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6 Tips For How To Travel The World When You're A Broke College Student

You just have to buy from the right places!

Elizabeth Clark

Dec 11, 2018

Bowling Green State University

100

6 Tips For How To Travel The World When You're A Broke College Student

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My best friend and I made the decision to travel to London and Amsterdam during our 2018 winter break.

As most of you know... Europe isn't cheap. Especially when you're a broke college student who is struggling to make ends meet.

Before I get into the logistics, I want to acknowledge that we did get some help from our parents, while we did foot most of the bill all on our own, we did not pay for its entirety. Both of us are extremely blessed and grateful to have parents willing to do that for us because we know that many people out there do not.

Anyway with lodging, airfare, and travel (round trip to both countries, including transportation to the airport and a couple of prepaid event tickets) our trip has cost each of us around $800. That may not sound cheap to you, and it doesn't to me either. But for comparison, the average four-day international trip cost Americans just over $3,500. That's per person.

Here's how we did it:

1. Student airfare discounts

Most people probably don't know this, but there are a lot of student airfare sites. My friend and I used Student Universe to find our tickets and book transportation. Students can save around 30 percent on airfare tickets.

2. The time you book your ticket matters

Domestically, it's cheaper to fly Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. While, in Europe, it's cheaper to fly over the weekend (x).

My friend and I are also traveling around Christmas time, a known time when airlines up their ticket prices. However, we booked our flights back in June. Now, those tickets are $1,700 plus and we saved over $1,200. So, if you're a student when you decide to book your flight matters, a lot.

3. Hostels, hostels, hostels!

Hostels are the dorms of the hotel world. They can cost as low as $5 a night! With these, you usually share a room with 6-10, or more, people. The more expensive, the more private.

If you want to travel on a budget, you have to get over wanting your own private little cocoon. Sharing a space with other people is the best way to your price low.

If you're worried about being with people you don't know, try seeing if you can travel with a bigger group of friends!

4. Think like a local, not a tourist

A local is going to know how to have a fun time in their city without breaking the bank. While touristy things can be really fun, (and yes you should still do them if you really want too) you have an entire city to see! The best places to visit are usually little hidden gems.

A lot of cities have an abundance of free things to do, you just have to seek them out! Parks and museums are your best bet.

5. Don't check any bags

Checking bags is expensive, a hassle and usually not required. Most airlines allow up to two free carry-on's, so pack light and don't be afraid to re-wear an outfit or two!

6. Cook your meals when you can

While food is a necessary part of an overseas, cultural experience...it adds up. Most hostels come with a shared cooking space, so cook at least one meal a day there and you'll be surprised how much you save!

I hope these tips helped, and if you do decide to travel abroad make sure you stay safe. Most importantly, have fun!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

6 Tips For How To Travel The World When You're A Broke College Student

You just have to buy from the right places!

1. Student airfare discounts

2. The time you book your ticket matters

3. Hostels, hostels, hostels!

4. Think like a local, not a tourist

5. Don't check any bags

6. Cook your meals when you can

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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