We’ve all been there: dreaming about a nice, warm beach vacation while sitting in your 8:30 a.m. class. You go on your phone (after class, of course) and start to look up the quickest flight to the warmest destination, to find that the prices are way too high for your college student budget. This is a dilemma that many students face when the topic of vacationing arise.
While vacationing is a fun and culturally immersive experiment, it may seem like traveling to another destination may be too much for those looking to save. However, there are many tips and tricks that could benefit anyone looking to see the world but not break the bank.
First step in deciding where to travel is establishing budget, and how much you want to allocate for a certain thing. For example, like staying in an AirBNB as opposed to a hotel, going on walking tours instead of expensive private tours, and cooking for yourself instead of eating out for every meal could save you hundreds of dollars.
“Students should travel because it’ll help them realize how immense and different the rest of the world can be. This will make them culturally competent and globally aware, which will help them as people in everyday life, and, practically, will help them as they prepare for the working world. Being more open and well-rounded because of travel will give them an edge when searching for jobs,” office coordinator for Study Abroad Samantha Falvey said.
Heidi Bludau, Ph.D., a lecturer of history and anthropology offered two places where people can save the most money is on food and accommodations.
“On food, don’t be afraid to eat where the locals eat and even go to a grocery store. Hostels often provide kitchen facilities and you can cook for yourself,” Bludau said. “Also, bring your own food on trains – pick something up from the grocery store, like sandwiches.”
If staying stay in a hotel, make sure to check if they offer free meals like breakfast or brunch.
Marissa LaSala, a sophomore political science student, is traveling to Hungary for the International Service Seminar with other Monmouth students during spring break of 2018. She says that one way she is preparing to save money on the trip is by planning ahead.
“Taking out your money in the United States and exchanging it here is better than doing it abroad. It costs less to do it in the States and lets you control how much you’re going to spend.”
She also plans on sticking strictly to carrying cash. “Sometimes while traveling abroad, banks will charge you if you use your card in other countries. It is much easier to just use cash and not feel tempted to swipe your card whenever you want something pricey.”
Bludau believes that students’ biggest fear while abroad is losing their money. “I think the biggest concern is getting robbed. Understand how to get the currency you need. If you are traveling in a place with cash machines, that’s great because you don’t need to carry a lot on you. But check your bank fees regarding using foreign ATMs.”
Carrying cash is a great solution, but you have to be careful not to carry too much of it.
Planning ahead for the day and allocating how much money would be needed, as well as keeping the rest in a secure place are all tips to take with you on your next endeavor. There are many international destinations that people can visit that will not cost as much as people assume. So, be sure to keep in mind these tips and explore the world.
PHOTOS TAKEN by Alexandria Afanador
