Traveling on a Student Budget
Written by: Cynthia Di Pasquale
If you spend your money wisely, it is possible to finance a vacation overseas without breaking the bank. In fact, thousands of students travel the world each year on a tight budget, using savings from minimum-wage paying after-school jobs and, when lucky, a little financial help from parents.
Flights
A plane ticket is likely to be the single most expensive purchase for your trip. "The year is divided into three travel 'seasons' - low, October to mid-January, shoulder, mid-January to mid-April, and high, mid-April through September," says Claudia Marks, Marketing Director for STA Travel, Inc. "In order to obtain the least expensive airfare, you'd need to travel on a weekday, Monday through Thursday, in low season." Be sure to remember though that "low season" for North America and Europe can actually be "high season" in areas such as Australia and parts of Asia because of their climates, so plan accordingly.
Certain travel agencies, such as STA Travel, Inc., sell discounted airfare to students and youths (people under age 25).
"By booking travel through a student travel agency, student travelers get all the services they need as well as making their travel affordable, fun and safe - without spending all their budget," says Marks.
Courier services are also an option for obtaining low airfare, offering passengers prices up to 85 percent below market value. All the passenger must do is check business cargo as their excess passenger baggage and carry paperwork for the shipment.
Enrollment in a member-supported courier service such as the Air Courier Association costs $29 for one year. With this fee, the Association provides members with flight schedules and booking services.
E-savers, found directly on the airlines' websites, offer great deals for those who are flexible with their travel dates. Online services like Travelocity.com and Priceline.com are also good resources for finding cheap airline tickets, but sometimes they require multiple layovers.
Accommodations
Accommodations can come a close second to airfare in your travel expenditures. Unless you are traveling in a larger group and can split the cost of a private hotel room, you generally save money by staying in hostels.
Hostelling International is the largest organization of its kind in the world and provides quality, low-cost options in most countries. Membership costs $25 and rates can range from $8 to $25 per night.
"If you're traveling in high season, rates go up and you'd most likely benefit from purchasing an American Youth Hostel card, especially if you plan on traveling more than a few weeks," suggests Marks. "Hostels offer two sets of prices - one for card holders and one for those who don't possess it."
Private hostels do not require membership, and you can determine their quality by reading travel guides such as Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Let's Go, or by recommendations from other travelers.
"Instead of staying in the city you want to go to, stay about fifteen to twenty minutes outside, and take the bus in because you'll save a lot on accommodations and amenities," suggests Nkem Wellington, a recent graduate of Denison University who traveled throughout Europe for three months in the summer of 2000.
In-Country Transportation
Traveling within the country is cheaper when using public transportation and buying rail and bus passes where possible. "The train is the easiest and most affordable mode of transport from city center to city center and allows travelers to explore a new country on their own terms," says STA's Marks. "Bus passes are emerging in popularity as a great way to meet fellow travelers at a great price."
A second class consecutive Eurail pass, for youths under age 26, can range in price from $401 for fifteen days to $1,126 for three months. A consecutive bus pass in Europe on Busabout costs anywhere from $269 for two weeks to $899 for three months.
"Buy the Eurail insurance because you don't know what's going to happen," recommends Wellington. "And take a list of all the countries that will reissue you a pass if you lose it because not all of them will."
If you opt not to purchase a rail or bus pass, always be sure to ask the ticketing agent if there are discounts for students or youths. It is important to ask for discounts at tourist attractions as well, even if none are posted.
Other Expenses
"If you purchase an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or GO25 International Youth Travel Card prior to your departure from the states you'll find that you're offered many discounts while on the road, including discounted rates at museums and other attractions as well as restaurants and some forms of public transportation," says Marks. ISIC and GO25 cards cost $22 each. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes showing the birth date on your passport is enough.
Hostelling International and STA both recommend shopping in supermarkets and cooking in hostel kitchens to save money on food. "Several hostels do have cafeterias, and meals there tend to be reasonable - although, if you want to experience the local 'flavor' it's best to venture out," says Marks. "Just remember to shy away from the touristy areas where prices tend to be over inflated."
"Go to open farmers markets to buy your own food," suggests Wellington. "Get really comfortable with bread and cheese and pastries. And when you do go out to dinner, typically the small, family-owned places are better and by far cheaper."
Also, check if your hotel or hostel includes a continental breakfast in the price of the room, as they often do in Europe.
Hostelling International offers a tool for budget travelers to calculate how much they should prepare to spend daily. They suggest consulting a guidebook to determine the average cost of hostels, meals and extras in both expensive and inexpensive locations in the country. Then count one or two nights in a pension or low-end hotel and a few $25 dinners. Then add 20 percent. STA's Claudia Marks suggests budgeting at least $25 a day, not including lodging.
Above all, the most important resources for cost-cutting tips are guidebooks and other budget travelers who have been to the region where you are going. They provide a wealth of hands-on experience and advice that will help you save money on your trip.
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