Getting Away Without Giving Away the Farm: Vacationing on a Budget
Story by Andy Karr
Photo by Yasko Toyama

Most college students would likely agree that it's best to get things done as soon as possible. But when it comes to finding inexpensive vacations, that's not always the case, where the motto is good things come to those who wait. Several Eau Claire area travel agents agree that the best way to save cash on vacations with air travel is to wait until the last minute to book them.

It's just one way college students on a budget can save money when trying to find a way to go on vacation without breaking the bank.

Outdoor Recreation is located in the basement of Hilltop Center.

College is a great time to go on vacation because students are likely to have more time to do so compared with when they get out of school. And students have the opportunity to broaden their horizons if they look to travel to places away from Eau Claire.

Debi Robinson, Owner of Destinations Unlimited Travel, W2680 Comings Road., recommended the technique of waiting to purchase air travel tickets and Jackie Miller, manager of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 2625 Birch Street., agreed.

"These Charter companies play that little game," she said. "They try to sell the seats for as much as they can."

Then, she said, about two weeks before the trip, airfares will drop so the charter flights will sell out.

Miller estimated that those who wait will save an average of about one-hundred to one-hundred fifty dollars off the price of their vacation. Both Miller and Robinson said that the most popular charter flights are those to Orlando and Las Vegas.

"Definitely the least expensive is Las Vegas," she said.

A trip to Las Vegas for four nights cost about two hundred forty dollars in spring of 2001. That price includes airfare and hotel accommodations. Orlando runs about three hundred twenty dollars for three nights. Miller also encourages students looking to save a few bucks to try to plan their trips for times that aren't as busy.

"Holidays and vacations (fares) usually are higher," she said.

Not everyone has an extra two hundred fifty dollars to toss around on a vacation and some students may just be looking to get away for a weekend. For those people, UW-Eau Claire's Outdoor Recreation offers weekend trips throughout the school year and over spring and winter breaks. Trips include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking trips where students camp out overnight.

Joel Hyzer works for outdoor recreation and acts as a leader for some of the trips. The outings are popular, he said, adding that students interested should plan ahead and sign up for the trips in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Prices for the trips vary, but a whitewater rafting trip can cost forty-five dollars and includes all necessary equipment. A rock-climbing trip costs even less, Hyzer said, averaging about $30 dollars for a weekend. Hyzer said the best part of the trips is getting outside and away from school for a bit. He encouraged all students to give the trips a try, even if they were new to camping and a little apprehensive, because the trips allow those with less experience to get help from others who've gone before.

"It gives them an opportunity to go out with a troop leader," he said. "I haven't met a person yet who hasn't had a good time."

While these are a couple options for students looking to save some money on a vacation, not everyone can fit an excursion into their busy schedule.

But even a day-trip to Minneapolis or St. Paul, Minn. is a way to get away. Students can head over the to the Mall of America at a moment's notice for less than the price of a tank of gas. And having a good time there doesn't even require buying anything. A great way to spend a day is to just browse through shops and people watch.

Como Park and Zoo in St. Paul, Minn., offer another free way for students to spend an afternoon. The Como Zoo is an excellent zoo for free and with Como Conservatory nearby, students can get to look at plant life as well as animal life. Whatever the choice, there are options for the poor college student to go on vacation without having to take out a second loan or eat ramen noodles for a month to save up enough money.