Travel Lite Photos provided by: Ross Christianson
A BUDGET TRAVEL MISSION By: Ross Christianson
Ross’ biggest desires are to learn more everyday and to teach people how to make their dreams come true. Now working in the service industry in Minneapolis, MN, Ross seeks to discover the world and show everyone else how easy it is, especially on a tight budget. Whether traveling or not, he is fun loving, outgoing, optimistic, adventurous, and a risk taker. Some of his favorite memories include skiing in the Austrian Alps, scuba diving in Thailand, and hitch hiking in Colorado. Ross has traveled to 25 countries thus far and cannot wait to experience what comes next!
A friend and I decided to get out of town for a quick getaway. After brainstorming adventures we wanted to experience, two places stuck out the most in our minds, the Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver, both located in Colorado. Neither of us had ever visited Colorado, and so our hearts were quickly sold on the idea. Next thing you know, we were boarding a plane to Denver International Airport on a budget. The following is an account of our trip with a breakdown of our expenses, and I hope to inspire your own no-excusesallowed travel-lite getaway! Let the Savings Begin! As soon as we locked in on the idea to get away to Colorado, my friend started searching flights and recommended we use Spirit Airlines. I had heard mixed reviews about it, but never used it. After some research, it seems budget travellers love it because it’s cheap since you only pay for your seat on the plane and a personal item, which must be “something like a small backpack or purse that fits entirely in the smaller size box (16”x14”x12”).” Other travellers seem to hate Additionally, I it for the same reasons. In many cases, this is a surprise to the latter group when have since traveled they are at the airport and find out they have to pay more to check bags and from Minneapolis to to bring carry-ons. Being primarily a budget traveller, I accepted the chalChicago for $30 and I lenge. have flown from MinneWe found a round trip ticket for $60, as long as we purchased the tickets at the airport! My mind was blown, up until that point, I had never heard of such a price
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Connextions Magazine
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Shine Up & Out
apolis to New York via Chicago for just $90.
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Summer 2015