Students look forward to their long summer vacation every year. The last few weeks of the semester before the break are characterized by multiple calls to hotels, airlines, and travel agencies. Some students have very little money after paying their tuition fees and normal expenses, but they can overcome their financial challenges and explore their favorite destinations with the right information. Here are some important traveling tips for budget conscious students.
1. Do your Homework
If your travel budget is limited, you must start planning for your vacation early. Compare the rates of different airlines, destinations, and hotels. You can access all the information you need online. You will identify the cheapest rates and save your money if you do a thorough research. It is advisable to do your research early, but book towards the end of your semester. Many companies offer discounts to students as the holidays begin.
2. Travel as a Group
Traveling as a group is always cheaper than traveling alone. You enjoy huge discounts and have a higher bargaining power when traveling as a group. Approach your friends or classmates early in the semester and share the idea of traveling to one holiday destination. Even if you are pursuing an online MBA degree or other online programs, you can convince other online students to travel with you. It will be a great chance to meet and interact face-to-face after months of online interactions.
3. Book as a Student
Use your student number and card when paying for services. Some companies give discounts to students, but you must provide proof that you are a student. You must do your homework to identify the companies, travel agencies, or destinations that offer student discounts. Use part of the time you spend on the internet to identify the best deals for traveling students.
4. Be Flexible
Your traveling plan should be flexible when working with a limited budget. The truth is that you may not get everything on your list. Start with a general plan and then settle on specific places after considering the rates. For instance, you can start with an idea of a mountaineering experience and then choose a destination where you can get this experience within your budget. In addition, be willing to use alternative means of transport other than booking a flight where possible. If you can get to your destination on a bus or train, go for that transport mode and save the high cost of airfare.
5. Get a Scholarship
Most students are familiar with scholarships for their tuition fees, but not many are aware that there are scholarships for travel as well. These are available for regular students, as well as those pursuing an AACSB online MBA. Some companies offer travel scholarships to students as long as the trip has an educational purpose. Take advantage of educational trips to travel to new destinations. Some companies give scholarships to enable disadvantaged students to travel the world. Again, you must do your research to identify such organizations and get a scholarship.
You can enjoy a different summer vacation every year, even with a limited travel budget. The secret is to do an extensive research on the best rates and discounts for students. Be flexible enough to explore new destinations, accommodation options, and traveling modes to get the best out of your travel budget.