Ways to fund travel
Credit Cards
Using credit cards to travel overseas can be very risky; especially if you do not have the means and a solid plan to pay back the expenses that you will incur. The good thing about using a credit card to help you travel overseas is that some of them (please do your research before applying to any credit card company) come with currency exchange, so when you arrive in a new country it will exchange your currency for you rather than you having to go through the trouble of doing it yourself. You can also go to a neighboring country that uses the same currency, but has a better exchange rate, so you get more of their money for less of yours (keep that in mind)! When using a credit card to travel out of the country, make sure that it can be used worldwide (check with the issuer). You could also look into a student credit card, which sometimes have better benefits for college students. Just keep in mind that being irresponsible with credit cards will put you further into debt than the student loans you might be using for your education.
Being financially literate will help you save money
Check with your bank to see what the ATM fees and debit/credit card usage policies are overseas. This way you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and won’t feel blindsided if you come home owing a lot more money than you originally anticipated. Look into as many possible avenues as you can in regards to worldwide credit cards, student credit cards (that can be used worldwide), and programs such as the two below that can help you save money.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
The ISIC gives you access to student discounts on flights, museums, and attractions. You can save much more money by investing in this card rather than not. It doesn’t make anything free for you, but it does make certain things more affordable with the discounts that it gives you access to. You can visit their website for further information.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
Where Should You Stay?
Hostel instead of a Hotel
Hostels are much cheaper and they can be found in various locations. There are hostels outside of the cities you’re visiting so it’s more cost-efficient, and hostels that are within the city limits which rival hotels. Most hotels are inside city limits and the prices are higher because of that reason. The important things to remember with hostels are as follows:
Hostels may charge for using their laptops/tablets/computers–so make sure you bring your own. Drinks are cheaper at your own hostel Use services like www.hostelworld.com or www.hostelbookers.com to find your hostel destination. Never tell your hostel when you’ll be arriving. If you arrive late they will give up your room and you won’t be able to get your deposit returned to you. Always bring a padlock (or two).
Getting There: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
How to get there is important, every bit as important as keeping money in your wallet. Stay frugal, open-minded and choose your means wisely. Search for flights on lesser-known airlines. When you get to your destination, say if you’re going to a place such as Europe with a great train system, take the trains.
What to do when you get there
Follow the Deals
When you’re traveling with only your college budget in mind and not so much your destination, it makes it easier to stick to following the deals. Your best bet is to schedule your trips outside of major tourists’ months, when the prices drop. If you get off the main streets and avoid the major attractions, you’re sure to find cheaper prices and more of an authentic “local” experience.
Buy food in bulk and cook for yourself, if possible
This will lower the expenses on buying food at restaurants by a great deal! If you’re staying at a hostel, most of them provide kitchens for this reason alone.
Talk on FaceTime and stay on Wi-Fi instead of using your minutes overseas
Overseas plans for each carrier are different, so you definitely want to check with your phone provider before leaving the country. Otherwise you may come home to a bunch of phone bills you weren’t expecting.
Search local tipping laws before you hand out extra cash to your bartender/waiter
It’s commonplace here in the states to tip a minimum of 15%, but that same rule doesn’t apply in most places overseas. As long as you look it up and find out for certain, you won’t feel bad leaving without tipping at all or as much as you normally would.
Look for free opportunities
Instead of looking for that club to go out to, or spending money at museums or galleries, you can save yourself money by going swimming in the ocean for free, read a book on a beach for free, or find the parks in the area and spend your day there. You can also hide away in a historic library
Packing: How to cut down on cost
Packing light is your best bet. You can avoid fees for extra bags this way and, if you’re backpacking, you won’t kill yourself with all the additional, unnecessary baggage. Packing light is also beneficial because you’ll be able to chase down and catch that bus rather than stand around waiting for a taxi. Pack lightweight, wrinkle-free or wash-and-wear pants, shirts, and travel jackets so that you can roll them up and save space. If you’re going for studies overseas then don’t take the hardcover books, find the paperback or electronic version.
Staying for an extended period of time?
Find local work to help immerse yourself in the culture and earn some extra money. If you go WWOOFing then you won’t be paid for working on the farm, but you may have access to other working opportunities in the area. If you do both you’ll get the exposure to two different working lifestyles overseas, additional language exposure, and you’ll have an asset that’ll help you stay financially afloat while you’re there.
Getting around overseas
You are better off renting a bike than paying for a tour
You can lose yourself in the city and learn so much more about it rather than having to pay out of pocket to be guided around to all of the major sights to see.
Be sure that you’re using public transportation instead of taxis
Taxis are great conveniences and luxuries at times, but the wallet doesn’t like them that much. Public transportation is pretty well developed in the other countries, especially Europe, the UK and major Asian countries. Featured photo credit: Drif Riadh via unsplash.com
