Traveling while in college can be expensive. Between tuition, rent, food, and all the other costs of college life, it is hard to set aside money for that spring break vacation you've been planning for so long. Here are some ways to help save money while planning for your dream vacation.
Look to see who has student discounts. Seriously. Everywhere you go, ask if they have a student discount. You'll be shocked at the amount of places that do. Here's a list of cool places that can save you some cash: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/60-awesome-student-discounts-on-clothes-tech-travel-and-more/
Sell your stuff. This may seem crazy, but do you really need that half of your wardrobe that you NEVER wear? The answer is probably not. So while you're selling that, throw in the 30 pairs of shoes you don't wear, along with anything else you don't use such as electronics or big pieces or furniture (like the big dresser that you no longer need because you sold your clothes). Besides, when traveling you need to pack light anyway, right?
Once you've picked a destination, you might want to consider camping instead of staying in a hotel. While you usually have to pay for a campground, the cost is usually significantly lower than a hotel.
Or just see who's house you can stay in for free. Websites like https://www.homeexchange.com/en/ can direct you to a house who is accepting travelers. The annual cost of membership through this website is $150 and there are several house listings in various areas among 150 countries. There is a downside to this: the concept is "you stay at my home and I stay at yours." Yes. Someone would potentially be staying at your house, which is a red flag to some people.
Bring food with you so you eat out less. While this might not be convenient, it can sure save quite a bit of money. If you can't bring food from home, go grocery shopping so you can have most of your meals before venturing out, and gives more time to adventure rather than sitting in a restaurant waiting for your bill to come.
Study abroad. Okay, this way might not be the cheapest, but it's one of the easiest. Most schools have a study abroad program which allows students to pick from a variety of countries, and they spend a semester there doing schoolwork and exploring the area. http://www.studyabroad.com can help find the right fit for your country of interest and your area of study. If you're interested, utilize this opportunity while you still can so you don't regret a missed chance once you graduate.
Check to see which mode of transportation can save you the most money. See where you can get the most bang for your buck, whether it be driving, flying, or taking a train or a bus. Websites such as https://www.groupon.com or http://www.tripadvisor.com can help find deals on transportation and even housing. Another option is hitchhiking. It is probably the cheapest way, however, not necessarily the safest.
Find places close to home. There are so many interesting spots to visit right around the corner from most places, so find something near you first before adventuring across the world. You can always find something somewhere.
Whatever you do, find a place you love, and go explore. Money can't buy happiness, but traveling sure can.
