Are you in college? Have you always wanted to go abroad but thought it was too expensive? Well, if so, I have some good for news for you…it does not be expensive as you thought! I have personally gone abroad three times in the past two years, and have not yet completely broken the bank. Here are some tips I have found that can significantly reduce the costs of your trip.
1. If Possible, Do Not Eat Out All the Time.
Buy some groceries, eat at the local farmers’ market, grab food from a street cart, but try to limit how often you go out for a sit-down dinner. Sit-down dinners at restaurants are often significantly more expensive than some of your other options. Yes, still go out to eat a few times, but also get a taste of the local flavor. In travelling to London and Morocco, particularly, in the past two years, I found that there are always tons of markets on the streets. Some of these markets are more like farmer’s markets with veggies and fruits, but at many you can also get freshly-prepared foods and meals that are way cheaper than the local restaurant (this reminds me of when I was eating a fresh garlic- parmesan cob of corn off the streets of Morocco). Also, especially if you are staying for longer than a week, hit up the local grocery store. Buy some staples, such as cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, or simple lunch foods like bread and peanut butter, and snacks that are portable as you travel and explore around. By just having at least one meal at “home” such as breakfast every day, you will significantly reduce the amount you are spending on food.
2. Don’t Fear Public Transportation!!
I know this one can hard, especially if you are not used to public transportation, but try to use it if it is available, trust me it will pay off in more ways than one. In places like London, you can get an oyster card, which works similarly to a debit card, you have a certain amount, and can add more money to it as you need to. Oyster cards, among other varying transportation cards, can be used for buses, trains, subways (undergrounds) and more. These cards are not only cheaper than hailing a taxi every time you need to get somewhere, but are more efficient than buying a new ticket every time and all you have to do is scan them before boarding public transportation. While spending a little over a week in London, I only had to top up my card once, and probably spend less than $10 (American money) on transportation. Also, WALK. Walking is not only a good source of exercise, but you are spending zero dollars doing it, and you see more, while experiencing the local culture as well. Plus, you may even make some friends while you are at it.
3. Look into Hostels and Airbnbs.
While I was in Ireland, I only stayed in hostels. Yes, sometimes hostels have a negative connotation associated with them, but they’re not that bad. Yes, there are some hostels that are better than others, but make sure you do your research. Hostels can cost as cheap as 1/8 of the price per night compared to some hotels. Look on the internet for hostels in the area you will be staying. Today many hostels have websites that actually give virtual tours and describe what will and will not be included. Also a plus of many European hostels is that breakfast is included! With airbnbs, many students and young people rent out their apartments for the weekend, again at much lower rates than hotels. Take a look online at airbnbs, not only are they cheaper but often more “home-y” than hotels, giving you and your travelling buddies a nice place to stay for a few days.
4. Find Free Exhibits and Events Where You are.
Believe it or not, there are tons of free things to do, that aren’t just people watching and window shopping. In London, for example, many of the museums are free, and are worth checking out! If in London, you can even go up the “Walkie Talkie” (one of the city’s most famous buildings) to its own sky garden. Also, visit parks. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but here you will get a taste of the local culture…so hit up the market, grab some food and have a picnic in the park! Not to mention, most markets have a variety of free samples, so you could even eat your way through the day, without paying a dime. Also, today there are many free tours of cities and their historical sights, so definitely check those out!
5. Book In Advance.
If you really want to go abroad, booking flights especially, is going to be significantly cheaper if you book in advance. If you are looking to go to Europe, just a quick note, the tickets are cheapest in its “low- season,” which ranged from mid-November to Easter time. Some sites you might want to take a look at are skyscanner.com or student universe, here you can find the cheapest flights. Also, but deciding early that you are going to travel abroad marks your commitment, and it means it’s really happening!!
Safe, happy and CHEAP travels abroad!!