Have you ever thought about doing a whirlwind trip outside of the U.S. for an extended fall break, winter break or spring break? Follow these simple steps to plan your trip so that you can get the most during your stay for the least amount of money.
Step one: Figure out where you want to go.
This tends to be easier said then done, but consider these questions:
- Do I want to go somewhere in which the people speak English?
- How important is the exchange rate to my travels (for example, currently in England, every pound costs around $1.60)?
- What will the weather be like there?
- Where have I always wanted to go, but have never had the chance?
Step two: Book your flight.
Booking cheap flights is easier than ever since the invention of the Internet (thank goodness). Your best bet is to check out Kayak.com or Cheapflights.com. These two sites combine multiple airlines in order to find the cheapest and most direct route to your location. However, beware of taxes that airlines like to add at the very last minute!
Step three: Book your accommodations.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your accommodations. Based on your budget, there are multiple places you can stay wherever you go:
- Hotels are generally the most expensive, but if you start looking early you can still find some pretty good deals.
- Hostels can range anywhere from totally awesome to completely gross; it really depends on the hostel. I have stayed in some amazingly nice hostels (many also come with some sort of meal). Make sure you research your hostel in advance in order to ensure that it is up to par with your standards.
- Couchsurfing consists of an international network of people who let others stay on their couches for a certain amount of time for free. You may find this to be a little sketchy, which unfortunately is a chance you have to take with couchsurfing. However, before you knock it check out the website and see how each host gets certified by the website. Not everyone is certified, so make sure you check out each host’s profile. Also, read comments by other people that have stayed with them. Reviewing comments is a good way to get a heads up on what to expect.
- WWOOFing is an international network of organic farmers who offer room and meals for work on their farm (sometimes they also pay a little too!). The website explains more about the progrem and also has links to farms in different countries. Make sure to check out multiple hosts because the labor, time and lodging all vary per person. Also be sure to read for information on visas; some countries require special work visas.
Step Four: Make the most out of your trip!
Research every aspect of your trip before you go. Check out deals, shows and festivals that may be going on during your stay. During your trip, don’t be afraid to talk to locals or to the people at the place you are staying. Generally, these people know cool and cheap places to eat, drink and go out that may not be geared only towards tourists.
Lastly, letsgo.com makes guidebooks personalized for college students. Their main writers are college students who have lived and studied all over the world. Not only is this information directed towards students, it’s also hilarious and honestly written.
So don’t be afraid to try something new; save up your money to take an adventure! Don’t forget to let Her Campus UNC know where you have been and what some of your favorite places are around the world! Leave a comment below.
Sources:
London (photo): Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/timmorris/3103896345/
Taj Mahal (photo): Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/2215339300/
Sydney (photo): Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/linh_rom/2270171257/