How to travel on a budget
By: Raquel Alfaro, Columnist
College can be expensive when paying for student loans, meals and textbooks. It’s time to take a break from it all by adventuring at a low cost.
Save Every Last Dime:
Every penny adds up, so put aside any extra money. This means not spending money on unnecessary things. Setting up a budget for the month can be helpful, so people know exactly where their money is spent the most. Believe it or not, spending an average of $5 a day on coffee would be the equivalent to a plane ticket.
-Don’t completely cut treating yourself, but limit where your money is going
– Instead of eating out, buy a variety of groceries. This will save money for travel expenses.
Don’t Be Picky
Usually, the best places to travel are the most unexpected ones. Southwest Airlines have deals starting at $50 for plane tickets, even for just a day trip. Booking in advance is highly recommended as well because not many people book earlier, so the costs of tickets are cheaper. Planning in advance can be helpful to organize your schedule around flights and book deals with hotels. However, using Airbnb is much cheaper, and you can book this through your phone for dates you plan on staying. People are only required to pay a security deposit, cleaning fees and anything the homeowner requires, but most times they’re flexible with having low prices.
Handy Transportations
Getting around a new place can be expensive when you’ve arrived, so use cheaper methods of transportation like buses, trains, Lyft and Uber. Bus passes or trains can range from $10 to $15 for day passes, giving people access to exploring a variety of cities in the area. Lyft and Uber sharing a ride with other people, and this is a good way to meet new people who may be from the area to suggest places to check out.
Tasty Foods
Trying authentic dishes is a great way to get a taste of the culture and environment. I suggest stepping outside your comfort zone and trying meals you wouldn’t usually eat. Usually, local markets are cheaper than restaurants. Plan out what you’d like to taste, even if you buy food from the market one day and eating at a restaurant on the last day of the trip.
Traveling can beneficial to students looking to build connections, vacationing or crossing things off their bucket list. These tips can be helpful with not only traveling, but saving money while adventuring.
