How to Travel as a Broke College Student

By Ian Acosta on July 20, 2017

Money can be a tough resource to manage. I do not need to tell you this, you are a college student. Between eating ramen and spending the rest of your money going out on Fridays and Saturdays, budgeting money for anything else seems almost impossible! Never mind traveling anywhere!

However, that is why we are here. How can you travel as a broke college student so that you experience life outside of your campus dorm or apartment? Here are some tips for traveling as a broke college student.

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Plan ahead

If you are planning to travel on your holiday breaks such as during the fall or spring, do NOT wait until the month before to start planning. Especially if you plan on taking a trip during the winter, plan ahead, like, a couple months beforehand to ensure you get a great deal on some plane/train tickets. Additionally, it will give you time to budget out your entire trip with what little money you have.

Research where you want to stay

Much like for the paper you are currently putting off, you need do some research for your trip. Specifically, you need to research where you would like to stay. If you are looking to keep the trip on the cheaper side, which is the point of this article, research some cheap motels and hostels that are not too much of a letdown.

There is a fine line between settling on service and settling on price. Do not stay in the most dilapidated place possible just to save a few bucks. Considering you are on a budget, hotels may not be the best option for you.

Consider Airbnb as another cost effective option. Typically if you book it far enough in advance, you can get a great deal and a nice comfy bed to sleep in all in one. Visit www.hostelworld.com or www.airbnb.com for more information on these options, or do your own research according to your housing preferences. Whatever you do, be sure to keep a balance between cutting costs and being comfortable.

Get a credit card with sweet rewards

Specifically, apply for a credit card with some free airline miles. The benefit to this is two-fold. One, it allows you to build up your credit history while simultaneously earning free rewards, such as airline miles, which can go a long way towards planning and ultimately going on your trip.

The most strategic way to do this is to apply for a credit card while in high school or in your freshman year of college. Use it to pay off manageable expenses such as food, utilities, and some books. By making your monthly payments, you are also accruing rewards which can help you and your friends go on that getaway you have been talking about for a while.

Budget

If you don’t have much money to spend in the first place, this one won’t be too hard. Budget your money well. Do your best to keep yourself to a strict limit of how much you will spend on each meal, spend each day, or spend in a given city. It will help you budget for other items such as souvenirs or gifts to take back home with you. See what your friends and family have done to try and make the most out of their trips with what little money they had. You can no doubt pick up a couple of tips and tricks from them as well.

Strategic packing

Some airlines will give you a free checked bag. If the airline you choose to fly on does not do this you will no doubt need to pack a tad lighter. Why? The more you pack, the heavier your bag, and thus, the more you will pay to check your bag due to airline rules and regulations. Travel light, be sure to pack only a few outfits, and budget some funds on laundry money.

Take some tours

Some tours are free depending on where you go. There are free events and places to explore wherever you travel. Take a free historical tour of the city you are visiting or a tour on the city’s architecture. Go to the town’s city hall for some free information on the goings on in the city and see what the locals like to do for fun on a budget.

Volunteer

Want to make a difference while also traveling to see the world? Consider applying for a volunteer abroad program. This gives you a great chance to see the world for free while helping a great cause AND you get to pad your resume a little bit in the process. Many programs involve immersing yourself in local cultures for a specific cause. What better way to travel and learn more about the world while also not spending much money?

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