One of the best things about being in college is that you get to experience different cultures and customs. Although meeting new people on campus is a great start, nothing quite matches expanding your horizons by traveling to distant places and getting close to local lifestyles.
The only challenge students face when they wish to travel is the budget that comes with such experiences. Students have limited funds, already strained by high tuition and accommodation costs. Finding affordable ways to travel will, therefore, demand considerable planning and research. Here are a few tips to help you experience the world as a college student without hurting your pockets.
- Decide When to Travel
Part of your planning should include deciding when to travel. If your trip is going to be for long periods, schedule it to be outside your school semester. On the other hand, you could easily schedule a weekend trip at any stage of your semester as long as you manage your assignments and study hours well. Getting a nursing essay writing service can help you complete some of those urgent projects and clear up your calendar ahead of the trip.
Deciding when to travel also means choosing the right flights. Make sure you get the best deals on flights and accommodation. When choosing the time of the year to travel, understand that there are busy periods like easter and the holidays, which tend to be more expensive and accommodation is harder to get. You will also need to consider the weather when choosing your vacation destination. You want to make sure that you avoid extremely cold or hot months. Spring break is a better time to travel, especially during the shoulder season.
- Start Saving for Your Trip Early
Traveling as a college student comes with numerous benefits including learning opportunities and opportunities to discover new interests. Students get to grow their social and professional networks, improve their employability, and interact with different cultures and environments. However, traveling to distant places does not come cheap.
The first thing you need to start saving for your trip is a dedicated savings account. This will allow you to remain committed to setting aside funds to meet your goals. Trying to use your brain to remember when and what to save can be challenging as you may forget what is spent in your budget. On the other hand, creating a dedicated account with automated savings will help you remain true to your savings plan.
- Plan for Your Trip Early
College life is hectic and the only way to create time for your trip is by making sure that you have a plan. Planning and budgeting will ensure that you make the most of your limited time and funds. Having a budget also allows you to cover all important expenses, including accommodation and food.
The first step in planning is to thoroughly research your destination. What is the expected weather and what types of clothes will you need to carry? Part of your research should also include finding low-cost sites to visit, as well as deals on accommodation and transportation.
Once you have done your research, you need to produce a budget for your travel. This will require you to consider the amount set aside for your trip as well as all key costs, including accommodation, transportation, activities, and food. You will need to create a budget for each area, making sure you are honest with yourself regarding what you can afford.
- Choose the Best Travel Destination
You also need to do your research when choosing your preferred travel destination. If you have always wanted to make a trip to Europe, for instance, make sure you choose a destination that allows you maximum experience. You need to be prepared for the possibility that the dream destination may not be worth the hype.
As you choose, try to narrow down your pick to cities you are interested in visiting into a travel bucket list. You should also consider visiting new destinations or places you have never been to. You could revisit a country, but consider going to new sites and staying at different accommodations or hotels. Remember, you are investing your time and money and should get the most out of your travel experience.
- Try Eating Like the Host Community
Traveling students need to understand that food is often one of the most notable expenses during a trip. Food is also an area where students can cut expenses when traveling on a shoestring budget. Experts recommend that eating like locals will save you money and allow you to enjoy the unique flavors of the destinations you visit.
Instead of dining at expensive restaurants, understand that local markets and food vendors on the streets offer affordable places to get tasty and affordable meals. You not only get a wide selection to choose from but also enjoy a deeper understanding of the local food culture. Don’t limit your travel to tourist areas that charge exorbitantly for food. Instead, explore smaller neighborhoods for restaurants that offer genuine local cuisine at affordable rates.
- Find Affordable Accommodation
Another considerably costly expenditure when traveling as a college student is accommodation. You need to find a secure and comfortable place to stay when you reach your destination. However, you cannot afford to splash out money on expensive hotels. The good news is that there are many options when it comes to making savings on accommodation without compromising on safety or comfort.
One option you could consider is spending your nights in hostels. These tend to be low-cost options for hotels. They also allow you to access restrooms and kitchens and offer a social environment where you can interact with fellow travelers from around the world.
Another option would be to stay in a guest house or low-cost hotel. These facilities are often small and family-run and offer relatively limited amenities. The fact that the guesthouses are often found in local neighborhoods allows you to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle. Just make sure to prioritize your safety and well-being.
This article offers a few tips on how college students can travel on tight budgets. Make sure you plan well and budget for your trip. Also, choose your transport and accommodation options wisely, considering your safety and finances. Don’t be afraid to make use of public transportation.
