Traveling On A Student Budget: Tips For Cheap Trips

College students are often on a tight budget, but that doesn't mean they can't explore the world. With some careful planning and flexibility, students can travel to new places without breaking the bank. One of the biggest expenses is accommodation, so consider staying in hostels, which are cheap and offer free activities like walking tours. Airbnb is another budget-friendly option, especially when shared with friends. When it comes to flights, be spontaneous and flexible to catch the best deals, and consider travelling during off-peak times. Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights are great for finding cheap flights, and don't forget to look out for student discounts! Travelling with just a backpack can also save money and make navigating new places easier. For those seeking an immersive experience, work exchange programs like WWOOF and Help Stay offer free room and board in exchange for work. Lastly, staying with friends or family can provide huge savings, and choosing a destination with a low cost of living will help stretch your dollars further. So, with some creativity and budgeting, college students can absolutely turn their travel dreams into a reality.

Save money by staying in hostels, couch surfing, or home-sharing

Saving money on accommodation is one of the easiest ways to travel on a budget as a college student. Here are some options to consider:

Hostels

Hostels are a popular choice for budget-conscious college students. They offer cheap, shared, and sociable accommodations, allowing you to rent a bed in a dorm room. Prices can vary depending on the location and the number of beds in a room, but they can be as low as $5-$25 per night. Hostels often have common areas that encourage social interaction with other travelers, and some even offer free walking tours, complimentary breakfast, and discounts on activities. Additionally, they usually have kitchens, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals.

Couch Surfing

Couch surfing is a unique way to travel and stay with locals or expats in the city you're visiting. It offers a more authentic and local experience, as your hosts can provide insider information and recommendations. However, it may require more time and effort to organize and might not suit those who value privacy and independence.

Home-Sharing

Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and apartment rentals can be a great alternative to traditional hotels. With Airbnb, you can rent a private room or an entire place, which can be more cost-effective when traveling with a group. Additionally, having access to a kitchen and laundry facilities can help reduce costs for food and laundry.

Work Exchange Programs

Consider participating in work exchange programs like WWOOF, Help Stay, or WorkAway. These programs offer free accommodation and sometimes food in exchange for your work and services. You can find opportunities in various fields, including farming, hostel management, event coordination, and more.

Group Trips

Group trips can also help reduce costs as you can split accommodation and activity expenses. Additionally, look out for student travel discounts offered by companies like Amtrak, HostelWorld, and Student Universe.

By being mindful of your budget, utilizing budget-friendly accommodations, and taking advantage of student discounts, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses during college.

Travel with a backpack to save on luggage costs

Travelling with a backpack is a great way to save on luggage costs when travelling during college. Backpacks are a practical, functional, and hassle-free option for travelling. They can fit a week's worth of clothes, depending on your wardrobe and packing skills.

When travelling with a backpack, you can skip the stress of checking a bag or lugging a traditional carry-on suitcase around an airport. Many backpacks can fit under an airplane seat, and some have handy features like air mesh shoulder straps, a luggage pass-through strap, and an exterior stretch water bottle pocket.

There are many spacious and comfortable carry-on backpack options available. The Vancropak Carry-on Backpack, Extra Large 40L fits under an airplane seat and is a budget-friendly option. The Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack is another great option, with its larger size, durable materials, and better weight distribution. The Calpak backpack is also a good choice, with its medium size and numerous pockets, including a water bottle pocket that zips closed when not in use.

In addition to saving on luggage costs, travelling with a backpack can also help you save on accommodation costs. Hostels, for example, are a budget-friendly option for college students, and they usually have storage space for backpacks.

Overall, travelling with a backpack can be a great way to save on luggage costs and have a more enjoyable travel experience during college.

Take advantage of student discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities

Taking advantage of student discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities is a great way to save money when travelling during college. Many companies offer these types of discounts to help students save money on college expenses.

Flights

When booking flights, be sure to use websites that offer student discounts, such as StudentUniverse, Google Flights, KAYAK, and Skyscanner. These websites can help you find the best deals on flights and often have exclusive discounts for students.

Accommodation

For accommodation, consider staying in hostels, which can be very affordable, especially if you choose a shared room. Websites like HostellingInternational and HostelWorld offer great deals on hostels and often have student discounts. If you prefer more privacy or are travelling with a group, Airbnb can be a good option, as it allows you to rent an entire house or apartment, which can drive down costs for food and other expenses. Websites like Hotels.com also offer student discounts of up to 40% off through UNiDAYS.

