Tips for Travel on a Student Budget

Traveling on a student budget is never easy, but traveling while you’re a student is always really fun! Here are a few tips to help you travel without paying too much: 

1. Planes, trains and automobiles: Getting to and around while traveling can quickly drain your spending budget, so choose your mode of transportation carefully. Research flights on multiple sites, which gives you multiple deals so you can compare rates.

2. Packing: Reduce all the clothes you planned on taking, by half. One way to make your traveling easy and cost-efficient is to be an efficient packer. Pack as light as you can because it will make a difference, especially if you have to carry your suitcase on a bus or a train. Do a little research on where you plan to travel — what’s the weather like? Pack clothes that you can mix and match and that are right for the weather and area.

3. Research money to save money: Remember that an ATM always has fees and they can range in number throughout different areas. Be sure to check into your bank’s policies for ATMs and card use, especially abroad. Also check out the exchange rate for where you will be visiting. It may be best to get some foreign currency before you leave because some exchange counters charge large interest rates. 

4. Consider another student ID: If traveling internationally, be sure to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which will give you access to student discounts on flights, entertainment and attractions. Most tourist destinations have student tickets that are much cheaper than regular ones, but only if you have a local or have an international student ID. 

5. Be flexible: Follow the deals! Travel during the off-season or even the beginning/end of peak tourist season because you will travel for much cheaper and it will be less crowded.

Allow your schedule to be a little flexible — some attractions and restaurants have deals if you come on certain days or at certain hours. Also check out those local places that may not be the nicest; some of the best meals you will find are tiny places that cost next to nothing when compared to the hot spots.

Follow these tips – find a cheap flight, pack your bags and set your budget. Now be financially responsible while on the best adventure of your life!
Bon voyage!

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The Ramen Budget is a website run by college students that posts articles relating to budgeting for travel, entertainment, food, drinking, and college quick tips. This is a parody on the Kim Kardashian #KimsDataStash - T-Mobile Commercial and describes how to budget so college students can still buy name brand items. Check out www.theramenbudget.com!

Spring Break is almost over and soon everyone will be back on their daily routine. While the break was a nice time to rest and recover from school, you may now need to recover from your break. Many students traveled and will soon be coming back to the reality of school and work. The shift from long, relaxing days to hectic, crazy schedules is enough to drive almost anyone crazy. To try to make the transition back to school a bit easier here are some useful and practically free ideas:

Try to reset your internal clock. If you were in a different time zone then the first days back will be a little rough. Try your best to adjust back to the change and slowly get yourself back to your old routine and sleep schedule.

Drink lots of water. If you drank on vacation you will want to make sure you are hydrated. This will make everything easier. Travel can also put a lot of stress on the immune system and drinking water will help keep your body healthy,

Avoid napping. It may seem crazy, but if you keep napping it will take longer to get back on track with your daily routines. Try your best to stay awake and keep your day as normal as possible.

Share your adventure. Make sure to show those close to you photos and stories of your trip. Talking about the time you spent on vacation will help you stay out of the after vacation slump.

Learn something new. On vacation there was always something to do or focus on. At home try to pick up a hobby or find a new interest. By keeping yourself busy you will be less likely to think of how much you miss break and also pick up a new skill.

Plan your next trip. While the last trip is fresh in your memory write down what you liked about the trip and what you would change. This will help make your next vacation even better. If you know what you want to do on your next trip you will be more successful planning it. After writing out your list, start planning the next adventure! Plan where you want to go, what you want to do or see and most importantly how you plan on budgeting for it!