One thing I could write about on this blog forever is about all the benefits of travel and there’s no better time to travel than when you’re young. Traveling in your 20s is an excellent opportunity to improve your mindset, learn about the world, and take responsibility for your dreams and desires. I’d argue that the best time to travel is while you’re still in university, either by taking a gap year or by finding programs that allow you to study at a different campus (take Erasmus for example).
The only obstacles that might stand in your way are time and money, but with enough planning, and perhaps even a part-time job on the weekends, most travel dreams can easily turn into reality. Sure, I understand traveling might not be your first priority when you are a student and don’t have a source of stable income. However, it does not mean there are no ways of combining your passion for exploring the world and studying. Just like it is in the case of hiring a personal statement writer to get useful tips on crafting a compelling narrative about your achievements, this article will give you a few tips on how to travel while studying in college.
Saving and Budgeting
Track expenses
Traveling is affordable if you thoroughly plan your trips and create a budget for your adventures. You’ll have to develop some discipline as to what you spend your money on. You can’t just blow your money on every new attraction, restaurant, or souvenir shop that comes your way. Tracking my expenses on Excel sheets or Google Docs is one way that helps me cut back on unnecessary spending. This way, I can save money for even more adventures in the future!
Set a travel fund goal
Research your dream destination and set a realistic savings target. Take a trip to Paris for example. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world in terms of nightly B&B room rates, food, and transportation. So in order to budget accordingly you need to take all information into consideration. If my search for accommodation in a city led to 3 different options, I would then see where each hostel Is located and calculate transportation costs as well as the local food (grocery and restaurant) costs. You can tailor-make an itinerary that fits your budget restrictions for every city, even the more “expensive ones!” With the right planning, travel can be affordable for any type of budget.
Work part-time or freelance
Earning some extra cash through gigs or side hustles can be an effective way of getting closer to your travel dreams. Look for part-time jobs that do not interfere with your studying schedule.
Consider scholarships and grants
Research travel scholarships or grants specifically for students. Some organizations support students who enjoy traveling and help them explore alternative options for studying and working abroad.
Planning and Logistics
Choose your travel style
Being a student opens many opportunities for affordable travel. Backpacking, volunteering, and working abroad are all wonderful options for traveling on a budget. You might want to check out study abroad programs that allow students to live in a new country while completing the necessary credits needed for their major.
Another way to travel affordably is to find some friends to share accommodation costs with. Group travel is also great because plenty of tourist attractions offer group discounts.
Plan, research, and be flexible with your dates
While some destinations are popular year-round, others offer discounted rates during off-peak seasons. As a seasoned traveler, my biggest tip is to visit a place during the off-season or shoulder season. Not only will you deal with fewer lines and crowds in an off-peak season, but you’ll also pay a lot less for accommodation. Also, if an emergency arises and you have to book a plane ticket last minute, you’ll find cheaper flights.
Another tip is to keep track of all the necessary paperwork and visa requirements. If you need a visa, start preparing the necessary documents well in advance before your travel dates. Also, it is always a good idea to get travel insurance and protect yourself against unexpected medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
Learn basic language skills
Learning a few key phrases goes a long way. Firstly, you will feel more comfortable knowing that you can explain what you need and ask locals for help. Secondly, locals usually appreciate tourists’ efforts to learn their language and can offer discounts when you visit cafes and popular attractions.
Talk to professors about extended absences
Explain your travel plans and seek permission for flexible deadlines if possible. Many schools have the option of online learning, and you can ask your teachers to send your assignments and visit classes via online platforms.
Safety and Security
Inform family and friends of your itinerary
Let them know your travel plans and contact information. When you travel solo, you can send them your exact location to feel safer. IPhone has a family feature that allows people within the family group to track your whereabouts.
Register with your embassy
For extended travel, register with your home embassy for additional support. You never know when you might need their assistance.
Make copies of important documents
Keep copies of your passport, ID, and insurance information separate from originals. If you lose one or another, you always have a plan B.
Be street smart
Research common scams in your destination and stay vigilant. For instance, Barcelona is famous for its street muggers, who can steal your phone or bag in a few seconds. Being informed about this will help you prepare for your trip accordingly and keep your phone in a safe place.
Pack light and versatile
If I could tell you just one piece of advice I learned from years of travel, it’s this: Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Pack only what you need and pack as lightly as possible. You never know when a flight may get canceled, delayed, or have to run through an airport at a moment’s notice.
Summing Up
Hopefully, this post helped you see that traveling while studying is not only doable but also affordable if you plan things correctly. The key is learning as much as possible about the destinations you’ll be traveling to and also being open to new adventures and detours while you’re there. The best travel moments are unplanned!
