The Student Traveller's Dilemma: Affording The Adventure

Many students are able to travel by working part-time or full-time, receiving financial support from parents or guardians, or taking out loans. Some students also choose to travel on a shoestring budget, staying in hostels or sleeping in train stations, getting cheap tickets for trains and museums, and eating inexpensive food. Others save money by travelling to low-cost destinations, booking in advance, or travelling in the off-season when flights and hotels are cheaper.

Saving money

Create a Separate Savings Account

Consider opening a separate savings account dedicated solely to your travel funds. This will help you stay disciplined and avoid the temptation to spend that money on other things. Set up automatic transfers from your primary checking account to this savings account each month. That way, you save consistently without even thinking about it.

Make a Travel Budget and Plan Ahead

Creating a travel budget is crucial to achieving your travel goals. Evaluate your income, expenses, and savings to determine how much you can realistically set aside for travel each year. Planning and saving for trips in advance will help you avoid relying on last-minute deals or credit cards.

Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations

Opt for destinations with a lower cost of living to stretch your money further. Countries like Thailand, for example, offer a great travel experience without breaking the bank. Research and compare the cost of living, transportation, food, and accommodation in different places to find budget-friendly options.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Prices for airfare, hotels, tours, and other tourist activities tend to be lower during the colder off-season months. Travelling during these quieter periods will not only save you money but also help you avoid crowds. So, consider visiting your dream destinations during the winter and fall seasons.

Avoid Trendy Destinations

Popular tourist hotspots like New York City, Paris, and Italy tend to be more expensive, not just for airfare but also for food, shopping, and transportation. Opt for less-explored destinations or those that are not on the typical tourist trail to find more affordable options.

Book in Advance and Look for Deals

Research and book your flights, accommodation, and tours in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Compare prices using flight and hotel comparison websites to find the best deals. Additionally, consider travelling during the week or choosing flights with longer layovers to bring down the cost.

Choose Budget Accommodations

Instead of expensive hotels, consider staying in hostels, Airbnb accommodations, or even couch surfing. These options can significantly reduce your travel expenses. If you're staying in a place with a kitchen, cook your meals instead of dining out at restaurants for every meal.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Look for free activities like walking tours, free museum days, and local street food instead of expensive restaurants. Many hostels also offer free breakfast or dinners, so take advantage of these inclusions to save money on food.

Earn Extra Income

If you're serious about saving for travel, consider finding ways to earn extra income. This could include taking on freelance work, teaching online, or even starting a travel blog. You can also look into scholarships, grants, or internships that provide stipends or travel allowances.

Cut Down on Non-Essential Expenses

Evaluate your spending habits and cut down on non-essential expenses. For example, instead of buying new clothes, opt for second-hand stores or only buy something new with the money you get from tips. Separate your "fun" money from your savings, so you're not tempted to dip into your travel funds for leisure activities.

Volunteer or Work Abroad

Consider volunteering abroad or working as an au pair in exchange for free accommodation and sometimes even a small stipend. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain valuable experiences.

Remember, saving for travel as a student requires discipline and smart financial choices. By following these tips and adapting them to your situation, you'll be well on your way to exploring the world without breaking the bank.

Parental support

For students who do not have financial support from their parents, there are still ways to receive assistance. Some students may have parents who provide emotional and practical support, such as allowing them to live at home during college, which can significantly reduce expenses. This support can free up money for travel, as students won't need to worry about room and board costs.

In other cases, parents may offer indirect financial support by helping their children develop good financial habits. This could include encouraging them to save money, be frugal, or make smart decisions with travel credit card rewards. Such habits can help students accumulate the funds needed for their travels.

Furthermore, parental support can also come in the form of inheritance or family funds set aside for education. While this may not directly cover travel expenses, it can reduce the overall financial burden on students, giving them more flexibility to allocate money for travel.

Lastly, parental support can also involve helping students find opportunities for affordable travel. This could include suggesting they participate in study abroad programs, join volunteer programs, or take advantage of student travel discounts. By providing guidance and sharing their knowledge, parents can enable their children to travel more affordably.

Scholarships and grants

Program-specific Scholarships

Some study abroad programs offer their own scholarships, which can be need-based or merit-based. For example, the School for International Training (SIT) offers scholarships and grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for semester programs and between $500 and $3,000 for summer programs. Similarly, the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) offers scholarships that cover 100% or 50% of tuition fees for various degree programs.

