Exposure to cultures and customs different from your own is an important part of college for most students. While interacting with other groups on campus can be a good start, there is nothing better than traveling to far-off places and experiencing the local culture.
National and international travel can be expensive and out of reach for many students.
It may require some research and planning to find cheap ways to travel. Eight tips and resources have been compiled to help students plan a budget friendly holiday.
1. Compare Flight Prices
Use a number of search engines and sites to locate your flight. Comparing different sites can help you find the best price for your flight.
Search Different Sites
Search engines that you can use include:
- Kayak
- Kiwi
- Google Flights
- Hopper
- Websites of individual airlines
Hidden City Flights
There is one website in particular that has a unique travel hack which is making headlines skip lagged. This flight booking website uses city loopholes to get cheaper fares.
Hidden city flights are those where the destination is the stopover on another flight. If you are looking to travel from Seattle, for example, to Dallas, it may be cheaper to fly from Seattle, to Orlando, with a stopover in Dallas. Then you don’t even get to take the second flight. This strategy comes with a few caveats. Airlines don’t like this strategy because you can’t book a round-trip flight, or check your bag. You could be subject to actions if you overuse this method. Do not attach your frequent-flyer number to your ticket. Airlines can take your miles. If you can’t find the best price elsewhere and have a limited budget, this is a great way to save money.
Comparison is the best way to save money. Skip lagged advertised flights that were cheaper than the airlines’ own website, but they ended up costing more.
2. You can earn your room and board by working or volunteering
You can save money on your room and board by participating in a variety of travel programs. These allow you to learn new skills, meet people and immerse yourself into the local culture. You can volunteer or work on farms, ranches and vineyards. There are also cultural exchange programs where you could do wellness centers, wellness centers, and other businesses.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or WWOOF ( Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is an organization that connects you to farms around the globe. You will get to know your host’s daily life, help out on the farm and receive free room and board. You can find farms all over the United States, so there’s no need to travel far.
3. Use a Travel Credit Card
Travel cards offer a range of discounts and benefits. Travel credit cards offer more value for miles and points than regular credit card rewards.
Airport lounges are accessible with travel cards such as the Platinum Card by American Express or the Capital One Venture Card. Translation: Free food and drink.
You may be able to get a credit for various travel expenses like luggage fees, lounge access or Uber rides. Capital One Venture Card, for example, will give you $100 in credit to go towards application fees for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry ($100).
You can also protect your finances by paying for your entire trip with a credit or debit card. Credit cards protect you against strange hotel charges and deposits, as well as fraud. Most travel cards include some kind of trip insurance that can cover costs if you are delayed by a long flight.
4. Carry-ons are a great way to travel light.
A bag will cost you $30 per way. You can save $60 by packing only a carry-on. Laundry on the trip will cost less than checking your bag. It’s also easier to navigate and travel in a new location when you pack light.
You can travel with a backpack if you are really dedicated to packing light.
Here are some tips on how to pack light.
- Create a capsule closet. All of your pieces are interchangeable and can be worn in different ways.
- Layer your clothes. Layering your clothes can help you adapt to changing weather conditions and mix up your wardrobe. Pack items that are versatile over outfits for one occasion.
- Select your shoes carefully. Choose two pairs of shoes you can wear all day without feeling uncomfortable, but are stylish enough for a night out.
- Limit your toiletries. When you can, bring travel-sized products and reduce your skincare routine. If your hotel has a hairdryer, you can forgo the need to bring one.
- Wear your bulky items. Wear your bulky items.
5. Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday
According to Hopper, a website that analyzes and predicts airfares, you can save $75 on average by flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday. You can save on airfare by flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Traveling on a weekday is likely to be less stressful, especially when it comes down to TSA lines and airport chaos.
6. Select Cheap Destinations
You can choose a destination which is more cost-effective. Pick a destination that has a lower cost of living. Thailand, for example, is known for its cheap accommodations and food. You can get hotels as low as $7 per night.
By choosing a destination that has a good public transport system, you can save money on a car rental. A city that offers many hostels can also make it easier to find affordable accommodations.
You can also reduce your costs by choosing a destination where you will be staying with family or friends. You can save money by staying with friends or family.
Consider locations that offer a wide range of free activities and attractions. Washington D.C. has a long list of free exhibits and activities.
Traveling to popular destinations in their off-season is also smart. The fall is a better time to travel to Hawaii than spring break.
7. You can get a discount card for international students
You can get discounts for students if you plan to travel abroad. Get the International Student Identity Card. The card is accepted internationally and serves as proof of student status. It can be used to get discounts on food, accommodation, VPN, shopping and more.
Even if you are not travelling internationally, it is still a good idea to bring your student ID with you and inquire about discounts wherever you go. Amtrak, Greyhound and other domestic carriers offer discounts to students.
8. Get the most out of your membership
You (and your parents) may be eligible for discounts on travel if you have memberships or affiliations. Travel discounts are offered by many banks, insurance companies, credit unions and other memberships. USAA waives the rental car fee for under-25s, while AAA offers free vacation planning with discounts.
You can also book hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages at a discount if you own a credit card. Costco memberships offer discounts on travel and vacations.
Signing up for travel reward programs at hotels, rental car companies, and airlines is also a good idea. This is a strategy that you can use over time, since you will earn rewards only after you spend money with the companies. You can still get some benefits by signing up. Hilton Honors members, for example, can receive a discounted rate and no resort fees. They also get free water bottles and cookies, an early check-in time, as well as upgrades to their rooms.
