Planning a trip to Denver? You’re in luck! I’m here to share some insider tips on how you can stretch your dollar while exploring this vibrant city. So, if you’re ready to experience Denver without breaking the bank, buckle up! This guide is just what you need.
Planning Your Denver Trip
Before exploring the ‘Mile High City,’ it’s worth spending some time putting pen to paper, planning, and forming a strategy. That’s how you ensure that the trip fits your budget, aligns with your preferences, and results in an unforgettable Denver experience.
Determine Your Budget
Formulating a budget constitutes the pillar of planning your Denver trip. You don’t just wake up and embark on a trip; you must map out your financial resources. Start by weighing your current financial situation and aligning it with the vacation’s priorities. Indeed, your budget, coupled with the available time off, desired experiences, and specific preferences should shape your decision on the type of vacation you can afford.
For example, you might opt for accommodations that align with your budget. If you plan to stay longer and are looking for ways to save on meals, consider booking hotels with kitchens in Denver. Such a move not only helps cut costs but also allows you to experience the city like a local.
Once you establish your budget, you can then assort other trip expenses. From accommodation costs to meal costs – sandwich at $10-20, beer at $6, and dinner for two $50-100. Factor in the cost of visiting attractions too. The Denver CityPASS, for instance, offers various packages – C3 at $46-37, C4 at $57-46, and C5 at $64-54.
Choose the Right Time to Visit
Timing is everything when it comes to planning a trip. It becomes even more critical when you’re scheduled to visit Denver during a major event like the Great American Beer Festival or the National Stock and Western Show. Such periods often see a slight increase in prices and reduced availability. That means you have to plan strategically to not only get the most out of your visit but also avoid unexpected hikes.
Also, note that Colorado’s ability to offer certain activities may depend on the season, like attending the Ullr Fest in Breckenridge. Therefore, researching the events in the area before arranging your trip to Denver can help avoid disappointments and extra costs.
Transportation Savings
No matter where the travel destination is, transportation costs often eat up a significant portion of the vacation budget. Luckily, in Denver, several economical options are available, limiting transportation spending without compromising the experience.
Skip the Rental Car
In Denver, rental cars might seem like an appealing choice: flexibility, comfort, freedom of movement. Yet, between gas expenses, parking fees, and rental costs itself, this convenience becomes monetarily burdensome, especially when economizing. Thankfully, the city’s infrastructure makes owning a vehicle unnecessary. From Denver International Airport, for example, one can hop aboard the A Line train, a trip that places you in downtown’s heart at Union Station, costing a mere $10.50.
Use Public Transit and Car Shares
Downtown Denver, specifically Union Station, is well-connected, offering less pricey options to explore the city and beyond. Bus services provide routes into the mountains—perfect for nature lovers or those looking to escape the city buzz. Numerous shared electric bikes and electric scooters, like Lyft and Lime, offer affordable mobility within city limits—ideal for short to medium-length trips.
Depending on your plan, consider Denver’s public transit tickets or car shares. They range between $3.50 to $25, and you can usually find one that suits your travel needs. It’s not only a notable money saver but promotes sustainable tourism as well, contributing positively to Denver’s environment.
As evident, Denver provides an array of options for budget-friendly travel within the city, minimizing the need for a rental car. It’s all about planning right, leveraging the available options, and making wise decisions with transportation in mind, making your Denver trip memorable and economical.
Accommodation Tips
Experiencing Denver doesn’t have to break the bank. Opting for a budget vacation? Here are some lodging tips that won’t compromise comfort, while remaining easy on the pocket.
Explore Affordable Lodging Options
Denver offers a plethora of affordable accommodation options. From boutique hotels to vibrant hostels, you’re never short of places to stay within your budget. By preparing your meals, you’ll drastically cut down on dining-out expenses.
Additionally, hotels often provide laundry facilities – another cost-saving measure, especially on longer trips! Accommodation like this allows the flexibility to explore the city better without worrying about meal times and laundry schedules.
Consider Alternatives Like Hostels and Campgrounds
Embrace the adventurer in you by considering alternative accommodation options like hostels and campgrounds. Denver’s hostels can offer an exciting social dimension to your trip, often featuring common kitchens and lounges which provide a great setting to connect with fellow travelers.
If staying amidst nature is your preference, Denver’s campgrounds and RV Parks offer a unique experience at an affordable cost. Some even provide amenities such as electric hook-ups and free Wi-Fi. Ideal for explorers, they’re a fantastic way to save money and be a stone’s throw away from nature’s festivities.
Dining and Drinking for Less
Opt for Casual Dining and Food Markets
When it comes to eating out in Denver, there’s no need to break the bank. Casual dining options are plentiful, providing quality meals at a fraction of the cost of high-end restaurants. Food markets make for an affordable choice, offering a wide range of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets. Besides, they provide the perfect opportunity for you to try Denver’s local flavors without spending a lot.
While some travelers may opt for self-catering accommodation such as hotels with kitchens, an alternative method of keeping the cost down is by experiencing Denver’s sweep of sandwich shops and other more casual eateries. Offerings are abundant, ranging from a simple sandwich for $10 – $20, to a dinner for two, that can set back between $50 – $100. For a cheaper, quicker bite, consider grabbing a coffee and sandwich on the go, reflecting a small total of about $14.
If you’re attempting to save while not compromising on taste, aim for restaurants outside of Denver’s core, where prices can be friendlier to your budget. Remember, splurging every once in a while is okay, but balance is essential in maintaining a cost-effective trip.
Enjoy Craft Beers over Cocktails
Denver is famous for its vibrant craft beer scene, and it comes as good news to budget-savvy travelers. The price of beer at a bar averages around $6, considerably less than a typical cocktail. Embrace the opportunity to sample local brews, and you might discover a new favorite without putting a strain on your wallet.
Numerous craft breweries offer tours and tasting sessions, often for a minor fee. Sampling a few different ales, lagers, or stouts not only broadens your beer palate but also extends your entertainment for the evening.
All in all, dining and drinking for less in Denver doesn’t require going without. You can save money and still enjoy the city’s vibrant food and drink scene with a little planning and smart choices.
