As an international student at the University of St Andrews, I love to travel. Any excuse I have to take a trip I will. At St Andrews, we have a week off from school once a semester; in semester one we have an independent learning week (we call it Reading Week) in October, and in semester two we have a February break. As flying back home can be very expensive for me, I like to take trips with my friends during these breaks. As I write this from a cafe in London during my Reading Week break, these are some of my best tips for traveling on a budget during school breaks and even quick study abroad weekend getaways.
Plan in Advance!
Research where you are traveling to thoroughly. Booking flights and accommodation well in advance will help you secure the best deals. When booking flights I like to use the website Skyscanner as it will scan the airlines and find the cheapest flights for the dates you provide. The cheapest airlines when traveling around Europe are Easyjet and Ryanair. For example, with Ryanair, my flight from Edinburgh to London was only 15 pounds! For accommodation, hostels and Airbnb are great options over staying at an expensive hotel.
Settling a Realistic Budget!
Determine before the trip how much you want to spend on flights and accommodation before booking. Then put a budget together of how much you would like to spend per day or week. This can help if you tend to overspend on food and love to shop like me!
Traveling Off Season.
I would LOVE to go to Dublin during St Patrick’s Day weekend this year but the cost of the flight and accommodation are quadruple in price compared to any other random weekend. Traveling in the off season will make flights and accommodation and basically the trip overall cheaper. Additionally, you might find that popular tourist spots are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic experience.
Make Use of Student Discounts!
Many museums, attractions, and transportation services offer student discounts. Carry your student ID with you at all times to take advantage of these savings wherever possible. Sometimes they will offer EU discounts as well, especially at museums, so if you are an EU citizen having your passport or a scan of your passport may work in your favor. Many places will also have many free attractions such as parks, museums with free entry days, and free walking tours. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore the city without spending a lot of money.
Public Transport.
Take advantage of the cheaper options available by using public transit rather than hiring an Uber or calling a cab. If you anticipate using public transit daily, look into weekly or monthly passes, which can provide substantial savings.
Make Your Own Food.
If you have a kitchen, consider cooking or preparing your own food rather than going out to eat every meal. Buying groceries and cooking for yourself can reduce your trip expenses! This works best when staying in an Airbnb or hotel room with a kitchen.
Travel With Your friends!
Not only can they help you stick to your budget while traveling, but you can split the costs of accommodation, food, and transportation with them as well.
Limit Impulse Spending.
Did I need to buy a latte for every new cute cafe I saw today in London? The answer is no. Did I anyway? The answer is yes (about 3 today). The excitement and new experience of being in a new place can often lead to spontaneous purchases. However, it’s essential to maintain a budget and spend wisely to ensure that you don’t overspend or regret your purchases later.