1. Cash in any frequent flyer miles. If you've traveled recently via airplane a few times with the same airline, you may have racked up some frequent flyer points. Use those babies for some fun in the sun or a trip down the slopes. If you aren't enrolled in a frequent flyer program, ask around if anyone you know has any they're willing to part with! Some people even sell unused points and coupons on eBay. You can also rack up points by shopping with certain associated merchants and/or using certain credit card companies, allowing you use your points to book hotel rooms and earn special benefits aboard your flight, such as seat upgrades and preferred boarding. Check with your bank to see if you qualify for frequent flyer points.
2. You can cross the country for charity. Just like Forrest Gump, you too can run coast to coast. There are organizations like the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, which sponsors a 4K For Cancer, a program where participants, mostly or all college-aged, run or bike across the United States, raising tons of money for cancer research and visiting cancer treatment centers and their patients across the nation. What sounds more fulfilling than running through some of the most beautiful vistas in the nation for a good cause? You can also take part in programs like Habitat for Humanity, assisting in the construction of houses and the fight against homelessness in the United States.
3. Road trip. Good news for all you car owners out there: due to the United State's recent nuclear weapons settlement with Iran, gas prices are expected to drop dramatically across the nation starting this fall, as sanctions against the oil-rich nation will become looser or even lifted altogether. It's the perfect opportunity to pack up the car and head on out to the cities throughout the States that you've been waiting to see.
4. Study abroad! If your college or university offers study abroad programs, definitely take advantage of them! There are a myriad of opportunities in a myriad of destinations around the globe for a price not too much above that of the college tuition you already pay for. If you don't want to take classes, you can teach a language in another country or take part in immersion or service programs. To save additional money, you can live with a host family in your destination, cutting hostel or dorm costs. You can even make money while studying abroad by having your advisor set you up with an internship or job before you leave. Some programs do guarantee internship placement!
5. Cruise. Cruising is a hidden gem, as it's one of the cheapest vacations, has the most things to do, and grants you access to some of the most unbelievably gorgeous destinations in the world. It's a mode of traveling that is typically very affordable for people of all incomes. Prices come down to which line you choose (some are family oriented, like Carnival or Disney, and some are geared towards adults, like Royal Caribbean or Holland America), how long your trip is (most cruise lines offer between three and 11-day trips), and what kind of cabin you choose to stay in for the duration of your cruise. Because there's so much to do aboard a cruise ship, it's easy to sacrifice the comfort of a nicer room, because you really don't (well, you shouldn't) spend much time inside your cabin. Cut costs big-time by staying in an interior room and use that saved cash for the casino, baby! P.S. Cruise lines are also fabulously famous for dropping rates a week or two before debarkation; ships would most prefer to sail at full capacity, so you may be able to book a cheap room at the last minute!
6. Self-fundraise. There should be no shame in a little self-promotion. Take advantage of crowd-funding sites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter by opening up an account and spreading the word to everyone you know.
7. Save, save, save, and sell. It bears repeating: SAVE! It's so hard to do it, but you really will be thanking yourself later. It's hard to sacrifice a few lunch dates at Chipotle or a trip to the mall with your friends, but just tell yourself you're putting that money towards the trip of a lifetime. No matter what you do with your paycheck, put at least a quarter of it in a separate account that you do not touch. Some banks and credit unions specifically offer vacation club savings accounts, separate from your checking and savings accounts. If you can disable withdrawals from the account, even better. Let it sit there and earn interest until you're ready to enable withdrawals and make reservations. In the mean time, sell all of the old clothing, furniture, and other items you can bear to part with to add cash for your trip.
No matter how you're able to fund your travels, remember that money is only money and it's meant to be spent. There's a million and one (safe) ways to make money, and while it's important to know how to save and manage your funds, some opportunities only come once in a lifetime. The world is a big place and life is short. There's lots to see and money shouldn't be the only thing keeping you back from seeing it all. It's great to be prepared monetarily when those opportunities arise, but if you are unprepared, don't be ashamed by traveling cheaply. Happy travels, reader!
