Five tips for traveling as a college student

By Erin Colley | Staff writer

College is the perfect time to travel and explore new places with a flexible schedule and a little more free time! Don’t let the details or expenses hold you back from creating these memories! Here are five tips for traveling as a college student.

1.     Don’t plan your trip based on your destination, plan your destination around prices.

Of course everyone wants to visit the staple destinations like Greece and Italy, but save those for after you have a stable career to support those dreams financially. While you’re on a budget, look for the places with lower fares. With the money you save in this way, you can afford a place to stay at your destination.

After you find some options, do the research to find what those locations have to offer! You would be surprised what hidden gems you can stumble across with just a quick internet search! The important thing with this strategy is to go in with an open mind and get excited for any opportunity that may come your way!

2.    Put tracking devices in your luggage!

With all the stories about lost luggage, this is a risk I do not like to take! Apple has Airtags that you can track from your Find My app on your phone. Whether you’re flying, driving or any other way of traveling, this can ensure your bags don’t get lost, misplaced, or stolen! 

3.     Book flights in the middle of the week, not the weekend.

If your schedule allows, book mid-week flights. These flights are often significantly cheaper than weekend flights. You can also look for early morning or late-night flights for cheaper fares as well.

*Bonus tip: If you book your flight where you land in the morning, you can add a whole day of experiences to your trip without having to pay for a place to stay. Additionally, on your way home, book a late-night flight so you can have an extra day of adventure and then sleep on the plane. That saves you two nights of hotel costs!

 4. Sign up for airline emails to get exclusive deals.

This might be the only time I recommend getting on an email subscription. Many airlines run sales, but you must be in the know! A usual flight to Arizona ranges from $300-$800 but with an airline’s sale, I found a flight for $107!

*Bonus tip: Search for flights in advance, they usually get more expensive closer to date as the flight fills up.

5. Travel with friends!

Traveling with friends can reduce costs at your destination by splitting transportation and lodging costs.

My friend and I were able to stay at this camping location which allowed us to have a more unique experience at half the price! (photo by Desiree Varnadoe)

Bonus Tip: Don’t buy souvenirs, buy experiences!

I know that sweatshirt and fridge magnet is just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, but a few years from now, it’s going to get thrown out in one of your spring cleanings! Save yourself the money and space and buy an experience instead.  

Book a tour, a helicopter ride or a kayaking trip! Do something that will create a memory, not something you have to cram in your suitcase to get back home. After all, pictures are free! Frame some of your favorite moments from your trip to create conversation starters around your home! 

Instead of purchasing souvenirs, my friends and I did a sunset horseback tour through the desert! (photo by Alyssa Stephens)

Most hikes are free and a great way to see a new place while being cost effective! (photo by Sarah Rose)

Now you have all the helpful tips so go plan that trip!

Contact Erin Colley at ecolley@augusta.edu.