Okay, you got me. I love a good social media scroll as I procrastinate studying for my dreaded finals. Yet, my feed knows me well, and as I flip through different videos, travel blogs inevitably take over my screen.
As someone who’s constantly trying new things and loves photography, traveling is my ultimate goal every summer break. My bank account could beg to differ, though. Traveling doesn’t have to be a luxurious fantasy you dream about but never attain — it can be affordable if you play your cards right.
- Take Time to Research
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It may seem like a no-brainer to research the destination before you travel, but you’d be surprised at what a couple of strategic Google searches can accomplish. Before you book flights and hotels, search for the cheapest places to travel.
If you want to go international, some countries use currencies valued less than the U.S. dollar. If you want to stay in the country, some cities may be cheaper to fly to or have generally lower activity costs.
For example, the U.S. dollar is worth more than the Polish złoty. This means that a latte in Poland costs about six zlotys or $1.66, and flying to Miami, Florida, was ranked one of the cheapest cities to fly to in the U.S.
Note that these costs might balance out because Poland is expensive to fly to from the U.S., and Miami isn’t known for its low prices.
- Find Free Things To Do
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Unless it’s a must-see for you, ditch the tourist traps or limit your time in touristy areas because any activity or dining experience there will be overpriced. Instead of booking an expensive sightseeing tour, create your own itinerary.
Visiting parks, strolling through markets, exploring nearby festivals, and checking out museums can all be more affordable alternatives. This can be a great opportunity to experience the local culture and get the most out of your trip.
To learn about and access these discounts, ask locals or search for free or reduced-price admission days. Most importantly, bring your student ID card. Some museums offer student discounts if you show the ticketing office a valid university ID.
- Live Like A Local
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One of my biggest money-savers when I hit week two of my trip to Europe was buying meals from local grocery stores. The Tesco meal deal and pastries came in clutch when my budget was running low.
Another tip is to take public transportation when possible. If you find yourself in a city, don’t be afraid to quickly ask a local what app they use to find the public transport routes and schedules. This will help you avoid scams and save you a ton of money, since a bus or train system can vary depending on the city.
Who knows? You might strike up a conversation with a local and learn about the best hidden gems in the area. Safety should always be the number one priority, though. If you don’t feel safe, stick to what you’re comfortable with, whether it’s taking Ubers or staying in touristy areas.
- Pack Light
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Don’t waste your money on overweight bag fees or checked luggage. Be an outfit repeater and stick to a carry-on and a personal item. Try to make sure your other clothing items can be worn with multiple outfits, and utilize packing cubes to ensure you’re using every inch of suitcase space.
Sometimes, packing heavy is unavoidable, especially if you are traveling for a specific event. If that’s the case and you’re traveling with someone else who has extra room in their bag, try combining your items with theirs to minimize the number of checked or overweight bags.
You may look ridiculous, but also have no shame in wearing your largest coat or tallest boots through airport security. It may not be ideal for comfortable traveling, but it might save you a significant amount of money and luggage space.
- Plan To Spend More Than You Think
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It might sound contradictory, but always have wiggle room in your budget in case things don’t go according to plan. Your train might get delayed, and you’ll have to book another one at the last minute; you could forget to pack an essential item, or tickets might be more expensive than you thought. You almost always spend a little more than you plan for when traveling.
To avoid financial stress, be prepared to spend more than you anticipated. Determining your budget threshold is up to you. Yet having peace of mind that you can cover your unanticipated expenses or have a plan in place to recover those expenses after the trip will make traveling much more rewarding.
Traveling can be expensive, and its unpredictable nature can make budgeting while abroad a struggle. However, side-questing outside your comfort zone can be the most fulfilling experience. Some of my best memories were made while attempting to navigate a foreign subway or venturing through a new city.
Life is short, the world is your oyster, and you’re in college still. You can still make the most of your time as a student while on a budget.
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