If one day somebody asks you about your student life what will you answer? Lectures, lecturers, essays, research works, home tasks, exams… It seems REALLY boring, doesn’t it? Time passes quickly and it is essential to fill your young student life with the most unforgettable moments. The brightest memories after finishing educational institutions consist of festivals, walking tours, visiting different cities, countries. Thus, what have we got? You are young, inquisitive, active and willing to explore the world but in some way you are pressed for time, temporarily with low income.
Obviously, the best things in life are free or at least cheap. It will be not a problem to find the way how to travel the world with no money. It doesn’t mean you will miss some additional opportunities which other usual travelers have. On the contrary, you are even able to visit and experience more breathtaking moments. What aim have we got? To watch the beautiful sunset alone or with you friends somewhere far away from home, to enjoy the moment and be sure that you are on the right way.
Aside from classes and internships, you have numerous breaks which allow you time to blow off some steam. If you don’t want to wait but have much work to do, ask to type your essay online before packing a backpack. Remember also that you don’t need expensive suitcases – just grab your backpack. You should be well-prepared for your trip as like before a serious exam. The more travel hacks you know the better. Check out the following key considerations of student trip and get ready for organizing the funniest and almost costless trip!
Do Thorough Research
A student’s job is to learn a lot and acquire valuable experience, isn’t it? The key to staying on budget is profound research. You should have a general idea of how much are the tickets and accommodation. There are a lot of useful travel tools which help to save money by tracking travel trends and notifying users of price changes. Sign up for travel deal newsletters which distribute flash-sale opportunities directly to your inbox. Just make sure you check your email regularly. Follow travel companies and agencies on Facebook or Twitter. You may find many daredevils who share their experience with everyone on the Internet. Travel blogs consist of budget travel tips, food recommendations, and details on what to do or where to stay. Probably, somebody of your groupmates has been to a particular country and knows the best root and the cheapest accommodation. You are not the first student to travel so why not learn from others’ mistakes? Plan ahead! Budget your money in advance and avoid doing this on the go. Being organized will save you oodles and oodles of money!
Search for Discounts
If you’re a student, you can use this status to gain some discounts when you spend. Use special travel booking services for students looking to travel the world. They offer special rates on flights, hotels, and tours, allowing students to travel more and spend less. You should verify your student status by providing some necessary information. For instance, a travel agent may ask you to share your class schedule, a copy of a student ID card or some other documents.
If your travel plans are fixed in terms of date and location you’re going to have a much harder time finding cheap flights. It will be much easier if you’re able to modify your dates and destination to fit with price changes. If you are traveling within the United States, Greyhound buses are one of the most affordable ways. Don’t miss the opportunity to take these fantastic experiences for very little coin.
As a student, you are entitled to 20% off any ticket and need only your Student Advantage Card, which makes your trip cheaper. If you are a full-time student you can get ISIC (International Student Identity Card). You will easily gain discounts on flights, accommodations, entertainment, shopping and more. Such kind of student travel ID provides student travel discounts on everything from travel itself to movies and books. You also get free insurance and gain inexpensive international phone calls. Flash this card at sightseeing spots around the world, even if no student travel discounts are advertised. Pick up a student ID before you go.
Do not Overpay for Accommodation
With our world becoming more and more connected, it is not unreasonable to have friends from all over the planet who speak several different languages. Take into consideration the following opportunities:
- Couchsurfing
- Stay in foreign friends’ home
- Global Freeloaders
- Hospitality Club
- Stay4Free
If you haven’t couchsurfed yet, get on it! Couchsurfing is a popular service that helps travelers to find a place to stay for free. It will be a nice idea to live with the local people who will show you the hidden part of their real life in the place you visit. Is it safe? There you are, in a new city/country – in a stranger’s home. You will probably nervous about your life and stuff. Use these criteria when you are looking for a Couchsurfing host:
There has to be a photo with the profile;
The profile has to be filled out;
Reviews are available.
All these features are peculiar to all listed websites. Actually, people who are willing to open their apartments and houses to strangers as like you tend to be very open-minded, and are former travelers as well. They know what you are going through and want to help. Moreover, the service offers various levels of verification and allows users to rate and leave comments.
Scholarship Trick
Some student-oriented travel sites offer scholarships to fund trips. Applying to one of these programs could add a few hundred or several thousand dollars to the budget. The only thing you should do is to prove that your trip has educational merit. Other organizations – including the Student Youth Travel Association, and National Geographic – also provide financial support to poor, ambitious voyagers-to-be.
Travel with Your Friends or Groupmates
Solo travel can be unforgettable, but if you are a student it is better to bring your close friends or groupmates along. Together you’ll explore historical landmarks, navigate public transportation, and eat some of the best food you’ll have in your life. It’s an Instagram story waiting to be told!
Traveling in a group can save you a lot of money. Share necessities and downsize your luggage. One friend carries toiletries, the other brings snacks. It is a great money- and time-saving idea to bring your own food. Even in the cheapest countries, local vendors try to upcharge tourists who come to them for a quick bite. Moreover, snacking between meals will help your company to stay engaged in all your adventures. In a group, you can take advantage of each other’s particular skills. You might not know how to cook, but your friend is actually a perfect cook. Meanwhile, you might be the only one who knows how to pitch a tent. Of course, traveling with other people complicates the planning process, and you might not always agree on where to backpack. Don’t let that scare you!
Karl Wittgenstein: I am a freelance writer currently based in London. Solving students career and university problems. Having the interest in marketing and business.
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