How to travel on a budget: tips from AU students

By Kayla Portillo | Staff writer

Do you enjoy traveling but don’t have the budget for it? Well, your fellow AU peers have some tips for you! Learn about what you can do to afford to travel around the world as a college student.

C’Avionne Barber, a senior at AU, says that she plans her trips months ahead, giving her ample time to save and afford those days off from work.

My summer trips are planned in the winter so that I have a few months to save money,” she said. “As a college student, you can’t just get up and go; you have to give yourself enough time to save and plan accordingly.”

According to a blog on Edmit.me, it is estimated that the average college student will spend between $1,050 and $2,000 on travel transportation alone. Given these costs, students must budget their money to enjoy both the traveling experience and stay afloat as a college student.

Senior Rachel Turner says that she travels at least twice a year, but she doesn’t do it alone.

“Whenever I travel, I use the buddy system so all the costs are split between me and who I’m traveling with,” she said. “More people mean more friends and less money coming out of your pocket.”

With the holidays approaching, Amanda Price shared how she budgets as a college student for her end-of-the-year trips to New York City.

“I use Groupon, take advantage of student discounts, and I choose Airbnb rentals over five-star hotels,” she said. “You want to be flexible but frugal because all the money you do end up saving could go towards future trips or next semester’s tuition.”

Amanda Price prepares for her trip to New York with a budget in place. (photo courtesy of Amanda Price) At top of page, an aerial view from above could be one of many sights captured in travel. (photo by Kayla Portillo)

Augusta University also offers programs like study abroad that allow students to travel while completing the academic courses they need. For more information, email the study abroad office at studyabroad@augusta.edu.

Contact Kayla Portillo at kportillo@augusta.edu.