There are many services and platforms that help you plan your trip. But despite all possible conveniences, they do not solve the problem of lack of funds. And this is perhaps one of the key factors when planning a travel. We are going to help students to make their trips as profitable as possible during their college years.
1. Seek Help From Professionals
In the digital era, many people prefer to organize their trips independently. But still, in popular mass destinations, especially when it comes to long-term vacations, booking a tour will help you save a lot. Tour operators buy so-called “blocks” of hotel rooms at wholesale prices, and a tour during the season may be more profitable.
Also, don’t forget to get help from professionals when you lack time for traveling due to numerous assignments you need to do. For example, you can hire an essay writer on PayForWriting. In this way, your writing assignment will be done by a professional writer while you can spend this time traveling.
2. Study The Conditions of Stay
In some hotels, accommodation in a room for one and for two may cost the same and compare favorably with another property you like. As a rule, this approach applies if meals are not included in the price. And here, you need to make a choice: eat on-site, at the hotel, or somewhere outside of it.
3. Pay Attention to Tariffs
In the sales policy, many accommodation facilities apply special rates for accommodation, for example, depending on the duration of your stay.
One of the most popular offers for urban properties and beyond is the “three nights for the price of two” tariff. It is used very often from Friday to Monday.
From the name, it is clear that under this offer, subject to all booking conditions, the third night will be given to the guest as a gift. Also, often more attractive rates are offered for bookings of seven, 14, or more nights.
4. Book in Advance
If you are considering the urban hotel segment, booking early can be more beneficial than booking at the last minute. For example, book in advance if you plan, say, to spend a weekend at a spa hotel, change the environment, and go for a couple of days by car to nearby cities.
5. Choose a Country Carefully
Explore places that allow you to travel comfortably on a budget. Those that are cheap and easy to get to, with a lower cost of living. For example, air tickets to Thailand are expensive, but renting a house directly from locals is cheaper, and the quality of housing will be higher than in Sri Lanka.
Other regions such as Europe offer endless options when it comes to entertainment, culture, and reliable transportation to travel around. The cost of living is higher, but you just need to know how things work over there in order to spend your money in an effective way. For example, here is a great French relocation guide if you are considering picking France.
If you are traveling with your family, driving your own car will be cheaper and more convenient. Plus, this is an opportunity to see different picturesque places and towns that you would hardly visit by train or regular bus.
6. Consider Alternative Housing Options
Apartments for daily rent are another option to save big, especially during the season. Yes, there may be no hotel service, but there are many other advantages.
For example, you will have a large apartment area, a good location, the ability to cook something yourself, accommodate the whole family, and at the same time pay significantly less than in a hotel. The level of apartments for short-term rental throughout the world is getting better and better every year.
7. Buy Travel Insurance
This is perhaps the most important tip for traveling on a budget. Of course, this is an additional expense, but you will thank yourself for having insurance in case of trip cancellation or illness.
8. Travel in The Off-season
The weather may not always be sunny, but your chosen destination will be much less busy and crowded. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you will also have a quieter and more enjoyable holiday without the crowds of tourists.
For example, you will have an absolutely amazing experience exploring Venice in October. The weather is warm, but there are almost no tourists. You will have the opportunity to sit on a half-empty embankment with a glass of wine.
9. Buy a Local SIM Card
Data roaming or paying for Wi-Fi abroad is often costly. One way to save money while traveling is to buy a local SIM card. But be careful and buy only from official offices. Sellers often deceive by selling a smaller Internet package at an inflated price.
10. Plan Your Excursions on Your Own
Use public transport, buy your own entrance ticket (if necessary), and rent an audio guide. Sometimes, an independent visit to sights turns out to be more exciting than a two-hour individual excursion.
But don’t forget that visiting such places needs to be planned in advance, sometimes a month in advance, as everything is often sold out online.
11. The Rainy Season Can Be Your Friend
Travel outside of peak season. It can be a low season, monsoon season, whatever; it doesn’t matter. Rainy seasons are often the best time to travel. If you avoid high seasons as much as possible (we know this is not always easy to do), you will find that prices will drop slightly. There are also far fewer tourists and other backpackers there.
12. Take Advantage of Free Offers
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the place you’re visiting; the world is full of amazing things you can do for free. Obviously, just relaxing on the beach of a tropical island with a good book or going hiking in the countryside is free and easy, but there are other things that are unique to individual places.
Major cities are full of national parks or amazing scenic routes, such as the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Hong Kong, where you can watch locals practice Tai Chi, or Marina Bay in Singapore. Some of the best museums in the world are free, such as the British Museum, and even the Louvre in Paris is free on the first Sunday of every month!
Final Thoughts
There are so many great tips on how to save some money and reduce your expenses when traveling. This is just a small selection! Therefore, there is no excuse for students who say they can’t afford to travel.
