As we all know, traveling as a college student isn’t always easy. Not only are we constantly booked with school and other obligations, but saving money can be hard as well. Little things can get in the way, but that shouldn’t stop you from travelling! The world has so much to offer and with the right steps, you can go out there and enjoy it for yourself. Let’s chat a little bit about how you can still travel while saving yourself some coin!

Search for the cheapest flights

This is a pretty obvious tip, but will take you a long way. When saving money on planning trips, it’s important to be aware of when you’re booking flights. Flights that are midday or near holidays tend to be a lot more expensive, so be sure to look for early morning or late night flights. It might be a little less convenient, but will save you money nonetheless. Also be sure to check all your airline options, as some will be cheaper than others. Websites like Expedia and Google Flights are great at helping you sift through options and compare your choices.

Book a place with kitchen amenities 

You’d be surprised at the crazy amount of money we actually spend on food while traveling. I know, when you’re in a new place, it can be tempting to eat out for every meal and try out the different cuisines, but it’s not very cost effective. By booking a hotel or apartment with a kitchen, you’ll be able to go grocery shopping and cook some of your own meals, which will save you tons in the long run.

Avoid tourist traps

For most locals, spotting a tourist is pretty easy, and some businesses make take advantage of that. To get the most of your money and avoid paying more for less, do your research before traveling so you can avoid ‘touristy’ locations. In these spots that many tourists frequent, most restaurants, stores, and other businesses will bump up their prices to get an extra buck from unsuspecting visitors. Though they’re still fun to visit, try not to do much shopping or eating in these areas.

Stay outside of a city

Though staying directly in the city you’re visiting can be exciting, it’s definitely not the cheapest route to take. When booking hotels/AirBnb’s/etc., you are mostly paying for the location. For example, a hotel directly in New York City would be significantly more expensive than staying in a nearby city. Before traveling to your destination, be sure to do your research and find what nearby cities have the best transportation options, so you can easily get to your destination.

Check out free or inexpensive entertainment 

Getting to your destination can be pricey, but so is looking for activities while you’re there! Personally, that’s where most of my money goes while traveling. To avoid spending too much money on entertainment, make sure you look for free or cheap options. Trust me, there is tons to do for free no matter where you are! You can find lots of free options by looking at guides online, or even talking to locals.

Travel with snacks

I’m bringing up food again because it’s honestly so important. Like I mentioned before, eating out while traveling can get expensive, but airport food is a whole new level. If you’ve ever stepped foot in an airport, I’m sure you’re aware of how crazily overpriced everything is; who wants to spend $10 on a water bottle?! To avoid spending unnecessary money on snacks on the go, travel with your own reusable water bottle, and stay stocked on things to munch on such as granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc.