a friend has a car, you can make a day-trip to a nearby mountain town such as Nederland or Estes Park and split the cost of gas. You can also easily visit Denver for free with your RTD pass on most of the RTD Flatiron Flyer bus routes.
Look for free or discounted activities
Do some research and see what free or low-cost activities are happening. Museums and other attractions may have free days, certain hours with discounted admission or offer a discount for students. Many restaurants offer daily or weekly deals you can plan around.
You can also check Groupon, Living Social or Restaurant.com for more deals to save money.
Catch up on reading or podcasts
Finish that book you haven't had time to read all semester, or revisit a classic. Catch up on your favorite podcasts; or if you're looking for something new to listen to, check these out.
Whether you're staycationing or traveling, the key to a financially successful spring break is sticking to a budget. It can be tempting to put expenses on a credit card or overspend when you’re out with friends, but this will cost you more in the end.
Review these five steps to making a budget, and check out the Money Sense blog for more financial tips!
Practice your cooking skills
Preparing meals at home is the best way to save money on food, and spring break is a great time to try out new recipes and sharpen your cooking skills. Search food blogs or recipe books for simple, healthy meal ideas to get started. You can use this time to perfect a few recipes that you can easily make for yourself when your schedule gets busy again.
Visiting someplace new? If you have a kitchen at your disposal, cooking on vacation can be fun—and you'll save money by not eating out! Explore a local grocery store or market, then enjoy spending time together cooking a delicious meal with fresh, local ingredients.
Learn something new
Spring break is the perfect time to try something new. You can learn almost anything on YouTube these days! Art classes, fitness, yoga, DIY repairs, card games, music—the options are endless.
Plus, students have free, unlimited access to more than 13,000 video tutorials covering business, creative and technology topics through LinkedIn Learning.
Flying? Get to DIA for free
You can save money by using your CollegePass for free transit to Denver International Airport on RTD's SkyRide (AB Route). Students who live east of central campus can ride the AB2 Route.
During peak hours, RTD increases their AB/AB2 fleet to accommodate the amount of students traveling to the airport. Plan to take an earlier-scheduled bus to allow enough travel time, especially during inclement weather
