Travel on a College Student’s Budget? Yes, It’s Possible
By Henry Moore

You want to see the world, but you're not sure if it's in your budget. That's a conundrum for many young adults. On one hand, you're up for an adventure, but on the other hand, the income you earn from working in the media department at your college campus barely pays the bills. Don't toss your luggage back into the closet yet, because there are ways to hit the highway, fly skies, and see the sites even while pinching pennies.

Be Flexible

While conventional wisdom says it's best to book your holiday in advance, if you don't have any other major responsibilities, you're in a great position to snag the best last-minute travel deals. Travel + Leisure's first suggestion is to be flexible regarding where you want to go. You never know when you're going to run across a special on the last empty seat on a flight that leaves out within the next 48 hours. Some of the best things happen on the spur of the moment. Remember, however, websites are not the only way to find travel opportunities. If you're not comfortable planning yourself, you can always call a travel agent. You might wind up paying a paying a small fee, but their expertise and access to unpublished deals is priceless (and you may even save money).

Search for Deals En Route on Groupon

If you haven't used Groupon before, you should get to know this discount site and fast. Groupon is one of the world's leading discount websites and offers amazing coupons on everything from events and attractions to massages and dining. Once you're clear for phone usage, spend some time on your flight looking for deals in your target destination. You can download coupons to your phone and even book great hotel deals if you've yet to secure a place to stay. Even better, link to the site from Rakuten and you may be able to find useful coupon codes.

Say Hello to Hostels

A hostel is an excellent way for young adults to stretch their travel budget to the max. It's a type of shared accommodation that is sort of like a summer camp for grown ups. No two are alike, but one thing is virtually guaranteed no matter where you go - you'll make new friends. Plus, you'll have way more fun than by staying solo somewhere unfamiliar. Many offer amenities like you'd expect from a 5-star hotel, and most are in close proximity to major attractions.

Change Your Dining Habits

When you're traveling, dining out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can leave your wallet flatter than the $15 pancakes at the trendy breakfast spots. Instead, make a point to book a room that gives you access to a small refrigerator and microwave. This way, you can grab a few frozen dinners for a quick lunch in between dips in the pool. You'll also save money if you can find a hotel that includes breakfast - bonus if your accommodations come with complimentary drinks in the evening. One hotel chain known for its sumptuous evening reception is Embassy Suites. Don't forget to throw a few granola bars in your bag to keep you from wasting money on candy bars bought at the airport gift shop out of boredom.

Scout the Free Attractions

Most major cities have at least a few attractions you can see for free. In DC, for example, there are more than a dozen museums. St. Louis has the zoo. Nashville has the Parthenon. If you're heading somewhere like San Francisco, Chicago, or New York, the city parks and architecture are an attraction in themselves. Many paid attractions also offer discounts or free admission for college students, so hold onto that ID - even if you've already graduated.

Cozy Up to the Cruises

Cruising is a flat-fee way to travel, especially for young adults traveling solo. Not only do you have access to 24/7 food (which is included in your rate), but you also get to meet new people from all over the world. Cruise lines such as Carnival often cater to the younger crowd, so activities like nightclubs and comedy shows are included in the cost. If you book within a week of departure, you can probably get an amazing price, although you more than likely will not be able to choose your stateroom location.

If you do your research, it's entirely possible to give yourself new experiences without exasperating your already tight finances. You are only young once, and the world will look very different to you when you're in your 30s and 40s. Don't miss the opportunity to see new things while you still have the energy to get up and go on a moment's notice.

Image via Pixabay