From a schedule flexibility perspective, college is a great time to travel. Built-in school breaks, amenable class schedules and a large body of like-minded peers all conspire to make traveling a logical and appealing pursuit.
But the problem hamstringing many college students is the cost of those travels. Traveling costs money, and even when traveling in groups, the expenses that pile up are enough to prohibit many students from traveling. Even some that could afford those travels shy away from the open road because their finances are limited as it is.
lWhile money management is a common concern among college students, it doesn’t have to be a barrier to traveling. Instead, college students should focus on finding creative ways to overcome financial barriers. If you want to travel but think you can’t afford it, think again. Here’s a quick way to cobbling together a great college vacation on a budget.
Choosing your city
Location is one of the biggest determinants of cost on a vacation. Since you’re trying to save money, don’t go for home-run destinations across the country or overseas. Instead, choose a regional destination that will be inexpensive to get to and from. New Englanders have several choices between Boston, New York City and Philadelphia, while the Southeast can offer Nashville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Memphis and Miami.
Midwestern destinations could include Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha and Dallas, and the Pacific Northwest boasts Portland, Seattle and Salt Lake City as attractive destinations. If you’re in the Southwest, consider Santa Fe, Phoenix, Las Vegas or Los Angeles for your vacation. Just make sure the distance will be financially manageable for everyone involved.
Getting around
No matter how you get to a city, you probably have options as far as getting around. Some cities have great public transportation systems, including trains, buses and street trolleys, while others may be spread out enough that a car is economical and makes good sense. Do some research beforehand when deciding how much transportation will cost.
Finding a place to stay
Lodging costs can add up fast. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago hotels may seem luxurious and at the heart of your destination city, but the rates will quickly price you out of those venues. There are better options to cut down on costs, and many of them will be more fun. Also look into vacation rentals in high-density cities — condos can be purchased for a reasonable price and end up cheaper over several days than a hotel. You’ll also want to see what hostels are available in your destination city — most big cities have at least one hostel, and this low-cost temporary residence can also help you meet other travelers.
Keeping entertainment costs low
One of the biggest factors in the cost of a vacation is how you decide to spend your time. Fortunately, you have options. If you’re in a coastal city, such as Miami, the beach is a very low-cost destination where you can enjoy the weather without emptying your wallet. If you’re into trying out the local food, try to find food carts and other hole-in-the-wall eateries — Los Angeles and Portland are both teeming with food carts and great places to get excellent food on the cheap.
If you’re into museums and other cultural institutions, try to plan your travels around days where the venues are free or discounted for students. Save money on tickets to sporting events by purchasing them last-minute from scalpers or other third parties. If music is your thing, find the local music publication and hit some of the highly recommended music concerts that are flying under the radar and carry a low cover price. And make sure you hit up free institutions in whatever city you visit, such as the famous Millennium Park in Chicago or Atlanta’s awesome Olympic Park.
Maximizing your savings on a vacation takes a little bit of work, but with a few college friends it should be easy to break down the duties. Ultimately, you will want to make sure you explore your various options and figure out the best ways to save. If you can put in the work, you’ll find a college vacation much more accessible than you might have thought.
Find days where the venues are free or discounted for students. Save money on tickets to sporting events by purchasing them last-minute from scalpers or other third parties. If music is your thing, find the local music publication and hit some of the highly recommended music concerts that are flying under the radar and carry a low cover price. And make sure you hit up free institutions in whatever city you visit, such as the famous Millennium Park in Chicago or Atlanta’s awesome Olympic Park.
Maximizing your savings on a vacation takes a little bit of work, but with a few college friends it should be easy to break down the duties. Ultimately, you will want to make sure you explore your various options and figure out the best ways to save. If you can put in the work, you’ll find a college vacation much more accessible than you might have thought.