If you can’t afford a vacation, UNM Recreation Services might have a solution for you.

One of the many resources and services the department offers is the UNM Getaway Adventure program, which offers opportunities for students to tap into a series of outdoor recreation year-round.

With numerous adventures planned, such as wildflower hiking, fly fishing in the Rio Costilla and full-moon camping at White Sands, Director Laura Montoya prepared a full schedule of outdoor getaways for adventurous students.

Prices range depending on gas costs, park fees, camping fees, etc. The Getaway Adventures Program is nonprofit and offers trips at the lowest cost possible. On many trips students are offered additional discounts.

Some of the more popular trips are the white-water rafting getaways, and anything planned around a full moon, such as the upcoming White Sands full-moon camping trip.

“Our full-moon snowshoe hikes are always a sell-out when there is snow,” Montoya said.

The equipment at Johnson Center, top-notch bicycles, camping gear and other outdoor equipment can be used for the outdoor getaway adventures, Montoya said.

Having received a degree in outdoor recreation from UNM, Montoya has been leading groups all over New Mexico since 1980.

The program was initiated with ASUNM appropriated funds in 1980, and was called the Student Travel Center. ASUNM gave funds for the program for the first three years.

“I was a UNM student at the time and needed some experience for some of my classes in organizing and running trips,” Montoya said. “The Getaway Adventure Program was in existence then but on a very small scale and only offered a trip or two per semester.”

Upon graduation, Montoya went to work for a local travel agency for five years and gained experience in coordinating local and international trips. Montoya said this July will make 21 years since she became director, and 31 years since she began leading trips.

UNM Getaway Adventures offers trips year round and follows the academic calendar. It offers an average of 15 different trips and clinics every semester, Montoya said.

Just because you are not taking summer classes, doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the programs and clinics offered by the UNM Recreational Services Department and Getaway Adventures program, Montoya said.

“Taking advantage of the getaways is like taking an inexpensive mini vacation,” Montoya said. “Or you can rent equipment for the Outdoor Shop and create your own outdoor adventure.”

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