18/06/2021
Here are the 11 BEST ways to travel cheap
Believe it or not, there are cheap ways for students to travel. In fact, there’s cheap ways for everyone to travel! With a little flexibility and a bit of know-how, you’ll be able to save money traveling like it’s nobody’s business. Sadly, none of these tips will get you traveling for free, but they’ll definitely help you cut costs where it counts.
One of the most tried and true budget travel tips? Use public transport
1. Travel with Friends
There’s no one better to share your travel adventures with than all of your BFFs. Your group chats are already consumed with talk of fun and different ways to travel, so why not turn it into a reality? This is one of the best ways to save money while traveling, because you can split all the costs. Groceries, accommodation, activities, car rentals; all of it gets so much cheaper the more people you have. Grab your friends and get planning!
2. Try Couchsurfing
Wanna spend your vacay surfing it up on the Brazilian coastline but can’t afford a hotel room with an ocean view? Take up another kind of surfing: couch surfing. Locals open their doors to tourists looking for a cheap place to stay. They can also tell you all about the lesser-known gems across the city: from cute, hole-in-the-wall restaurants to the quietest beaches for your early morning surf. You’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge that isn’t available at a hotel and save a ton of money on accommodation.
3. Look Into Programs to Volunteer Abroad
Volunteering helps the community and the planet and it’s good for your soul. Take your mission overseas with a volunteer opportunity abroad. There are so many programs and causes out their, so you’re sure to find something that works for you. Not only is this a different way to travel, it’s also great for budget travelers, because, although you usually have to pay to join the program, that will cover your accommodation, meals, and lots of other costs.
Budget ahead of time for your non-negotiable “must have adventures,” then work backwards to determine your daily spend.
4. Get a Part Time Job While You’re Away
Maybe budget travel isn’t for you and you’d rather live like they do in the movies; settle in Sydney for the summer and catch some rays or take an extended siesta in Barcelona over Christmas break. Whatever your prerogative, a part time job is a good way to fill the gaps in your finances without sacrificing comfort or must-do activities. If you’re on a visa that lets you work and you’re happy to stay in one spot for a bit, talk to a local temping agency about finding a short term role. You’ll make some money and add some cool experience to your resume!
5. Search for Budget Travel Destinations
“Budget” doesn’t have to mean “not worth visiting”! In fact, many countries with lower costs of living can be great places to stop, get off the beaten path, and save some money. Beautiful countries like Colombia, Bosnia, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and many others are safe, unique, and affordable places to travels, even if you’re going solo. Generally speaking, food, transportation, and accommodation are cheap, so you can save your money traveling here and spend it on pricier destinations later.
6. If You’re in College (or High School!), Study Abroad
You probably wouldn’t expect studying abroad to be included in a list of budget travel tips, but it can be done! Depending on the school and location, study abroad programs can be the same price or cheaper than a semester at your home university. Going with one of the budget travel destinations listed above is a good place to start looking, as countries with lower costs of living are ideal for studying abroad. There are tons of scholarships available too, so it can definitely be one of the cheap ways for students to travel.
7. Stay with Relatives Who Live Overseas
Some of your best travel memories won’t cost you a darn thing
