Student travel may seem complex and expensive, but this is the perfect time in your life to do it. There are actually few times in your life when you’ll have so few commitments, so make the most of it, which is why we’ve compiled these traveling tips for students.
Whether it’s a whirlwind gap year spent trekking across Europe, enlisting in a volunteer program in developing countries, or independent travel, traveling as a college student is not only possible, but will shape your very future.
If you are on a tight budget or are struggling to choose between traveling and studying, these tips are for you.
And don’t forget to download the Air Doctor app on iOS or Android before your trip to have a doctor on call if you need it.
Traveling Tips for Students Itching to Explore
1. Start Saving Money
Like most things in life, travel doesn’t come for free. But that doesn’t mean you should let finances hold you back. In fact, student travel is probably not as expensive as you think. Traveling for students is much easier to do on a budget, especially compared to when you’re older.
In general, young people are more easygoing about budget-friendly options like sleeping in hostels and eating local street food. However, unless you win the lottery, you’re going to have to make some sacrifices. Stop spending your money on day-to-day things, start putting some money aside, and once you’re globetrotting, you’ll be thanking yourself.
2. Make Use Of Student Discounts
When you’re traveling as a college student, don’t forget to bring along your student ID. As it turns out, you will not want to leave this one behind. Why? The student discounts. While in some countries, you may need an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), you will be greatly rewarded with discounted rates on things like museum passes, hostel stays, and even train tickets! So, don’t be shy to ask about student rates.
3. Study Abroad
If you can’t afford to study and travel, combine your college experience with your gap year by studying abroad. Many universities offer students the option to study overseas to gain valuable life experiences as part of their degree. Study Abroad programs offer students who want to travel the chance to learn in a new country, often in English. You might even be eligible for a scholarship or grant. Why not further your education with international experience?
4. Go On A Working Holiday
Maybe you are still in college, but you want to travel over the summer, or perhaps you just graduated, and you’re low on funds – then a working holiday is perfect for you. A working holiday visa allows you to travel in a foreign country and work for a few months, and in some countries, even years.
You could sheer sheep in New Zealand, work as a bartender in Dubai, or even start a corporate internship if you wish to jumpstart your career in an international setting. And the international work experience can boost the power of your resume to future employers.
5. Teach English Abroad
In addition to a working holiday, another popular option is to teach English abroad in a non-native English-speaking country. Many popular destinations for this include Singapore, China, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, and South Korea.
You move overseas and teach children or company employees how to speak better English – the job is in high demand, but these gigs often pay well. Many teaching positions require a college degree first, and typically there’s a certification process too. But once it’s all sorted, it’s a great way to experience the world while earning an income.
6. Do Some Volunteering Overseas
Many young people dream of making a difference in the world. Well, this could be the perfect opportunity to gain some travel experience and do some much-needed good in the world. Make sure to do your research before you enroll in any kind of international volunteer project because some of them might not be as legit. One that is making a difference is the United State Peace Corp, with many projects to choose from that allow you to “work in the world.”
7. Eat Where It’s Cheap Or Cook At Home
If you’re located in a popular tourist area, there’ll likely be more street vendors around. Eating at these street-side stalls will help you keep the cap on your daily budget. Head to carts with longer lines to spot the real gems. Or if your accommodation has kitchen facilities, make use of them. It’s cheaper than eating out for every meal, and you get to experience picking out local items from markets or grocery stores.
8. Plan The Trip Yourself
It’s not that scary planning your own trip – and it will definitely work out cheaper. Just scour the internet, sign up for airline newsletters, and keep your notifications on, and you’re sure to not only plan your perfect trip but also find some amazing budget deals!
The truth is, learning how to find low-cost plane airfare and accommodation is an art form, yes it requires some elbow grease and scrolling multiple sites, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
9. Choose A Budget-Friendly Destination
If you’re wanting to travel and you’re on a tight budget then you should probably not pick a notoriously expensive destination. Consider your destination carefully and you’ll end up saving a ton of money. Some destinations are just easier to travel cheaply to than others.
For instance, the Greek Isles might be your bucket-list trip, but it’s a lot more expensive than visiting Croatia or Turkey. Central and South America, and Southeast Asia are also home to incredible budget-friendly places.
