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How to Travel More as a Broke Full-Time College Student

College is mostly a very boxed-in time of your life – time-wise, and money-wise definitely. Sure, you might think that there’s no way you will be able to travel while you have a full-time study schedule – and, yes, you might not be able to travel around the world when you’re a student, working part-time, but this doesn’t mean that travelling is impossible, certainly not.

On the contrary, with the right planning, a lot of imagination and a sharp eye for good deals, there is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to travel more – even with a student budget. This is how you do it. If you’re overwhelmed with studies and wondering “can you do my homework,” services like Academized can help. They specialise in helping students with writing tasks, giving you more time to focus on planning your travels.

1. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Where to Find Discounts

One of the biggest advantages of being a student is that you can get discounts. A Large number of travel companies, airlines, coach companies offer student rates. Student Universe and STA Travel offers flights, hotels and experience at discounted prices.

Research local museums, places of interest, and restaurants that you might visit at your destination, offering student deals that are based on exhibitions. Merely showing your student identification can save you a lot on entrance fees and meals. Sometimes, finding these deals ahead of time can save you both money and time, allowing you to enjoy the best coursework writing service experiences while exploring new places.

How to Use Discounts Smartly

Remember to book in advance. Sometimes you have to book through different sharing platforms or you have to sign up with a special email address (often student email addresses) to get these rates. So bring your ID, and do your research ahead of time.

2. Travel During Off-Peak Times

When to Travel Cheaply

Pay attention to the timing. Plan your trip outside the high seasons, and take flights and vacations during the week rather than on weekends, when it’s typically more expensive; avoid major holidays like Christmas, spring break.

Balancing Travel and School

It might sound counter-intuitive, being a full-time student, but look into travelling during the long weekends or when you don’t have classes for weeks on end. The flexibility will help you get better prices and you won’t miss classes!

3. Use Budget Transportation Options

Flying Low-Cost Airlines

Some budget airlines, such as Southwest or Spirit, offer flights that are significantly cheaper because they have reduced service amenities – they have to make it worthwhile. If your flight does not include a meal or you can pack light (to avoid expensive baggage fees), you can get from one place to another without spending much.

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Bus and Train Alternatives

Meanwhile, if you’re not yet able to fly, you can take the bus or train. Greyhound or Megabus might charge as little as $1 if you book early enough. To get around Europe, try Flixbus, Eurail and other services.

4. Stay in Affordable Accommodations

Hostels and Couchsurfing

Accommodation is usually the largest expense, so your first move should be finding a hostel. For between $15 and $30 a night, a bunk in a hostel will allow you to meet other travellers. Most of the world’s hostels are listed at Hostelworld. Check out our guide here on the best hostels in the world.

10 hostel commandments

For those who opt for no-cost accommodation, Couchsurfing puts you up with a local, in exchange for company – the right way to get into the local vibe and stretch your travel budget to the limit.

Airbnb and Alternatives

You don’t have to stay in hostels, of course; you can home-share through Airbnb, or rent a room or flat through one of the many home-sharing sites. This can be cheaper than hotels, and you’ll have a kitchen so that you can save on food.

5. Learn to Travel Light

Packing Smart

Firstly, overpacking costs money. For instance, airlines now often charge to check bags, and you’ll save some cash and avoid stress getting around airports if you’re gliding along with just a carry-on.

Essential Items Only

Pack light: take as few things with you as possible. Pick clothes that you can wear in different combinations. You can generally find laundry somewhere – at a hostel or an Airbnb – so you don’t need a different outfit for each day.

6. Plan Your Meals Wisely

Grocery Shopping Instead of Eating Out

Food is another big thing on the checklist when travelling, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of eating out every time, make grocery runs to local stores or markets, and prepare some simple meals. Most hostels and Airbnbs come with kitchens, cooking and saving money has never been easier.

Budget-Friendly Dining

For the days you do eat out, try to avoid tourist-heavy areas where food will be overpriced. Instead, seek out local spots that are not as easy to find: apps like Yelp or TripAdvisor can help you filter cheap restaurants with high ratings.

7. Look for Free or Cheap Activities

Explore the Outdoors

A lot of the best travel is also free: think of the experience of visiting parks and beaches. Or getting outside and hiking. National parks, state parks or just scenic outdoor areas might be your best-looking bet.

Free Walking Tours and Museums

Many cities offer free walking tours; these are usually done by locals and you pay what you can afford. And a lot of museums have free days or are free for students.

Conclusion

If you’re a full-time student who loves to travel, it’s possible to do so somewhat cheaply. You can make the most out of your time and money – and all that school takes out of you – by travelling more while saving money. From using student discounts, travelling off-peak and staying in hostels to simply packing lightly, these strategies can all help you travel more, and stay under budget.

Comparison of Travel Options for Broke Students

Travel MethodAdvantagesChallenges
Student DiscountsSave on flights, buses, attractionsMay require booking through specific sites
Off-Peak TravelLower prices for flights, accommodationsRequires flexibility with class schedules
Budget TransportationLow-cost airlines, buses, and trainsLimited comfort, long travel times
Affordable AccommodationsCheap hostels, Couchsurfing, AirbnbLimited privacy, shared spaces in hostels
Light PackingSaves on baggage feesRequires careful packing and essentials-only mindset
Grocery ShoppingCuts meal costs dramaticallyMay limit dining out experiences
Free ActivitiesExplore parks, beaches, free toursMay need research to find them in each destination

If you can do this, then travel during college is one of the best budget investments you’ll ever make.

**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.

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