Let’s face it, being a student comes with lots of perks, (cheaper streaming services, UniDays discounts, and, you know, getting a higher education), but having a big travel budget? Not so much. But with that being said, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wring your wanderlust wherever you can- whether you’re planning a mini weekend getaway or a group trip with your housemates for the uni break, you can absolutely travel on a shoestring student budget without sacrificing fun and adventure.
Here is a collection of 10 tried-and-tested travel tips that will help you keep your globetrotting goals pocket-friendly, stress-free, and unforgettable… ready to start packing? Let’s take off!
Search ‘anywhere’ and ‘everywhere’ on flight comparison apps!
Ahh, flight comparison apps- the backbones of the budget travelling community. On platforms such as Skyscanner and Kayak, which scan the web for the best flight deals, you can find the cheapest destinations by clicking ‘everywhere’ on your destination search. By advertising the most affordable flights first according to your preferred departure dates, you may discover hidden gem flights for destinations you may never have considered. Plus, these apps allow you to set price alerts, so you’re always in the loop when fares drop—perfect if you’re open-ended with your escapades and looking to snag the best deal possible!
Opt to stay in a hostel
Hostels prove again and again to be the go-to choice when travelling on a budget. With hostels not only being a great place to meet fellow travellers from all over the world and make some new friends, but they commonly can offer laundry services, free breakfasts, and kitchen facilities to stretch your budget even further. Sign yourself up to Hostelworld to filter the best hostels according to your needs, and don’t forget to type in your UniDays discount to get extra cash off at checkout… your bank account and your social life will thank you.
Ditch the suitcase!
Ever seen the price of a flight and then your heart (and budget) sank when you saw the luggage fee? We’ve all been there, but there’s an easy trick: simply take a backpack. This works best for weekend trips where you’ll only need a few bits and bobs to see you through a few days; try a capsule wardrobe consisting of clothing that can be mixed and matched, and rather than packing your toiletries at home, opt to buy them at a cheap drugstore at your destination instead to save some space in your bags. Not only will you save pennies, but think of the dreamy ease of getting from the airport to your accommodation without any heavy cargo. Which brings me to my next point…
Get to know the public transportation
I know, I know- when you’re in a place you’ve never visited, it can be tempting to rely on expensive taxis to get you from A to B… but these costs, especially if you’re in a tourist hotspot, can really drain your bank account (or your maintenance loan). So, make sure you have Moovit or Rome2Rio downloaded on your phone, and take advantage of the public transport systems to keep your costs low. Check out if you’re spot offers any kind of Metro or Bus passes to help you save some big bucks. It’s a great way to feel more of your destination’s true vibe, and an even greater opportunity to stick your earphones in and pretend you’re a local, which we all can admit to doing before… Right?
Fork out for lunch!
Letting lunchtime be your biggest meal is a lesser-known travel hack, but a complete game-changer for staying within your budget- in many destinations, especially Europe, restaurants frequently offer more affordable dishes at lunchtimes to attract local on-the-go locals and tourists looking for a quick bite before the main munching event at dinner time. So, typically, you’ll see lots of lunch deals and Happy Hours advertised outside of these restaurants… take advantage! Not only will you have more flexibility to have some light bites and street food for dinner, but you’ll keep your stomach and silver satisfied while still soaking up the local flavours. And, if you’re wanting to save even more dough…
The best recipe: local supermarkets and shared kitchens!
Not only will making lunch your biggest meal save you a pretty penny, but doing a mini grocery shop to keep in your shared kitchen can allow you to pack some on-the-go lunches for your day trips or some quick and easy dinners after a long day of globetrotting, both maximising your time exploring and allowing you to spend that extra cash elsewhere. Get your hands on some cheap Tupperware (or bring some from home, a packed-lunch for your flight is always a fabulous idea), and pick up some bags of pasta, deli meats, baguettes, fresh produce, and any snacks local to your destination. Remember to label your Tupperware if you’re keeping it in a hostel fridge to avoid mix-ups!
For multi-city travelling, choose the coach!
The land of interrail is a well-trodden path in the travel world, and for good reason—hopping between several incredible destinations in one trip is not only budget-friendly but also an unforgettable experience. However, Interrail passes can start at three figures, even for just five days of travel. To make sure you’re squeezing the most out of your travel budget, consider using a bus service like FlixBus to get you from one place to another. Not only are the journeys often just as quick as train rides, but they’re frequently half the price—meaning you can travel more and spend less, all while seeing Europe’s most stunning cities. It’s a win-win for any savvy student traveler looking to stretch their budget further, and of course, FlixBus also has a student discount!
Get a travel money card and a local SIM for your phone
A travel money card (for my fellow travellers from the UK, I always use the Post Office Travel Money card) and a local SIM card are your best friends when it comes to saving money on your trip. Load up your travel card with multiple currencies before you go to avoid unpleasant exchange fees, and enjoy low or no charges when you withdraw cash or make purchases abroad. Then, grab a local SIM when you land to ditch expensive roaming charges and get affordable data and calling rates for things like Google Maps and booking tickets. Together, they’ll keep your trip smooth, your budget intact, and your stress levels low, leaving you more cash to enjoy the fun stuff!
Don’t forget your student ID!
Your student ID is your golden ticket to budget attractions. Thousands of landmarks, museums, and galleries offer reduced fares on admissions tickets for students, so you can enjoy all of local history whilst also enjoying a sweet deal- be sure to download StudentUniverse onto your device to check out all of the discount opportunities wherever you are, and from the Louvre in Paris to the Colosseum to Yosemite National Park or even the Sydney Opera House, your student ID is your passport to both adventure and savings!
Volunteering and work exchanges for free accommodation!
Want to travel on the cheap and immerse yourself in local culture? Try volunteering for free accommodation. Platforms like Worldpackers and WWOOF connect travellers with hosts who offer free room and board in exchange for a few hours of work each day. Whether you’re helping on a farm or assisting at a hostel, it’s a fantastic way to stretch your budget while meeting amazing people and learning about the local way of life- with plenty of time to explore your destination without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s an opportunity to build your student CV!
With these 10 budget-savvy tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most of your student travels—without draining your bank account! From snagging student discounts to making the most of local transportation and even volunteering for free accommodation, there’s no shortage of ways to stretch your travel budget while still having an unforgettable adventure. So go ahead, pack your bags, take that student ID, and start ticking off those bucket list destinations—the world is your oyster!