10. Pick A City That’s Walkable
Another clever money-saving trip for traveling on a budget is choosing a destination that’s super walkable. That means Uber and car rentals won’t be a problem. For instance, New Orleans, Florence, and Edinburgh are all incredibly walkable cities – in fact, Florence ranked number one by Tourlane in their The World’s Most Walkable Cities. Pick a budget-friendly destination off this list and you’re bound to get a bang for your buck!
11. Skip Peak Season
Many budget travelers swear by this golden rule: travel during the off-season. Off-season or “shoulder season” (in between peak and non-peak season) varies from destination to destination. Do your research and find out what the places you’re considering visiting are like in off-season – obviously if it’s a little village that completely shuts down when the tourists are gone, then it won’t be ideal, but that’s up to you and your piggy bank.
12. Pack Light
If you want an easy way to save money while traveling, try to avoid checking a bag. Some airlines offer a free checked bag (especially when flying internationally), but many still charge for overweight luggage. That means you could get stuck having to pay for extra baggage. So, ditch the baggage and pack light.
Traveling as a college student offers more benefits than anything else. Any sacrifices, challenges, and fears you overcome will be well worth it once you become a student of the world.
13. Use Public Transportation
Skip taxis and rideshares and opt for buses, trams, or subways. Many cities offer affordable day passes or student discounts on public transportation. In some places, you can even rent bikes at a low cost to explore the area while saving money.
14. Stay With Locals (Couchsurfing)
Couchsurfing is a popular way for budget travelers to stay with locals for free. Not only do you save on accommodation, but you also get to experience the local culture firsthand and get tips from residents on hidden gems in the area.
15. Travel Overnight
To save money on both transportation and accommodation, consider taking overnight buses or trains. You’ll get to your destination and won’t have to pay for an extra night at a hostel or hotel. It may not be luxurious, but it’s practical for budget travelers.
16. Travel With Friends
Splitting costs is one of the easiest traveling tips for students and it’s a great way to make travel more affordable. Whether it’s accommodation, food, or transportation, having travel buddies means you can divide expenses, making the trip cheaper for everyone.
17. Opt for Free Activities
Research free attractions, museums, and events in the destination you’re visiting. Many cities offer free walking tours, free-entry museums on certain days, or public festivals and markets. Outdoor adventures like hiking or visiting parks also cost nothing.
18. Look for Work Exchange Opportunities
One way to make travel more affordable is to make money while you travel. Websites like Workaway and WWOOF offer work exchange programs where you can trade a few hours of work (in hospitality, farming, etc.) for free accommodation and meals. This allows you to extend your stay at minimal cost while learning new skills.
19. Use a VPN to Get Cheaper Flights
Flight prices can vary depending on your location. Using a VPN to change your location when booking flights can sometimes help you find better deals by making it seem like you’re booking from a different country.
20. Use Travel Reward Programs
Sign up for airline or hotel loyalty programs to earn points and rewards that you can use toward future trips. If you frequently book travel, these rewards can accumulate quickly and provide significant savings on flights, stays, or other perks.
21. Limit Data Usage
International roaming charges can eat up your travel budget quickly. Instead of using mobile data, download maps offline, and use Wi-Fi at your accommodation, cafes, or public spaces. This will prevent unnecessary charges and keep you connected on the go.
22. Book Accommodation in Advance
Booking your accommodation early often gets you better deals. Many hostels and budget hotels offer discounts for early bookings. Last-minute accommodations in popular destinations can be costly, so planning ahead can save you significant money.
23. Leverage Free Wi-Fi Hotspots
Instead of using expensive mobile data, rely on free Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, libraries, and public areas. Before traveling, download offline maps and entertainment so you won’t need data while navigating or relaxing during downtime.
24. Find Alternative Accommodations
Consider staying in less conventional (and cheaper) places, like university dorms during off-season, house-sitting, or even camping if you’re in a nature-friendly area. These options can be a fraction of the cost of traditional accommodation.
25. Buy Travel Insurance
While it may seem like an extra cost upfront, travel insurance can save you a lot of money if you encounter medical emergencies, lost luggage, or other unexpected situations. Some student travel insurance plans are specifically designed to be budget-friendly.
Bonus Tip: Download The Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical advice, get prescriptions, and receive expert medical guidance wherever you are in the world!
Air Doctor’s easy-to-use app gives you:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 78 countries
- Video consultation services and valid, local prescriptions in up to 21 languages + 84 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing, and reviews
- Most common medical specialties
- So much more
