Your time in college is perfect for exploring your plans and passions, other cultures, and even the world. But if you’d like to spend time traveling during school breaks before you’re saddled with a 9-to-5 job, that travel can get pricey.
Fortunately, you also have some things going for you—namely your freedom and flexibility. Here are some ways you can put them to good use to save money on travel while you’re in college.
Travel With Friends
While you’re in school, you’re surrounded by people your age who share your interests. By planning a trip with a group of friends, you can all save money by splitting certain costs. Have your group pitch in together for a hotel room and split the cost of taxis or car rentals. Take turns cooking meals instead of always eating out. You might even be able to find group discounts on admission to popular tourist spots.
Enjoy School-Sponsored Excursions
Another benefit of traveling while you’re in college is that your school likely has some organized trips available to you. They might not be to your dream spots, but you could possibly get bus or plane tickets at a discounted rate. Use this opportunity to explore cities and cultural attractions you might never have thought to visit on your own. School-sponsored trips can also be a great way to meet fellow students you may have never crossed paths with.
Take Day Trips
If you can’t afford to travel overseas, think regionally instead. Pull up Google Maps or another online map service to figure out a three-hour driving radius from campus. Are there any interesting locations there? If so, you can take an easy day trip to save on hotel costs and flights. If you happen to be near a major city, you might even be able to take several day trips there to explore different museums and other attractions. Bonus points if they’re free attractions like the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C.
Roam the Country on a Road Trip.
Want to drive a little further? Consider a road trip. You and your friends can split the cost of gas, save money by staying in out-of-the-way motels, or sleep in the car as you alternate driving to see an entire region over the course of a week.
This is a great option if you enjoy nature. You’ll save even more by avoiding expensive attractions and spending your time hiking or exploring a coastal area instead. Just make sure you have roadside assistance (through your car dealer, credit card, or AAA), so you can get help if you find yourself stranded.
Trade Hotels for Hostels.
If you have to stay overnight, consider staying at a hostel rather than a traditional hotel. Sure, you’ll probably have to share your space and sacrifice a bit of privacy, but hostels can be significantly cheaper. Besides, you aren’t traveling to sit around in a hotel room, right?
Don’t miss out on travel experiences just because of cost! Try out these tips to save money on travel and begin exploring your corner of the world.
