7 Ways College Students Can Travel on the Cheap

College is a great time to travel the world, and although students are young, adventurous, and don’t need much to be happy, they also don’t have very much money to spend on vacations. Those who want to travel with friends generally have to borrow money or do it on the cheap. Traveling on a budget can be quite a challenge, but it’s definitely worth it for the amazing travel experiences and memories you’ll take back with you. Here are seven ways college students can travel on the cheap:

1. Carpool:

   

   Carpooling is one of the best ways to share the cost of gas and the stress of driving during college road trips. Not only is it a great bonding experience to be squished inside one car together, but the money you and your friends save by sharing a car can be used on hotel, food, shopping, and entertainment. To make carpooling a little more comfortable, rotate drivers and change up the seating arrangement at every pit stop.

2. Take advantage of student discounts:

   

   As a college student, you’d be a fool not to take advantage of the various travel discounts available to you. From air fare and food to tours and admission costs, students can score several travel discounts that will help bring down the overall cost of their trip. Scour the web and inquire with your school for student travel discounts.

3. Stay at hostels:

   

   Hostels aren’t just for backpackers or European travelers, they’re perfect for anyone who’s looking for a cheap place to stay. Hostels are a smart and safe option for students traveling on a budget, especially when you plan on sightseeing all day. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you’ll also get to meet many interesting and colorful people during your stay.

4. Stuff a hotel room:

   

   If you’re trying to travel on the cheap, don’t waste your money going to the nicest hotels or purchasing separate rooms to fit everyone comfortably. Instead, stuff the hotel room with as many friends as you can fit. OK, so this may be against most hotel policies, but if you can squeeze everyone into one room then you’ll be able to split the cost and have more money to spend on other awesome travel experiences.

5. Go with a group:

   

   Traveling with a group can save you tons of money. Everything from lodging, dining, and entertainment can be discounted when you travel with a large group. Group ski or beach vacations are extremely popular with college students because they make otherwise expensive activities and equipment much more affordable.

6. CouchSurfing:

   

   The cheapest lodging option is to stay somewhere for free. That’s where free hospitality networks like CouchSurfing are extremely useful to college kids and those traveling on the cheap. Just as the company name suggests, CouchSurfing connects travelers with hosts from around the world who let them crash for free. Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and meet interesting people while you travel.

7. Take different modes of transportation:

   

   Flying might be the fastest and most reliable way to get to and from places during your vacation, but there are much more exciting and cheaper transportation options you should try. If you want to shake things up, take a bus, train, or boat to your next destination. When you get there, rent a car or bike and explore the surrounding areas as a group.

Taken From odp