How to Travel in Luxury, On a Student Budget

Many students are put off travel because of the expense, so they choose to wait until they have graduated. But then jobs come along, and families, and commitments, and pretty soon the chance for carefree travel has passed. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money and travel on a budget, without skimping on the luxury. Here are some of the best.

Travel Out of Season

There have been a lot of reports over the last few years about how much more expensive it is to travel in school holidays. This couldn’t be truer. Picking a holiday during peak summer season can be ridiculously expensive, so moving your vacation, sometimes by a matter of days, can slash the price. If you’re after a beach break, aim for the very start of the summer season to save money. If you’re lucky enough to study an online degree, such as an online MLIS degree, you should have the flexibility to do this. For city breaks, ask yourself if the weather really matters? And consider traveling completely out of season for further savings.

Avoid Tourist Hotspots

Popular tourist destinations charge a lot more because they can as the demand is there. To save money, but still have a great experience, head away from the more popular destinations. You should also avoid restaurants marketed towards students and eat in local, family run eateries, which will also serve you more authentic local cuisine.

Consider Alternative Accommodation

Stay in cheaper hotels, or avoid hotels altogether. Airbnb offers a fantastic alternative. You can stay in some great, luxury properties, in brilliant locations, at a fraction of the price of a large hotel or resort.

Chose Budget Airlines

This is an especially good idea if you are traveling short haul and won’t actually be on the plane long enough to miss the luxury extras. Budget airlines fly all over the world. Most offer comfortable seating and great food. You’ll still get the same airport experience and your flight could be quieter.

Book Ahead

Booking flights and accommodation ahead can save you a lot of money. But, there’s a lot more you can book. Book travel passes for your destination and tickets for any attractions you want to visit online before you travel. You can often save money and get special offers and deals on added extras.

Prioritize

If you are traveling on a student budget, it’s important to prioritize, just the same as you would when planning any other event on a tight budget. What do you want to do while you’re away? What do you think is worth spending money on? And what could you live without? Make cutbacks accordingly, to make sure you can afford all the parts of your vacation that mean the most to you. Remember, most vacations aren’t once in a lifetime opportunities.

Traveling as a student is a great way of taking a break and leaving your stresses behind. If you are studying a difficult degree, like a master of information, taking a break and blowing off some steam could even help you do better in school.

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