University-affiliated Scholarships

Your home university's international or study abroad office may also be a great resource for finding scholarships and grants. They often have information on internal scholarships as well as external opportunities through third-party organizations.

Country-specific Scholarships

Many countries offer financial support to international students. For example, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships to encourage students to study abroad in Germany. Similarly, the US-Japan Bridging Foundation and the German Academic Exchange Service offer scholarships for students interested in studying in Japan and Germany, respectively.

Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships

There are also scholarships specifically designed to promote diversity and inclusion in study abroad programs. For example, the ISA by WorldStrides Diversity Scholarship is intended for students with identities historically underserved in education abroad, including individuals who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, LGBTQIA+, first-generation college students, and more.

Subject-specific Scholarships

Scholarships are also available for students studying specific subjects or pursuing particular areas of interest. For instance, the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a scholarship program sponsored by the U.S. State Department that encourages language learning in critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian.

Other Sources of Funding

In addition to scholarships and grants, there are other sources of funding that students can explore. These include federal financial aid, which can often be applied towards study abroad programs, and funding from the government of the country where the student intends to study. Students can also check with their financial aid office, study abroad office, and foreign language departments for potential funding sources. Additionally, students who already receive scholarships and funding through their school, government, foundations, or private organizations should inquire about using that funding for study abroad purposes.

Part-time work

On-Campus Jobs

Students can look for part-time work on campus, which is often a convenient option as it doesn't require additional commuting. These jobs can range from research or teaching assistant positions to working in the library or cafeteria. On-campus jobs are often designed with students' schedules in mind and may offer flexible hours to accommodate their studies.

Off-Campus Jobs

For students who want to explore off-campus work, there are numerous options as well. Retail, hospitality, and service industries often offer part-time positions that can fit around a student's schedule. Working in a restaurant or bar, for example, can provide students with income and often has the added benefit of tips.

Work Abroad

Another option for students is to find part-time work at their travel destination. This could include working in hospitality, such as hotels or resorts, or finding work with tour companies or cruise ships. Some students may also choose to work as au pairs, which involves caring for children and provides room and board in addition to a stipend.

Work Permits

It's important to note that work permits may be required for international students seeking part-time employment, and there are often restrictions on the number of hours they can work per week. Students should ensure they understand the regulations and requirements specific to their situation before starting any part-time work.

Online or Freelance Work

In today's digital age, students also have the option of pursuing online or freelance work. This can include a variety of roles such as social media management, copywriting, web design, or even starting a travel blog. These types of jobs offer flexibility and can be done remotely, allowing students to work and travel simultaneously.

Travel hacking

Travelling as a student is a dream for many, but how can it be achieved on a tight budget? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get out and explore the world.

Planning and Saving

Creating a travel budget and a separate savings account for travel is a great way to start. Figure out how much you can realistically put away each month and set up automatic transfers to your travel fund. This ensures you save consistently and helps you avoid spending that money on other things. Planning and saving in advance means you can avoid last-minute deals or relying on credit cards.

Work and Study Opportunities

There are many ways to earn money while travelling. One option is to become an au pair, working as a nanny for a local family. This provides a weekly stipend, free room and board, and sometimes even a travel allowance. Another option is to teach English online, which can be done freelance and offers a flexible schedule. You can also look into scholarships and study abroad programs that can help fund your travels. Some students take on part-time work while studying to save for travel.

Travel Costs

Choosing a low-cost destination can make a big difference. Thailand, for example, is a popular budget-friendly choice. Booking flights in advance and using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner will help you find the best deals. When it comes to accommodation, hostels or budget hotels are great options, and you can often find affordable and unique places to stay on sites like Expedia or Booking.com.

Travel Style

Travelling on a student budget often means embracing a more adventurous style of travel. This might include staying in hostels or even sleeping in your car or a tent. Cooking your own meals or eating at street stalls and cafeterias instead of restaurants will also help you save money.

Timing and Flexibility

Travelling during the off-season, such as the colder months, can help you avoid high prices. Airfares, hotel rates, and tourist activities are usually cheaper during these times. Being flexible with your travel dates can also save you money; flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than flying on the weekend.

Discounts and Deals

Student travel discounts are available in many places, so always ask about them. Taking advantage of free activities, such as walking tours and museum visits, is another great way to save money. Volunteering in exchange for free accommodation is also an option, with platforms like Workaway and WOOFing connecting volunteers with hosts worldwide.

Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs

With a bit of planning, saving, and creativity, you can make your travel dreams a reality, even on a student budget!

Frequently asked questions