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Lifestyle

Don't You Dare Plan An International Vacation Without Following These 5 Tips

Oh darling, let's be adventurers.

Gianna D'Ambrozio
Aug 09, 2018
The State University of New York at Stony Brook
58
Beach
Gianna D'Ambrozio

In January 2019, I am going out of the country for the first time. I am SO excited because I have only really experienced the East Coast of the United States. I am traveling to Paris, Venice, and Rome with my boyfriend for a 15-day trip. This whole summer I have been planning every detail of the trip from the best Roman restaurants to the most magical gondola rides. I have learned quite a lot from planning this amazing trip on a college student's budget. Here are five useful tips when planning a cheap international vacation as a student.

1. Plan in advance

Buy flights and hotels months in advance on Expedia or another budget travel website for the best deals. On Expedia and other similar websites, they tell you when the best time to buy tickets is. Recently, I bought tickets to travel from New York to Paris to Venice to Rome and back to New York for only 600 dollars!

2. Ask friends and relatives if they know anyone who lives in the country you're traveling to

Fortunately, my boyfriend's parents know a person in Rome that owns a hotel. My boyfriend and I are staying at his hotel for a very small fee. This saves us so much money because hotels in downtown Rome can be very expensive for broke college students.

3. Book a hotel that includes breakfast

You can save money on one meal every day if your hotel serves breakfast. I've only been booking hotels that serve breakfast so my boyfriend and I can save some money in the morning (to spend more money later in the day).

4. Do your research

Stay away from tourist traps and talk to people you know and/or people online who have been there. I have been reading blogs about the tourist traps in Paris, Venice, and Rome. You can also talk to workers at your hotel about the best local attractions to visit.

5. Get a bag that meets the requirements for a carry-on

If you use a carry-on as your main bag, you can save money on exorbitant fees for checking big luggage. Pack lightly! I'm buying a rolling carry-on bag that meets the requirements on all of the airlines I'm flying on, so I won't have to spend 70+ dollars on checking a bag for each of my flights. Many of the hotels I am staying at has washers and dryers, so I will re-wear many of my outfits throughout my trip.

Happy travels!

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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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