Traveling On A Budget While Abroad
BY Scarlett Kniznik
Studying abroad is not only a valuable educational opportunity but also a gateway to immersing yourself in diverse cultures beyond your study abroad site. While in Milan, I wanted to take advantage of its location to explore Italy and neighboring European countries. The only problem was that I had a shoestring budget. However, with careful planning and the use of some handy apps, I’ve learned how to make international travel an enriching experience without depleting my savings. Keep reading for my tips on budget-friendly travel while studying abroad!
Step 1: Planning your Destination
Before studying abroad, I compiled a list of destinations categorized by must-visit, desirable, and potential options if time/money was left. I plan my trips based on where it is cheapest to go on that given weekend. For most of my travels, I relied on Skyscanner and EDreams. These platforms offer handy features such as "explore everywhere" to discover the most cost-effective destinations from your location and "price by month" to identify the cheapest weekends to visit your desired location. Both apps display all flight options and seamlessly link you to the airline's website for direct bookings without extra fees (for the most part).
If traveling by bus or train, I use Omio as you can easily compare ticket prices. Some popular trips are necessary to plan in advance to get the best deal, such as Oktoberfest in Munich. These apps have helped me prioritize affordability while letting me plan out when it is cheapest to go to my must-visit places.
Step 1.5: Strategize Transportation and Location
This step complements the first one. To save on transportation costs, consider flexibility in your choice of travel method. Sometimes a trip that costs $100 via train can be as low as $8 via bus. While buses may take a bit longer, the savings are often well worth it. Omio can help you compare prices for all available buses, but remember to select the option to view all options, as they may not include the budget-friendly Flixbus by default.
You can also save significantly by considering alternative cities or regions that offer more budget-friendly accommodations than the usual tourist hotspots. For example, Dublin was cheaper to fly into than Galway, but Dublin accommodations were incredibly more expensive than Galway. So, I flew into Dublin and took a $8 bus to stay in Galway. Housing was a ⅓ of the cost, and it was incredibly cheap to do day trips to Dublin. Similarly, flying into Glasgow and taking a $6 train to Edinburgh made accommodations more budget-friendly. While these examples applied to specific weekends, they may not always be the case so creativity and research are key to discovering unexpected destinations and savings.
Step 2: Booking Affordable Accommodations
Finding affordable accommodations is a crucial aspect of budget travel. Hostels are excellent options, and websites like Hostelworld make it easy to find the perfect one by providing information about location, reviews, and more. Airbnb and Booking.com also offer a range of budget-friendly choices. Traveling with friends can further reduce costs, as splitting an Airbnb accommodation can make it incredibly affordable. On some weekends, I spent as little as $20 on a 3-night Airbnb stay thanks to cost-sharing with friends.
Step 2.5: Booking Affordable Accommodations (Super Savvy Edition)
For those committed to extreme savings, consider unconventional accommodation solutions. Sleeping in airports during early-morning flights or taking overnight buses can eliminate the need to pay for a night’s stay. During a trip to Athens, my friends and I wanted to visit Santorini but found the accommodations there extremely expensive. We opted for a 6am flight to Santorini, spent the day exploring, and then took an 8-hour overnight ferry back to Athens, saving on a night’s stay. In other instances, we would check out of our hotel/hostel in the morning, keep our luggage stored at the hostel (most do this for free), explored during the day, and then head to the airport at night to “rest” before an early-morning flight. Again, we’d avoid a night’s stay. Of course, you cannot do this all the time and prioritize safety/health when implementing these strategies!
Step 3: Planning Travel Activities
During your journey, various methods can help you save money and fully enjoy your destination. Many touristy places offer free walking tours where you can tip your guide at the end. Apps like GetYourGuide and Viator make it easy to find and book budget-friendly tours and experiences in your location. When visiting Athens, we chose an affordable GetYourGuide experience that included transportation, a tour guide, and “skip-the-line” access. Bargaining is also a valuable tool in some locations; for example, my friends and I rented ATVs in Santorini for $35 instead of the usual $60, a highly recommended activity.
Step 4: Additional Money-Saving Tips
While traveling, dining expenses can add up quickly. To satisfy your culinary curiosity, head outside of the main city center to find more affordable options. Hostels and hotels often provide complimentary or inexpensive breakfasts as well. Another expense that adds up quickly is getting around the city. Rely on public transportation instead of costly Ubers/Taxis. Lastly, many study abroad locations (including all IBEX sites) partner with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), a non-profit international student organization. ESN plans several trips throughout the semester that include everything from transportation to meals to activities. These trips are extremely cheap and a great way of meeting other students abroad.
When studying or traveling abroad, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Nearby cities, day trips, and local areas can be just as rewarding as more distant destinations. Always do your research, as it can lead you to hidden gems and savings. With careful planning, smart use of resources, and a bit of creativity, you can maximize your international adventures while staying within your budget.