Whether we’re stuck in a classroom or in front of a computer screen, everyone wants to find an escape to just sit back and relax. No $$$? No worries! In this article, I’ll be going over some simple, but effective tips to make traveling easier on a student’s bank account.
Plan, Plan, Plan!
Whether it’s jotting down notes on your phone to writing them down on your homework paper, planning is the most effective way to ensure a safe and eventful trip.
Few Things to Take Into Account:
Who?– Who will be accompanying you? Who will you be meeting?
What?– What do you plan on doing once you reach your destination?
When?– When do you plan on leaving and when do you plan on returning?
Where?– Where are you going? Where are you staying?
How?– How will you get to your destination?
Important! While it may be exciting to plan a trip, consider any possible dangers or even consequences that may occur during your trip. Try to avoid traveling alone but if you do, be sure to communicate your travel dates and destinations with friends and family.
Grab Those Tickets Early
One indicator of possible failure on your trip might be the last-minute purchase of airline/ event tickets. Holidays and weekends might fill up quickly and prices may vary depending on the airline. Travel Tip: Pay attention to which days may offer lower prices, especially during the weekdays.
Plan on traveling more than once? Watch those airline mileage points and use them whenever available to save some extra dough. Got a credit card? Use those points!
Pack Light
For a two-week trip, do you really need to pack two weeks of clothes? Consider the weather at your destination: Will it be cold? Will there be potential rain or snow? Or perhaps it may be blistering hot. Either way, packing smartly in accordance with the weather can help you avoid carrying outfits you’ll never touch.
As you plan out your trip, try and see if there are any laundromats in the nearby area. A coin laundry can save you some space in your luggage and leave you bag space to bring back souvenirs. Better yet, find out if your accommodations provide any laundry services. Research packing tips on how to fold and wrap your belongings to ensure you have more space in your bag and avoid those extra baggage fees.
Eat In, Save More
For a college student, home cooking can be a regular and familiar routine. But what if I told you that it could help keep the cash in your wallet? If you (and your party) are staying in hostels or an Airbnb, chances are you’ll have access to a kitchen. On the road with no kitchen? No problem! Pack your own cooler with accompanying cutlery and containers and make your own meals (not all meals require a stove or microwave). Having snacks frequently throughout the day can also minimize the urge to splurge on large meals.
Use that Social Power!
Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook . . . The list of social networks goes on. These days, students have access to multiple social platforms which means that they have access to a multitude of connections to people around the world. Why not get in contact with a few and see if you can stay with them? This will cut out the cost of lodging and even dining as they’ll most likely have a kitchen or may even provide the food for free.
Have Fun!
As young adults working through endless paperwork and teetering relationships, we could all use a little trip to break away from the stress and anxiety that builds up. Traveling doesn’t have to be international to count, so why spend money flying to Paris, France when you could take a road trip to Paris, Texas? Taking a trip shouldn’t have to be intimidating, especially where it hurts the most: your bank account. With thorough planning and research, taking an off day can become an affordable habit.