Studying can be incredibly expensive. Whether you’re doing an in-school undergrad course in nursing, or an online masters in criminal justice and anything in between, the costs are staggeringly high. While you may have a lack of funds, it’s more important than ever to take time out to rest. There are great budget places to visit, but there are also many ways you can save money while on your vacation. These are a few of the best.
Cook
Make sure wherever you stay has some basic cooking equipment. A fridge, oven and some utensils is all you really need. Then, instead of eating out all the time, find a local market or shop and make your own meals. You’ll still get to sample a lot of local cuisine, maybe even more so than in restaurants, but you’ll also get to learn how to prepare them yourself. Look up some recipes online before you go if it helps. Just like when you’re at home, food is one of your biggest expenses, but it’s also an easy way to save money.
Plan
Make a budget well in advance of leaving. Be strict and know what you’ve got to spend. Next, make a list of all the things you want to do while you’re there and all of the places you want to visit. Research how much it will all cost, but remember to factor in any transport and food and drinks you’ll need. Can you afford to do them all? If not, prioritize and make some sacrifices to keep the things you want to do most. This doesn’t have to be boring; you could even give yourself some ‘free days’ but make sure they’ve got a budget!
Walk
When you’re on vacation, walking is a great way to see the sights and get a feel for local life. You’ll save loads on transport and really enjoy getting a chance to explore.
Save on Attractions and Transport
There’s a lot you can book in advance. Many cities offer weekly transport passes you can book online before you go. Those with lots of tourist attractions often offer passes to save money on entry, so if there’s a lot you want to do this would be a great investment.
Make Money
If you travel a lot, consider becoming a travel blogger. Once you’ve built a following, you could find writing sponsored posts pays for your travels. You could review local attractions and restaurants, and be paid to do it. You may already have a blog relating to your studies. In this case, a travel section could be a welcome addition. For example, if you are studying for a masters in criminal justice online at Boston University, visiting places related to law, with perhaps historic courtrooms, could be really interesting.
Don’t let the costs put you off, save where you can, and plan ahead. Visit as many places as you can, for both education and rest, but remember to relax and have fun.
