Since coming back from being abroad, like most of my peers in similar situations, I've been longing to go back for my next adventure. Unfortunately, my funds as a senior in college are quite limited. Traveling is normally the most expensive part of, well, traveling. By that I mean that the thing that is going to cost you the most is buying the plane ticket there. I've learned some tricks of the trade from my time abroad and going back since then, and I've decided to share!
1. Best apps
What I've found to be the most helpful when finding my flight back to wherever I'm going (normally it's Ireland) is to use the apps on my phone. Hopper shows you a calendar year and highlights in green the cheapest days to fly, and in red the most expensive ones. Using this, you can pick the cheapest flying route, but it doesn't stop there. It will actually tell you when to buy your ticket! Just make sure you enable your notifications and it will tell you when they've got the cheapest flight available. Take my advice, just buy it if it's the cheapest you've seen. Don't wait a day or two, or you'll miss out on the $372 round trip ticket to Ireland like I did. Another good app to have on hand is Travelocity. I always use this site to get my cheapest tickets, and it hasn't failed me yet!
2. Plan ahead
Now that you've got your flight to where you're going, the best thing you can do is to make your plan. I know I'm obsessive when it comes to planning things out, but in general, I do like to leave my actual days in the place I'm exploring a little more spontaneous. However, after missing trains and being late for museum tickets I'd already pre-purchased, just take my advice on this one. Buying tickets you're going to need before time is going to save you not only your time and energy, but also money. For example, if you know during your trip to Italy you're going to need to go from Florence to Rome, go ahead and buy your train ticket ahead of time. You won't be stressed trying to figure it out on the day of, and you'll definitely save some cash for extra cookies or coffee!
3. Pack lightly
While some planes are going to let you check a bag for free, other airlines will charge you an arm and a leg. Literally. Okay, maybe not literally, but I'd almost rather give that up! If you're traveling within Europe, the cheapest flights are going to be with Ryanair or Easyjet, and while the flights are by no means first class, they are pretty much always on time and get the job done for half of the price than their competitors. Invest in really good carry-on luggage or a nice hiking backpack; they will serve you well. This really only works if you're a super minimalist or if you're going away for two weeks or less, otherwise, just spend the extra money to check your bag. Sometimes it can be worth it.
4. Skip the tacky souvenirs
We're all guilty of it. You're in Paris, and you see a little french baguette magnet for the fridge. Your mom will love it, it will hang up that picture you drew in the third grade forever. Now, while this may be true, your mom will not miss that magnet if you never bring it home. Save your money for the metro tickets you'll have to buy or the drinks you want to get with friends on a night out. When you buy something from abroad, make sure it's something that you're going to want and use more than just once. If it's a gift, the rule is this: unless it's your closest friend or family member and it's something that they can't get anywhere else, then maybe just skip buying it. Take pictures back home with you, not things. I promise your mom will love hanging the photo of you up by the Eiffel Tower on the fridge with a normal magnet way more.
5. Location, location, LOCATION!
Where you stay in a city definitely matters. Before booking anything, check out a map and see how easy the city is to get around by foot or public transport, and then see where the places you're going to spend the most of your time are. If you can't get there easily, then go ahead and spend the extra cash to get a place nearby. However, if you're in a city like Paris or Lisbon, you're probably going to be able to get where you want to be via metro or tram! In this case, pick a place maybe further out from the city center. Hotels can be expensive, and if you're willing, try checking out Hostel World or Airbnb, which are sites that help you find cheaper accommodation. With Airbnb, a personal favorite, you can choose to share a room, get a private room, or get an entire place to yourself! You can also narrow in on the price parameters you have and say how many people you'll be traveling with.
6. Eat like a local
While it can awesome going to the #1 Trip Advisor restaurant (and I do highly recommend doing that) it can also be nice to eat like a local does! If you've chosen to stay in an Airbnb, go check out the fresh markets and get some food to make at home! If you're in a hostel, you're bound to meet people from all over the world. Offer to have a big dinner with everyone and have people each make something that is custom to their own country. It saves money and gives you more of a real experience rather than just a tourist one. If you're bound and determined to not cook while you're traveling, then check out the Groupon page for the country you're in. Just make sure you get the domain right. Examples: if you're in France: groupon.fr, and if you're in Ireland: groupon.ie. This gives you access to not only possible tours available, but good deals on restaurants in your area as well!
I hope these tips helps you all with your travels as much as they've helped me. If you have any other tips and tricks, make sure to mention them in the comments section!
