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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Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld
April 8, 2017 at 1:59 pmThis is what I always do. And also what I’m trying to show the other people like me that they can do as well.
Bilyana | OwlOverTheWorld recently posted…How to Spend 24 Hours in Hamburg
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:42 amThat’s great, Bilyana! More people need to know that it is possible 🙂
Eric || The Bucket List Project
April 8, 2017 at 3:36 pmgreat tips! I love airbnb and budget airlines. Sometimes just getting to Europe or asia might hit you but if you can plan a cheap destination to the continent, then hopping on a budget airline will save you tons of $$
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:42 amAbsolutely, Eric!
Danik
April 8, 2017 at 3:39 pmLove reading this post and great advice here CArmen. Didn’t really think about luxury holidays for students before. 😀 Great area to cover.
Danik recently posted…Northern Lights Chasing with Aurora Holidays
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:42 amThanks, Danik! It definitely is possible if you do your research and plan ahead.
Eva
April 8, 2017 at 4:48 pmGreat tips. It is good to know how to save when travelling to make the most of it. Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:43 amYou’re very welcome, Eva!
Anne
April 8, 2017 at 7:32 pmDon’t forget your student card either. Some countries are very generous with student discounts. It goes some way to compensating for the cost of your degree
Anne recently posted…Is The Dreamliner Really That Dreamy?
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:44 amGreat tip, Anne! Thanks for sharing.
Lois Alter Mark
April 8, 2017 at 8:12 pmThese are all great tips. It’s amazing what a little research and creativity can get you!
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…heifer international invites you to #joinhertribe
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:45 amI know… it’s all about doing your homework 😉
sherianne
April 9, 2017 at 12:14 amLove this topic! AirBnB is a great alternative to staying in a hostel
sherianne recently posted…Savoring Grapes: Napa Valley
Carmen Edelson
April 10, 2017 at 8:45 amI think so too! Usually more room and overall better value. You get to live like a temporary local!
LeAnna Brown
April 10, 2017 at 12:06 pmThe way we budget travel is to use travel hacking (points and miles) for all flights and hotels (minus taxes and fees) so basically flights+ hotels are usually a total of just a few hundred bucks total for 2. Then we just have to budget plan daily activities and food 🙂
LeAnna Brown recently posted…Esso Fuel Cards in Germany: Everything You Need To Know
Carmen Edelson
April 14, 2017 at 8:21 amYes, travel hacking is great!
Jeric Danao
April 20, 2017 at 12:31 amHello, I’m an engineering student who just loves to travel a lot. I must say, thank you for all these suggestions. I’ve always loved to appreciate different places and every city’s architectural design. Thank you for sharing this!
Carmen Edelson
April 21, 2017 at 11:02 amYou’re very welcome, Jeric! Happy travels 🙂
Kathleen Calado
July 11, 2017 at 4:57 amI’m just new to college life and I must say thank you for giving us this wonderful tips! I love travelling but due to my college schedule I’m having hard time squeezing out my travel schedules and also my expenses. Thank you once again for sharing this!
Carmen Edelson
July 17, 2017 at 11:45 amYou’re very welcome, Kathleen! I hope you can start enjoying both 🙂