Travel requires two things that college students have the least of: time and money. However, if you find yourself fortunate enough to have the luxury of receiving a break from the daily routine of classes, work, and homework this summer, you might still think that some well-earned rest and relaxation is out of your budget. It doesn’t have to be. With these tips, I hope to provide you with a sense of spontaneity and a little summer fun before you hit the books again next fall.
Warm summer air always brings the dream of lounging all day in some tropical paradise that you probably can’t pronounce the name of; but if you only have a few weeks and even fewer dollars in your bank account, you’re going to want to know the cheapest ways to get that sun kissed glow before August comes around.
Now that you’re dreaming of wasting your days on a beach somewhere, how do you get there? Airline tickets are insanely priced, especially when traveling to those highly dreamed about locations. How do you find the best flight without breaking your bank?
1. Compare
Beginning with a quick google search for your intended destination is likely to result in many flights with prices ranging from just expensive to more than your monthly salary. However, your search can be made easier with sites such as: Kayak, Matrix, Yapta, and Hipmunk. These sites provide everything from side by side comparisons down to the agony rating of each flight. Yapta even provides refunds for flights that you have booked before a price drop, putting more money back into your own pocket.
2. Purchase
It has been determined, through previous years of data, that there is no specific formula or fool proof method for making sure that you receive the best price for your ticket every single time, but there are times when you are most likely to find the best deal for your ticket. Tuesday is your day. Afternoon is your time. Airlines release new flights at this time; therefore, prices for existing flights tend to be at their lowest in order to compete with other airlines. On a more broad spectrum, if you don’t happen to make it to that tropical island in the middle of the salty seas, domestic flights offer the best ticket prices three months to thirty days prior to departure. However, if you’ve been saving your pennies and are able to head off the grid for a few weeks, international flights offer their best rates between one and five months prior to departure which leaves an ample amount of room for saving, planning, deciding, and comparing.
3.Travel
Now you have purchased your ticket to your few weeks of paradise, wherever that may be, there are a few more tips and tricks to keep money in your bank and make sure that your trip is memorable in the best way. You have earned your vacation by working hard all year long and you’re eager to reach your destination. However, a little bit of patience can reward your wallet. Flights with connecting stops are most likely to be cheaper than those that are non-stop. Also, if you’re willing to miss out on a few hours of sleep – which, let’s face it, you’ll get them back while you’re soaking up the summer sun – taking an earlier flight is likely to save you a little extra cash as well. Lastly, you have all summer to plan your trip, choosing the right days of the week to travel –Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday – is a small step in saving you yet a little more money to enjoy while on your summer vacation.
When you’re a college student working to keep your grades up to par and budget enough to afford the things you need, a vacation can seem far-fetched. But by using these simple tips, traveling can be possible. So, whether you travel to your back yard and soak up a little bit of the outdoors or spend your vacation in Bora Bora, I hope that you take the time to relax and recharge this summer.
