Okay, I’m guessing if you clicked on this article, you must like traveling at least half as much as I do. This is where I come in! While I’m not a true expert at traveling by any means, I like to think the experience I do have makes me qualified to give you my best tips and tricks for ballin’ on a budget: travel edition. Let’s get right into it.
Finding Flights Frugally
To start off, the most expensive part of traveling is usually transportation, and my personal preference is air travel. Don’t get me wrong: if I am really on a budget, road trips are my go-to for sure. However, if it’s over six hours and I’m by myself, I will pick a flight any day. So, how do I do that as cheaply as possible? Google Flights is my best friend.
One way to look for air travel on a calendar view for multiple airlines and in multiple cities is through the free Google Flights tool online. I also like to look for flights early in the morning or late at night, as these are sometimes the cheapest fares. It is so much easier to search on Google Flights than to go through each airline’s website. However, I always recommend booking through the airline website directly once you know your flight, rather than a third-party company. You can even track your flying dates months in advance to be notified if the price drops.
Another way to cut costs is to pack light. I am the worst overpacker, but to avoid checking a bag and paying more fees, I always try to keep my packing to strictly a carry-on when flying solo.
Hotel Hunting
Personally, I think a hotel is just the place you’re staying, and I know this is where some people differ in opinion, but it definitely does not need to be the fanciest one on the block or the most expensive. Obviously, you should still take into consideration reviews and location of hotels, but it certainly doesn’t need to be the Four Seasons for a fun weekend trip.
Looking for hotels can be very daunting, but again, Google has an excellent tool for this: Google Hotels. This can be a bit harder to use than Google Flights, but it is still just as helpful in finding a reasonably priced place to stay.
Also, don’t be afraid to look into Airbnb. There are a lot of great and affordable options on there; you just have to find them.
Public Transportation
I think this one goes without saying, but instead of Ubering or taking a taxi everywhere, public transportation is the best way to go when it comes to getting around a city. If you can walk, though, that’s even better. Just remember to be safe when taking public transportation at night, as you never know what you might encounter. You can download an app that gives you the best routes for the bus or subway system if you choose to use that.
Cheaper Eats
Making sure you’re taking advantage of a city’s good food while not breaking the bank is always a huge factor for me. I love food, and I will splurge on a meal if the restaurant gets good reviews, but it’s important to only do that for maybe one meal a day or one meal every other day. Try to keep it to quick and easy meals for the rest of them to save your wallet. Trust me, it will thank you.
Student Discounts and Free Activities
My final tip is to look for student discounts wherever you can. You never know what kind of offers might be out there. ID.me is a great website to start looking for discounts, and it’s super easy to be approved on there.
Also, don’t ever underestimate the amount of free activities a city has to offer. There are always fun walking tours, parks, beaches and more.
So honestly, traveling while in college is totally doable. You just have to know the secrets. Happy travels!