It has been a rough year for college students around the world. Now only have students had to struggle with the traditional challenges of limited finances and hectic schedules, but the coronavirus pandemic has changed how we interact, travel, and do business. Excelling in college is not only about attending classes and getting impressive grades. That may become overwhelming, so you can always purchase research papers if you need to. But there are other things. Campus life should prepare you for life after graduation, and travelling offers a way to create memories, formulate networks, and build experience.
As a college student, travelling can be a rewarding experience. The pandemic has presented tons of challenges for the travelling industry, including lockdowns, flight cancelations, and movement restrictions. However, things are looking up as studies show that 72% of Americans intend to travel in 2021. Students also struggle with limited finances and stressful schedules.
Despite the challenges, it is possible to travel the world as a student. You can save money while enjoying your trip and creating memories. This article discusses how to save money while travelling as a college student.
Create a Budget and Have a Designated Savings Account
We all know that being in college is expensive and getting funds for travelling can be challenging. There is no doubt that most students are searching for ways to save money in college. If travelling is your dream, you need to start thinking about putting some cash aside to make it a reality. With all the expenses that students incur in the university, finding the extra cash to save can be challenging.
Once you have mastered the discipline to set aside a dedicated amount of money aside in your travel savings account, you are one step towards going for that dream journey. Once you have set aside enough cash, going on your journey will feel like going on a planned vacation. You may also consider saving for professional essay editing services to cover your assignments as your travel.
Some creative ways to save for your travel include:
- Getting a part-time job to supplement income;
- Saving by purchasing used books;
- Limiting costly night outs;
- Benefiting from student-discounts when making purchases.
Break Your Savings Objectives into Manageable Targets
Another tip is to break your savings objectives into small achievable steps. Having huge savings goals that may take years to attain can be daunting. Instead, set smaller targets, breaking down your goals into monthly increments. Even if you can save about $300 each month, consider it an achievement. Once you have a dedicated savings account, start your monthly savings.
Plan Ahead and Make Reservations
Another important tip for students who want to travel successfully on a budget is to create and follow a plan. While there is never a bad time to travel the world, making that dream trip as a college student can be particularly rewarding. Students are likely to benefit from amazing discounts. Here are some benefits of planning your travel while still in college:
- Opportunities for personal growth;
- A break from the hectic nature of academics;
- A chance to get real-world experience;
- A chance to build your resume and improve employability.
Search for and Make Use of Discounts
Another amazing way to save money when travelling as a student is by searching for discounts. There are tons of amazing deals to be snapped by college students, whether during planning or once they reach their destinations. Students can be discounted rates on flights by booking early. At the destination, one can get discounted entry into various attractions by using a student card.
In other words, students with school identification can get numerous offers and discounts. There are student travel identification cards such as the ISIC, which can offer one a chance to benefit from discounts on just about anything — from movies, to transport and books.
Producing your student identification in certain attractions around the world can come with the benefit of impressive travel discounts even when there are no discounts advertised. So, when travelling on a budget, you should definitely carry your student discount.
Reduce Your Spending on Material Goods and Stick to Necessities
When travelling abroad, temptations to spend will be plenty. You will find amazing artefacts and awesome entertainment options. It takes considerable discipline to remain focused and spend on what is necessary. Whatever happens, you need to stick to your budget. This may mean only purchasing necessities.
We understand that, at this stage in your life, you may be tempted to be extravagant and shop on impulse. However, when working with a budget, every budget counts. The best way to make sure you stick only to the necessary purchases is by creating and following a budget. Avoid using your money to buy things you can avoid such as new technological gadgets or shoes. If you don’t absolutely need it, then there is no need to buy it.
Make Considerable Savings on Accommodation
Another area where you can save significant amounts when traveling is on accommodation. For most students traveling on a budget, accommodation can be one of the most expensive elements of the vacation. Even the so-called cheap hotels can dent your pockets.
There are several ways you can save on accommodation as you travel. For instance, you could stay with people you know in the host region. If you have a friend, family member, or an acquittance living in a destination you are interested in, you can benefit from reduced accommodation.
Remember to reach out to the friend early, involving them in your plans and inquiring about availability. Even if they are not able to host you, there can suggest budget accommodation options.
Save By Using Local Public Transport
Many students traveling abroad spend their money on cabs or taxis. Of course, transport is one of the three major expenses that students traveling abroad have to deal with, besides accommodation and food. If you can get a firm grasp on how save on transport, then your travel expenses will reduce drastically.
Of course, you have to understand that deciding how to move from one point to another can be challenging, particularly when you want to pick the most cost-effective alternative. Transport costs don’t stop accumulating just because you have arrived at your travel destination. Costs like hiring taxis, renting cars, and taking the bus should be factored when planning your trip. Here are some ideas to help you save:
- Consider staying in one place if possible;
- Use public transport;
- Choose to travel overnight;
- Consider using your legs when possible;
- Research taxi rates before you travel.
Travel in Groups to Save Money
Most people assume that lone backpacking is the easiest way to save money when travelling on a budget. In truth, however, group travels allow students greater savings and amazing experiences. When alone, costs can accumulate fast, especially when you consider accommodation, transport and other essential activities.
If you want to make serous savings without having to stay in a hostel, then travelling in a group tour is the ideal way to go. By traveling with people who share similar interests, you get to make friends, immerse yourself in new cultures, and get creative ways to stretch your budget without compromising on fun.
Travel Lighter with Smaller Luggage
We all know that overpacking is a problem to avoid when traveling as a college student. However, this is easier said than done since most people struggle with deciding what to carry with them and what to leave behind. The most useful way to look at it is by considering the kind of money you would be saving by traveling light.
When you have less luggage, you won’t have to pay huge sums for a checked bag at the airport. In this sense, packing light means minimizing your bags to one carry-on suitcase and one small backpack. You will be allowed by the airline to carry these two without being charged extra.
Traveling light not only means that you save money on airfare, but also makes using public transport less hectic. Also, limiting your luggage to only one carry-on bag prevents you from spending too much money on unnecessary souvenir and purchases that will not fit in your bag.
Benefit from Street Vendors
One way to save as a traveling college student is to use the services of street vendors in your host area. Popular destinations often have street vendors selling delicious local food and items. If you have set a limit on your daily spending, the getting your meals from a street vendor is an incredible idea. You should consider picking vendors with longer lines as they tend to offer better value.
The Bottom Line: How to Save as a Traveling Student
Student life is hard, but traveling make things better. It allows one to experience the world, relieve some of the pressure associated with academics, and create memories. That said, most students work with limited finances, which make regular travelling a challenge. Adopting the measures highlighted here will help you save money during trips, while allowing you to enjoy unmatched experiences.
