How to Travel for Cheap While You Are in College
A college finance blog.
Traveling with friends can be so much fun! However, trips can create a huge dent in your wallet! Because COVID kept everyone locked inside, everyone is craving to go on a vacation! Itching for a trip with your best friends? Here are my tips to help you travel on a budget.
- Set aside a strict budget for your trip!
Setting aside a budget beforehand allows you to know exactly how much you want to spend while planning for your trip! This can be extremely helpful for picking a destination. Most international trips will cost you more than $2,500 solely because of airfare. However, you can travel within the U.S. with a budget of less than that.
2. Find the cheapest flights you can!
Flying doesn’t have to be expensive! Early morning flights tend to be the cheapest, and flying in cheap seats is OK. Don’t spend money on comfort when flying. Certain airlines like Frontier and Southwest have prices and packages specifically for college students. Many airlines have additional luggage fees, so it is always smart to pack reasonably. Although booking flights on sites like Kayak or Expedia may seem cheaper, if problems like cancelations occur, it is a headache to reschedule or get refunds through outside parties. It is always smart to book directly with the airline to avoid extra problems.
If you are traveling to another state near you, try road-tripping and split the gas between you and your friends! Road trips are almost always cheaper and can be fun if you have the right playlist!
Saving Tip: Sign up for free mileage programs with your favorite airlines. You may get great offers, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on earning points that can be used for flights or travel expenses.
3. Skip Hotels and Go with Airbnb
If you are traveling with more than 3 people, look into booking an Airbnb or a VRBO. Hotel expenses can be high for a small space. With vacation rentals, you can find one that fits all your accommodations and split the cost within your group. It is also smart to stay in a rental with a kitchen to help save money on food and drinks when you go out. Be sure the rental is certified by the company and look at the reviews before booking.
4. Plan Your Own Itinerary and Try to Skip Pricey Excursions
Plan out your days, and don’t fall into tourist traps! Many activities you can do for free. However, if you are outside the U.S. or want to do an activity that you cannot do without a guide, do research beforehand and call the company directly to book your excursions. It is always best to call the company directly to negotiate deals than to go through a booking company.
5. Look at all Your Options for Transportation
Although taking an Uber may seem like a natural thing to do, look into other transportation options like bikes, car rentals, or metros! For example, if you are traveling to a city like New York with all the transportation options listed above, the metro will be your cheapest option. New York’s metro system can take you almost anywhere within the city!
Remember to travel safely and never go anywhere before researching the destination! Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t carry all your personal items with you at once. Enjoy your vacation, make memories, and take lots of photos!
Editor’s Note: This article was written for a class project. Information was found from various websites, including Budget Travel and U.S. News.