Activities and Attractions

When it comes to activities and attractions, there are also plenty of student discounts available. For example, museums and art institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Carnegie Hall often offer discounted admission rates or even free entry for students. If you're looking for entertainment, movie theatres like AMC and Regal often have discounted tickets for students with valid IDs. Similarly, streaming services like Peacock Premium, Spotify, and YouTube Premium offer discounted subscription plans for students.

By taking advantage of these student discounts, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses and make your college trips more affordable.

Choose budget-friendly destinations with a low cost of living and free attractions

When choosing a destination to visit on a budget, it's important to consider places with a low cost of living and free attractions. This will allow you to stretch your money further and have a more affordable trip overall. Here are some destinations that are known for being budget-friendly and offering a range of free or low-cost activities:

New Orleans, United States

New Orleans is a great choice for college students on a budget. You can find signature beignets for less than $5 and enjoy live music at the French Quarter, which is full of nightclubs, historical buildings, and soul food diners. Accommodations in the Central Business District or the Marigny neighbourhood are cheaper and still close to the best attractions. You can also use your student ID to get free or discounted admissions to museums and other attractions.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

Myrtle Beach is a popular and budget-friendly destination, offering free attractions like live music at Barefoot Landing and the Great American Summer Nights event at Broadway at the Beach, which includes live shows and fireworks. Instead of eating at expensive tourist trap restaurants, plan picnics on the beach with food from affordable supermarkets.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is known for its affordable hotels, cheap public transportation, and low cost of living. You can find round-trip flights for around $477, and there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy, such as exploring the Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle, which houses the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. The city also has famous Ruin Bars, where you can find cheap drinks, and low-cost hostels starting at $10 per night.

Thailand

Thailand is renowned for being one of the most affordable places to travel globally, offering scenic beach islands, nature-filled hikes, and bustling cities. Accommodations can be as low as $3 per night, and according to nomadic travellers, a budget of $30-35 per day is comfortable. Island hopping is a popular activity, and destinations like the Phi Phi Islands offer white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is a centrally located, affordable destination with a mix of historical and cultural landmarks, sprawling city streets, and access to nature. Be sure to bring your International Student Identification Card (ISIC) to take advantage of student discounts at museums, cinemas, and more.

Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá is a budget-friendly destination known for its secular art and majestic green landscapes. You can find three-star hotels for as little as $17 per night, and the city offers a range of natural marvels, including breathtaking waterfalls.

When choosing a budget-friendly destination, remember to consider the cost of living, the availability of free or low-cost attractions, and the affordability of accommodations and transportation. With careful planning and flexibility, you can find amazing destinations that fit your budget.

Work exchange programs and volunteering can offer free room and board

Work exchange programs and volunteering are excellent ways to travel on a budget, as they often provide free room and board. These programs allow individuals to gain new experiences and skills while exploring different parts of the world. Here are some examples of such programs:

Workaway

Workaway is a cultural exchange program that offers opportunities for budget travellers, language learners, or culture enthusiasts to find hosts in over 165 countries. In exchange for a few hours of work per day, participants receive free accommodation and food. The type of work can vary, including farming, housework, hostel management, event coordination, childcare, and working with animals. Workaway promotes fair exchange and sustainable travel, and their team manually reviews each profile to ensure the safety of their community members.

World Packers

World Packers is another organization that offers volunteer programs and work exchange experiences worldwide. Participants can gain new skills and collaborate with hosts on various tasks, such as bartending, social media management, video creation, photography, or language teaching. World Packers has an annual membership fee that supports their team in providing 24/7 email support and step-by-step trip planning assistance.

WWOOF

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a work exchange program that connects volunteers with organic farms worldwide. In exchange for a few hours of work per day, typically farming or gardening, participants receive free room and board. WWOOFing can be a quick way to find opportunities, and some places may even offer small stipends in addition to free accommodation and meals.

YMCA and Other Organizations

The YMCA and other organizations like Dude Ranches or summer camps sometimes offer positions with room and board included. These positions can vary from housekeeping to guest services or working with children. Additionally, the Student Conservation Association offers jobs with free housing, although the pay may be relatively low.

Other Tips

When considering work exchange or volunteer programs, it's important to be mindful of your personal taste, budget, dreams, and wishes. There are opportunities for everyone, whether you're an outgoing person or more reserved. Volunteering and work exchange allow you to gain new skills, collaborate with others, and explore different parts of the world without breaking the bank.

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