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11 Ways To Travel On A Budget

A college students guide to traveling...

emilykaye3

Nov 05, 2018

Villanova University

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Emily Kaye

As a college student abroad in Europe, I have love-hate relationship with traveling. I love the freedom I have and the ability to explore so many cool places and cultures. I hate the accumulation of expenses after each weekend trip, especially extra costs that could have been avoided with more research and planning. After much trial and error, I have found a few tips that have helped me plan smoother, more cost-effective trips that will not break the bank. All thought a little more extra time spent planning is required, I promise it is well worth your time!

1. Book Early

Trust me, I have learned the hard way on this one. Booking flights last minute is not only stressful, but the prices are exponentially higher. If you book early the experience is much more painless, stress free, and doesn't break the bank as much.

2. Timing is everything

Some parts of the year or even certain weekends can be cheaper depending on where you are going, so it makes sense to research flight times and play around with the travel days. Usually weekends will be more expensive than days of the week. I have also found that booking flights on a Monday or Tuesday have proven to be the cheapest. Use websites such as Student Universe or Skyscanner for especially good deals as well.

3. Free activities and attractions

Many cities have free parks, beaches, and museums that you can visit especially as a student. All it takes is a quick internet search to see all of the free and low cost sites available to see.

4. Airbnb

Airbnb is a game changer when it comes to traveling. Why wouldn't you want to get a whole apartment to yourself that is cheaper than a hotel room or hostel? There are also so many cool apartments and private rooms to choose from with stunning locations and views.

5. Do your research

This is huge because it is super easy to get nickled and dimed when it comes to low cost airlines. Make sure you read the fine print for your airline, transportation, and accommodations. As a college student, I know this can seem unnecessary, but I recently had to pay extra for an overweight bag which was not ideal.

6. Travel with more people

The more the merrier! More people means splitting the costs more ways. This applies to transportation such as taxis and ubers as well as living accomodations. Also, it is much more enjoyable exploring new places with friends by your side.

7. Look into transportation ahead of time

Depending on where you go, you may need to rent a car, figure out public transportation, or use uber/taxis. Spend time researching what the best option is efficiency and price wise in your destination.

8. Use connections

If you have friends or family where you are traveling definitely reach out and see if you can stay with them or if they have suggestions on cheap accommodations, transportation options, or activities.

9. Travel light (if you can)

Airlines have requirements when it comes to number of bags and the size of the bags. In order to make sure you are not charged extra for your bags, make sure you are packing efficiently. Some tips I have found helpful are to pack neutral colors and pieces that are easy to layer. As a terrible packer myself, I understand this can be extremely difficult, but you will not need that extra pair of shoes or jacket for a short trip.

10. Try to cook

Especially if you have an airbnb, cooking can be super easy on vacation. Groceries are cheaper and easy to find and looking up an easy recipe on pinterest can make you feel like a local!

11. Talk to locals

Locals truly know best. They may have suggestions on affordable gems off the beaten path that have specials for the locals or offer certain discounts for students, etc.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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11 Ways To Travel On A Budget

A college students guide to traveling...

1. Book Early

2. Timing is everything

3. Free activities and attractions

4. Airbnb

5. Do your research

6. Travel with more people

7. Look into transportation ahead of time

8. Use connections

9. Travel light (if you can)

10. Try to cook

11. Talk to locals

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

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2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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