Student years are the perfect time to complete as much from one’s bucket list as possible. Fewer obligations, readiness to embrace the new, and higher tolerance to minor discomfort – it all creates an ideal momentum for traveling the world. Except for the money that is usually lacking. But if you wish for something hard enough, there are always the ways to make it real. We’ve collected a list of the best ideas for students on how to afford traveling on a budget.
1. Combine Learning and Traveling
Thanks to the tradition of academic freedom and cooperation, virtually all students now can study for a part of their degree in any university beyond their own. It means that with some efforts you can choose to study for a semester in France, Ireland, or Japan. A great chance to explore new culture, language, cuisine, and people. As regards the finances, most academic mobility options imply support with accommodation. You’d also have many student discounts and free opportunities that exist in abundance in most countries.
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Surely, a full-time learning may come in conflict with your ambitious travel plans. To lighten the workload, you can always refer to the trustworthy coursework writing service that would help with the university tasks while you’re travelling.
2. Combine Travel and Work
Another option would require finding some job at the place of your destination. It could be short-term seasonal work at agricultural farms or as a lifeguard at watersides through summer. Most of such seasonal works offer some kind of lodging and even food. You would need to care for your entertainment and miscellaneous expenses only.
You can always look for a serious job in other country compliant with your education and skills. As a benefit, you’d have a regular salary to support your travel plans. However, time for trips would be significantly limited to the weekends only.
3. Become A Volunteer
If you are open to the altruistic idea of helping others without a monetary compensation, volunteering may be a great experience for you. There are thousands of projects inviting the youth to come to help for some time. Sure, often volunteers work quite hard and in emotionally draining conditions. But the variety is much bigger, including English teaching to kids, caring for animals in national parks, help with organic farming, etc. In most volunteering projects organizers provide accommodation, sometimes food and leisure activities too.
4. Couchsurfing Saves Your Wallet
Although it’s not for everyone, such services as Couchsurfing are great for economizing and exploring the local life. Do the careful research, check the references, and take reasonable precautions to stay safe. The returns for the preparations are usually great. You get a place to sleep for free and much more. The host are often very friendly people ready to show the city, cook a traditional food for you, or at least help with finding necessary transport and shops.
5. Hostels Are Next-to-Free Option
If living at a stranger’s home make you uncomfortable, you can always stay at hostels. They are often quite cheap and on the bonus side usually locate close to main tourist attractions. You’d get some roommates for the opportunity to save money. But these people may become your travel buddies to enjoy the trip together. Hostels usually have a shared kitchen with some free treats for guests that would help save on breakfasts at least.
6. Ditch The Luggage
Tourist with a suitcase is a classy image. But in reality heavy bearings cause many troubles and expenses. You can travel light with a carry-on to avoid check-in luggage costs on the flights. It also saves you the waiting time at the drop-off. With all belongings packed in a backpack or smaller suitcase you are more mobile and independent.
7. Shop For Groceries Like Locals
Food is the next biggest expense line after accommodation and transportation. And probably the hardest to cut back on. Tasting local cuisine at nice cafes and restaurants is an important component of any trip. But rather pricy one. Students can save money and still embrace the local food culture by being creative. Instead of eating at a restaurant, you can go to the market and shop for the traditional meal you’d cook with your travel companions or newly met locals. It would be an experience to remember.
8. Travel Off the Beaten Track
Costs of living varies differently across any country. It is even more significant for touristic spots that may be unreasonably expensive. If you choose a capital or other most visited city, be prepared to spend a lot. However, any country has hidden gems and captivating sights beyond key tourist attractions. Less popular route would provide lower prices and less crowds too.
9. Plan Your Activities Ahead
From the plane tickets to the museums, there is a big chance to pay less (or nothing) if you plan for it in advance. Many museums offer one free-entry day a month. There are timeslots for discounted food at supermarkets and cafes. Some cities would have special offers for students. You just have to be attentive and prepared to do some research.
10. Choose Unconventional Travel Options
Classic traveling is dominating the industry, but there are already many options how to make it different. Interestingly, many alternative travel style are also much cheaper. Camping in nature is one of such ideas. Or you can choose traditional urban routes but stay for the night in a tent. There is also a whole subculture of travelers that move and live in camper vans. You can rent one and have an all-inclusive journey on wheels.
Photo by Tommy Lisbin on Unsplash
Money can make traveling easier. But economizing opens many interesting ways to make your trip remarkable. Spend your students years on creating amazing memories from great journeys.