I get it. You’re broke. You’re exhausted. All you ever really want to do is lay in bed and eat pizza (at the same time). If you feel like you’ve lost your love or excitement for life, chances are you’re in need of a little travel therapy. Even if you don’t have the time or the money to pursue the adventures you’ve been dreaming of, chances are there are a few ways to find your “getaway” fix.
The easiest solution is to opt for something local. You might not be going too far, but even slightly new surroundings can make you feel a million miles away from reality. Spend some time looking up things to do in your state or just outside of your city. Born and raised in Arizona, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve grown up with that have STILL never been to the Grand Canyon. Don’t be an embarrassment to your state/city. Get out there and explore, you never know what you might discover.
If you happen to scrape up enough savings, even a couple hundred dollars can get you a long way. Depending on where you live, transportation and costs may vary but if you are lucky enough to live in a big city your opportunities expand astronomically. Websites like Skyscanner, Hostelworld, or AirBnB can help you find affordable travel destinations and accommodations that will keep things well within your budget. It also makes things like booking flights and a place to stay much easier to price compare and find the best option for you.
If you’re someone who is looking to leave the country, something to keep in mind is that international trips don’t have to be taken through a study abroad and are actually MUCH cheaper when done your way. You can see everything you want to see and experience the culture even more than you would with a giant group of students spending thousands on a trip that could be done (if planned well) for hundreds. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to learn how to travel, in fact, people make it out to be a lot scarier than it actually is. All you really need to be a successful traveler is a good head on your shoulders, a good attitude, common sense, and a will to learn.
Whether your goal is to experience new things, refresh your perspective, or simply escape reality for a bit travel is a great outlet for people, especially students, to take a break from their hectic schedules and rediscover your passion for life and all things adventure.
