When you become a student, you open a whole new world. This wonderful period shouldn’t be just about doing homework, feeling stressed because of numerous assignments, and attending parties at best. You should try to get the best out of your student life when you are still young, active, and energetic. Don’t limit yourself to campus and your dorm room. Traveling is a great way to get inspired, broaden your horizons, meet new people, and expand your social circle.
The thing that you don’t have a wealthy family that will provide you with money doesn’t mean that you cannot do anything. For instance, when I was a student, I could use a specialized service to write my essay for cheap while I was busy with a side job. I could save a pretty penny and go traveling during spring break. If you want to see the world being a student, it is enough to know how to save on travel and fit it into your budget. The following tips will help you arrange affordable trips that will diversify and spice up your student life.
Find the cheapest flights
Finding and booking air tickets at the lowest price is an essential skill for traveling as a student. Just remember that the earlier you start looking for tickets, the higher your chances of finding tickets at a reasonable price will be. It makes sense to track the current airline promotions on specialized websites and look for some other cheap ways to get to the chosen destination. If you are interested in plane travel, then one of the best ways to save money is to book a low-cost airline flight. Of course, these flights have some peculiarities. For example, planes may be less comfortable; they can arrive and depart with a slight delay; you will not be able to take a big suitcase. Nonetheless, you will be able to save a pretty penny on tickets. Pay attention that flights on some weekdays can be more expensive or cheaper.
Search and book appropriate accommodation
Another important thing you should consider is the accommodation. Usually, it takes a big part of the budget, so you should find affordable accommodation if you want to travel cheap. You can find services on the Internet that will help you examine all possible options according to your requirements. However, anyway, you should better consider hostels instead of hotels. They will provide you with everything you need: a place to sleep, a bathroom, and a toilet. The only drawback is that you will have to share a room with about ten other people. Well, if you feel embarrassed about it, then it is worth giving it a try to Airbnb, a pretty popular private rental service that works worldwide. It is a great option if you travel along with your friends, so you will be able to book the whole apartment. And if you cannot afford even a hostel, then pay attention to services like Couchsurfing that allow you to find a place to sleep free of charge. Well, maybe a host will ask you for assistance, something like, “Do my assignment, and you can stay here as long as you want.”
Travel light
Try to fit all your clothes in one backpack, so you will not burden yourself with unnecessary luggage. As a result, you will get numerous advantages. For example, you will not have to worry about its loss or pay for overweight, especially if you have chosen low-cost airlines with their strict requirements. Besides, you will be more mobile without all these heavy suitcases and bags. So, take only things you will put on and use. It is better to leave at home all these posh outfits and accessories.
Don’t forget about discounts
Student years are a great time to use all the benefits of your position. For instance, an ISIC student card will provide you with a chance to get a huge number of all kinds of discounts in different countries of the world. It is about discounts on transport, discounts in certain chains of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and even visits to museums and attractions. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity for additional savings.
Take care of your transport
If you want to save money, you should avoid taxis and opt for public transport or bicycle rentals. Taxis are always the most expensive way to travel. It would be great to read about all the possible options before departure. This way, you will save a lot of money. However, sometimes it is more convenient and cheaper to use a private transfer, for example, when you are traveling together with many friends. Don’t ignore bus tours since they are usually inexpensive and will help you get to know the city’s main attractions.
Don’t visit expensive restaurants
If you want to try some local food, try to find out in advance where you can buy it without paying a lot of money. Pay attention to street fairs and even local fast-food chains. Usually, it costs much less, but still extremely tasty. If you see many locals in some restaurant or cafe, it means the chances are high that you will find real national cuisine, minimal prices, and the most delicious dishes. And if food is not something you are fond of, you can save money on food by buying simple and hearty foods in local supermarkets.