I love traveling.
I also love saving money.
These two things don't often go together, because traveling on a college budget isn't easy, and most of the time, traveling doesn't even feel like an option.
But, like the proactive and daydreaming millennial that I am, I found some websites and apps for that! So here are a few resources and tips I've found that will help you make those traveling fantasies a (less expensive) reality.
1. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is your friend.
And if your schedule is relatively flexible, Skyscanner is your best friend. Just type in where and when you want to go, and this website will compare rates to find you the cheapest flights available (round-trip or one way!).
But the best part about this website—and what I like to do when I'm feeling stuck in Walla Walla—is their "Everywhere" option. Just go to the destination box and select "Everywhere," and if you're feeling really crazy, go to the "Depart" box and click "Whole month," then select "Cheapest Month." They'll give you a whole list of dates and places to go (ranked by price low to high, #bless) and the options are ENDLESS. As of today, I could go to Costa Rica for a week in September, round-trip, for $345! Not that I will because #broke, but it's nice to know that I could!
It's the best. And even if you never book a ticket, it's fun to dream.
2. Mind My House
This one will probably work best for graduates or gap-year people, but again, fun to dream! MindMyHouse.com has a database full of amazing homes all over the world that need responsible house-sitters.
The website is kind of hard to navigate at first, but if you go down to the bottom of the page and click "Search house sitting assignments by location," you can search for your favorite places. I like to look through the homes in France because it makes me feel fancy. Each location has different requirements (age, time of the year, length of stay) and lots of them ask house-sitters to also pet-sit and garden during their stay.
So basically, in exchange for a little light housekeeping and gardening, you could live for a bit in rural France with three Yorkshire terriers, one collie, one goose, two ducks, two cats, five goats, and five sheep. FOR FREE. (I'M NOT MAKING THIS UP.)
Also, this house in the Andes surrounded by fruit and coffee trees. On top of a mountain. With three dogs and a cat. Available for two months. I'll just leave that there:
(Also, if you end up going to either of these places, just know that I fully expect an invite. I'm great with dogs.)
3. AirBnB
By now, everyone probably has heard about this money-saving, city government-confounding little website/app. AirBnB is full of cute, cheap getaways, whether you're looking for a full house/apartment (my first choice for sure) or a private room (probably more budget-friendly). It's perfect for roadtrips or even a local weekend getaway, and more personal—and oftentimes cheaper—than a hotel.
There are even some options here in Walla Walla. (Side note: listing your place can also be a great way to earn a little extra cash for future adventures!)
Also, how cute is that little "igloo by the sea"? It's like three square feet, but still. Sign me up.
4. Roadtrip
Go while gas is cheap! Take your family or a friend or a group of friends. It's a great way to both see the country and get to know whoever you're traveling with. And trust me, you learn a lot.
Just remember to keep a healthy balance of planning/spontaneity. You need places to sleep (hint: refer to #3), but you probably don't need to make an hourly itinerary. (Side note: if that's your thing and the people you're traveling with don't mind, then go crazy and plan away!)
5. Go local
I used to think staycations seemed so dumb, but now I totally see the appeal. A few days spent away from the dorm and with friends, doing something fun and active—sounds like a dream.
So try somewhere close that you've never been! Go camping (I'm dying to try out one of these tree tents!), book a yurt (like five years in advance), stay at a local hot springs, or drive to the beach and stay in a little house. Find local events like farmers markets or concerts. Buy some food and take it on a hike for an extreme picnic.
The whole point is that—at the risk of sounding like a 13-year-old girl's Instagram bio—adventure is out there! Hopefully these tips will help you find it—and save you some money along the way.
