What’s up, Oles? Happy Spring Break! For those of you that are using our week of freedom or upcoming weekends to get in some travel, you probably already have an idea of what your plans are and how much your vacations will cost. Even if you have your days all scheduled out, keep these tips in mind to ensure you come back to the Hill with some cash still in your pocket.Â
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1. Make yourself a budget.
This is crucial to keeping your money in check during times of fun with friends – decide how much you are willing to spend before you leave, and stick to that amount. Keep a list of all the things you end up dropping cash on (meals, transportation, that cute T-shirt you just couldn’t pass up). Make sure to hold onto receipts as well, so you can double check your spending and make sure it matches up with your list. It may seem tedious, but your wallet will thank you.
2. Compare prices.
Use web services like Travelocity that compare flight prices – why pay more than you have to if you end up in the same place? Sometimes, chilling in the airport with a five hour layover can result in a cheaper ticket than the flight that gets you to your destination more quickly. Grab a magazine, put your feet up for a little bit and enjoy the feeling of having some extra money in your pocket! Also worth checking out is Student Universe, a site that often offers discounts to college students looking to get in some travelling.
3. Avoid cabs.
Cabs can rack up quite a fee in a matter of minutes. While they may get you to your destination quickly, take in the scenery and get some exercise by renting a bike for a day. Public transportation in big cities can also be fairly affordable – purchasing a metro pass for a day in cities like Chicago and New York can get you a lot of bang for your buck.
4. Get creative with your lodging.
If you’re travelling with a group of friends, look into renting a house for a week. Renting homes can get expensive, but once the cost is divided among your group members it can end up being extremely affordable. Hostels are a fun way to meet travelers from all over the world, and can help prevent you from spending extra cash on eating out. If you don’t mind flying by the seat of your pants and leaving your lodging up to the last minute, check out postings on couchsurfing.org. Locals offer up rooms in their homes and couches for visitors to crash for a few nights, for a true immersion experience.
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5. Make your own meals.
Eating out at every meal can quickly consume the majority of your budget. Scout out a grocery store and purchase some breakfast foods and sandwich fixings so you at least have two meals a day that you don’t need to pay for. Testing out local cuisine is a major part of any travel experience, so don’t deprive yourself – just make sure to think before you throw down 60 dollars on a fancy seafood meal.
6. Pay with cash whenever possible.
Swiping your credit or debit card for every purchase can get a little too easy after a while – paying with cash helps you maintain a bit of restraint (especially when you reach into your wallet and realize you only have a 10 dollar bill left). Remember to bring a money belt to keep cash and any valuables in if you are travelling abroad.
7. Talk to the locals.
Nobody knows the area better than the locals themselves! They are your greatest resource on the best places to eat, where the tourist traps are and what’s actually worth seeing. This can be huge financial asset, so you don’t end up wasting money on an attraction that turns out to be a dud. It can also give you an incredible insight to how the locals live their lives and a “behind the scenes” look at your location.
8. Bring your St. Olaf ID!
Take your Ole card along for the ride – some restaurants and activities offer discounts for college students! Who knew being an Ole could pay off in so many ways?
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Photos
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