It’s exciting and fantastic to explore new places and have amazing adventures. But you know what feels even better? When you can travel more efficiently while spending less. So, to help you out, I have curated a list of several travel tips you can keep in mind on your upcoming trip to budget your trip and allow you to fully enjoy your time away.
1. Select your destination carefully
Location is everything! A lot of travel newbies let airfare prices make the decision for them but that can be a mistake. For a more realistic view of travel costs, you’ll want to consider the cost of transportation, accommodation, and activities.
While flights to some destinations might be cheaper, hotel rooms, food, and excursions will be infinitely more expensive than in other places. Consider all costs before you decide what’s the most affordable option.
2, Plan ahead
Always carry out research. The only guaranteed approach to make sure that a shopkeeper or cab driver isn’t taking advantage of you is to have a broad idea of how much things will cost you before you travel. Before your trip, you can usually find out by doing a quick Google search.. Consider renting a scooter or taking up healthy cycling to independently explore the city for less money.
Research everything in advance and when you start traveling, forget about those small details and just enjoy the ride. Track your flight prices on Skyscanner. Book your accommodation in advance as it might get sold out at the last moment. Although if making reservations early might not always result in the lowest rates, you shouldn’t wait until the very last minute either.
3. Consider alternative transport
Figure out your choices for transportation before you leave. Using taxis and airplanes for everything can quickly mount expensive and consume a significant portion of your trip budget. Check out the city’s public transit alternatives for getting to and from the airport. Check if there’s a direct train or bus to the city you want to go to. Rent a bike or bicycle from a nearby stand.
4. Volunteer
The cost of accommodation is significant. Why not get it for free? I adore doing volunteer work. You will not only save money, but it will also be a fantastic experience. Free lodging with a local, insider knowledge, and community service. That will completely alter how you feel. A few hours a day of work can be exchanged for free housing in many hostels’ exchange programs. Some volunteer organizations may give you free housing and meals if you work for them, but many have high fees. Giving back to the neighborhood and learning more about the locals won’t cost you much money at all.
5. Stay in hostels
Of course, the biggest advantage of living in a hostel is the ability to save money. Even if you don’t want to share a bed with others, there are plenty of hostels that provide private rooms and toilets that are worth considering. You don’t have to eat out every night; you can make a nice dinner instead.
You can also stay in a homestay which is much cheaper than hotels. There are so many options available that will both save you money and provide you with an invaluable window into local life. Be open-minded when searching and choose what will work best for you and your budget.
6. Find student discounts
Student ID cards are awesome. You can get discounts at a lot of places around the world with your student ID. Along with the standard discounts, there are other benefits like gift cards for vacation and airline miles that can be very helpful. You should be aware that a lot of tourist destinations offer discounts to students across the world. In addition, airlines provide base rate discounts.
7. Always pack light
Packing lightly is one of the most crucial travel tip. This will allow you to save a tonne of space in your luggage and money because you won’t have to pay more for bulky bags that are packed with excess clothing. However keep in mind to always include a blanket and pillow in case you are cold.
8. Skip peak season
The golden rule of low-cost travel is to go when it’s off-season. The period between the peak and non-peak seasons known as the “off-season” or “shoulder season” differs depending on the location. Do your homework and learn what the destinations you’re thinking about going to are like off-season; obviously, if it’s a tiny village that shuts down entirely when the tourists leave, it won’t be ideal, but that’s up to you and your budget.
9. Eat where it’s cheap
If you are in a well-known tourist region, there will probably be more street sellers nearby. You’ll be able to stick to your daily budget if you eat at these stalls along the sidewalk. To find the true diamonds, look for carts with longer queues. Alternatively, if your accomodation has a kitchen, use it. You get to explore selecting regional foods from markets or grocery shops, plus it is less expensive than eating out every meal.
10. Take a night train/bus
Students who frequently travel should get into the habit of going at night because it will save you time and money. You’ll also save money on hotel expenses every time you go on an overnight trip.
11. Don’t be afraid to travel alone
Sometimes you will not have people to go on a trip with as everyone is busy in their schedules, don’t cancel your trip just because of that. Travelling alone can be exciting and save a lot of money as well since you are doing everything on your terms and budgeting according to yourself. Some of the most fascinating and thrilling places on earth are reasonably priced. The secret to travelling alone is having the courage to experience new places, people, and cuisine. You can check out my blogs on solo travel to find some inspiration!
12. Stay safe
Booking your accommodation and airline/train tickets far in advance is the best strategy to prevent being robbed when travelling. Moreover, keep an eye out for any offers that might be in your favour. It is wise to get safety advice from a travel agency in advance if you are going somewhere with a high chance of danger. Always carry your bag infront and keep your phone and wallet inside the bag at all times. Keep your suitcase locked and don’t leave valuables out in the open.
Travel as much as you can!
Although it may seem difficult and expensive to travel while studying, this is the ideal time in your life to do so. Make the most of this opportunity because there are actually few times in your life when you’ll have so few commitments.
Traveling while being a college student is not only doable, but will affect your very future. It might be a quick gap year spent hiking across Europe, participating in a volunteer programme in underdeveloped nations, or solo travel.
These travel tips are for you if you have a limited budget or are having trouble deciding between studying and vacationing. Save this blog for your next trip!