A Guide to Budgeting While Traveling

Even on a college-student’s budget, we shouldn’t have to sacrifice exploring new areas and branching out. There are many tips that can be very useful in cutting down on some costs to make a well-deserved weekend getaway not be a stressor on your wallet. When it all boils down to it, the key is a little planning. Traveling on a budget is very do-able if a little research is put into the logistics beforehand. 

First and foremost, decide on a budget. Whatever that budget is, stick to it. While booking accommodations, whether that be an Airbnb, a hotel room, or a campsite, make sure that the price tag is within reason. It’s also important to factor in “in case” money, just in case you run into a sticky situation and need extra cash to get home, etc. Researching things to do in your destination’s area could also help. If the destination typically charges more or requires a higher tax, you might want to take that into consideration when planning an itinerary.

In regards to transportation, there are many ways to save money. You can consider carpooling with some friends and splitting the gas cost to make your trip more cost-efficient. But sometimes, you might not always need a vehicle once you reach your destination. If flying makes more sense, rumor has it that plane tickets are the cheapest on Tuesdays. The prime window to buy plane tickets tends to be at least three weeks before departure. Typically, airlines schedule flights about a year out–so, the closer it gets, the more expensive the flights are. But if that’s looking too far into the future, another option is to wait until a night or two before your departure date. While you run the risk of the flight selling out, you might also luck out with a cheap price, as the airline will be desperate to sell tickets if no one is booking them.

A night spent under the stars doesn’t seem so bad, huh? Photo found here.

It’s also important to try to map out a guesstimation of costs–taking into account a little extra room for spending just in case! While this number may change along the way or your calculations may not be overly accurate, being consciously aware of how much you want to spend and what you are spending is crucial. Depending on your destination and budget, you can consider swapping out a fluffy white hotel bed for a bunk bed in a hostel. Hostels offer the opportunity to meet other travelers, share experiences or recommendations and, of course, save a few extra bucks. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, a night spent in a tent under the stars might be just what you’re looking for. And with all the fall foliage officially in full swing, spending a night surrounded by colorful leaves and fresh air can do wonders for your soul—and wallet. 

Upon arriving to your destination, it’s a smart idea to make a trip to the local grocery store. Having staple foods that are quick and easy to eat is perfect for a busy weekend, and a great way to save on spending money at restaurants. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t indulge in some local cuisine—because you probably will end up doing it—but having the essentials at your disposal will help to save money on eating out. If it’s time to venture out for a meal, don’t dip into the first restaurant you pass. Do a little research about what dishes the restaurant offers, and make sure they don't exceed your budget. Tripadvisor and Yelp are great resources when it comes to exploring restaurants. 

If you have activities on your itinerary, make sure to browse Groupon regularly. With deals on local goods, restaurants, tours, classes and more, Groupon is sure to have something to satisfy all of your interests. Depending on the activity, many places offer student discounts as well. 

While traveling on a budget may require additional time and energy, planning is an absolute necessity when it comes to saving money. Weekend getaways are incredibly healthy for our souls and offer the opportunity to relax and reset for the upcoming week. Start looking into where you may want to go next, and remember to plan ahead!

Featured image found here.

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