Budget Travel as a College Student
Traveling while in college seems daunting at first. Flights, meals, accommodations? They all add up.
As a college student based out of Reno, Nevada, Em Tomeo tries to travel as much as she can. She lists out some of the best travel tips and tricks to saving money while exploring new places.
Always get a Metrocard, and learn how to use it.
Ubers and Lyfts, although direct, are expensive. Instead, if you’re willing to spend a bit more time on your commutes, a city’s metro or bus system costs only a few dollars a ride. Additionally, this can be one of the best ways to explore new parts of a city. You may pass a stop on the train that looks interesting enough to get off, and find your new favorite part of a city.
Invest in a carry-on size bag that fits a lot.
There are many options available nowadays for backpacks and baggage designed to both fit as much luggage as possible and fit inside the strict dimensions of a free carry-on. Not checking bags or paying for a larger carry-on is the best way to get a deal on those budget-friendly flights. There is lots of stress, and risk of having bags broken trying to fit into a carry-on sizer; the easiest option is to have a bag that you know for sure will work.
Hole-in-the-wall restaurants are always the best
Not only do mom-and-pop places have the best, most authentic food to the culture and place you are visiting, but they also usually have the best prices. Even without eating meat or dairy, Em finds that most non-American centric restaurants have many options. Also, you never know when you’ll try something that unexpectedly becomes a new favorite!
Eat during happy hour
If you are traveling in a more commercial area with many restaurant options; finding dinner or a few drinks can best be done between the hours of 4 and 6 or 7. Happy hour menus often get you deals on tapas, good food and drinks. Plus, the happy hour crowd is always not too loud and friendly people!
Get to know people
Going up to someone to ask for advice, recommendations or even directions can find you some of the best connections while traveling. Starting a conversation with someone who seems like an interesting person will lead you to wonderful connections. Take, for instance, the time Em met her dad’s favorite professor by coincidence at a Taos Pueblo Christmas celebration, or how one of her good friends was introduced to her on a six-hour Alaska Airlines flight!
Book in advance
It is no secret that flights are cheaper the further in advance you get them. Also, looking out for special deals can help you in this department too! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, for instance, is named “Travel Tuesday” for its tradition of flight deals and coupons. Definitely a good way to save money on travels!
Take advantage of free events
Especially if you are traveling around the holidays, but anytime really, most towns, communities and big cities have tons of free events! Firework shows, free concerts and festivals mark many holiday seasons. Almost every small town will have a farmers market or flea market over the weekends. Additionally, in larger popular cities, there are many free pop-ups. Take advantage of these when you can, and try searching local flyers, Instagram and Eventbrite for options.
Travel is an essential part of exploring the world, for those who have that as their goal. College shouldn’t be a barrier to that when it doesn’t have to be. Using tips like these, hopefully you’ll be able to get out to travel during your education too!
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