The Iglu Guide | Blog
The top 10 best budget travel tips for students
Now that travel is firmly back on the social agenda, it’s definitely time to take advantage of what’s going on around the world both near and far. Whether you’re thinking of exploring the beautiful NSW coastline, heading to the Great Barrier Reef or hopping on a cheap flight overseas, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the holidays. But travel can be an expensive hobby, and if you’re living on a student budget it really does pay to think ahead. Here’s 10 budget travel tips for all students watching the dollars.
1. Make a plan
Sounds kind of obvious, but it really does pay to plan ahead. Research your trip well in advance and you will reap the financial rewards. Or at the very least you might stay within budget. Once you have chosen a destination, jump online and discover the best time of year to visit, understand what the cost of living might entail, and estimate how much the trip might total. You can research in advance any attractions or experiences you may want to do, find affordable accommodation, and look at all the transport options available. Don’t forget to investigate any special offers or student discounts. If you find your chosen destination is racking up in cost, it’s time to change the plan.
2. Set a budget
Think about how much you want to spend and stick to it. There are plenty of budgeting apps available to help you stay on track, and if you’re travelling with friends it pays to use Splitwise. Here you can keep track of who has spent what amount, and share the expense equally amongst the group. Don’t forget to account for accommodation, transport, food, and any experiences you might want to book, as well as some spending money.
3. Be flexible with dates
When booking your holiday, you need to consider your own academic schedule. But it also pays to be flexible with your dates because that means you can take good advantage of the off-season prices. Flight and accommodation costs are considerably lower in the off-peak season – and as an added bonus you get to avoid all the kids on school holidays! Use a flight search engine like Skyscanner to find the most competitive deals across a range of dates, and this will help you identify the most budget-friendly option. Try and line up your accommodation at the same time so that you aren’t caught short.
4. Book budget accommodation
Shield your eyes from those luxe resorts, or you’ll blow that student budget in a heartbeat. Instead, explore the hostels, guesthouses and budget hotel scene instead. Remember, travel is all about the experiences and the people you’ll meet, not the comfy pillows and poolside lounges. And if chasing a better price takes you a little off-route – go with the flow. The chances are you’ll avoid the crowds, add to the itinerary and have some stories to tell on your return.
5. Use your student discounts
Take advantage of any student discounts available. Museums, transport, and most cultural attractions all tend to offer special prices to students. Some restaurants also offer special deals to students on particular days at certain times. Make sure you bring along some ID, and always ask if it’s not obvious. In addition to reduced prices, keep your eyes peeled for any free activities on offer such as city walking tours, or less publicised attractions that are still interesting but won’t cost a cent.
6. Take public transport
Don’t even think about stepping into an Uber, rental car or any kind of private transport. The way to get around and stay in budget is most definitely on public transport – think trains, trams, buses, ferries and more. It’s the perfect way to experience life like the locals, get a feel for the culture – and save a tonne of money along the way. You’ll get to know your way around pretty quickly, and you can redirect all your savings into some more fun activities.
7. Pack light
A clever way to save even more money when travelling on a budget is to pack super light. This can help you avoid any excess baggage fees, or you can even travel with hand luggage only. If you only pack the essentials, your journey is immediately more flexible. You might decide to head off on a different route at some point, catch a bus or take a hike. Less luggage means more options. If you do take a bigger bag, it helps to leave some room free for souvenirs or any items you may want to bring home with you.
8. Avoid pricey restaurants
Avoid eating in expensive and often touristy restaurants, that’s a sure way to take a chunk out of your travel budget. Instead, opt for eating local food from a food court or trying out a street food cart, as this will be significantly cheaper. You’ll not only notice the difference in price, the food will freshly cooked, freshly served and considerably tastier. Save the restaurant experience for a special occasion – but if you do need to eat in one, make sure you step well away from any tourist attraction. Just slipping into a nearby side street will immediately save you money.
9. Negotiate like a local
Some students find it hard to negotiate on price. In Australia, the price is usually set as marked. But if you are travelling somewhere like Asia where they welcome a good haggle over the price, it is almost expected from you. Good-natured haggling is part of daily life, and is viewed as a positive cultural interaction. If you don’t play your part, you’re contributing to inflation which raises the prices for the locals. So instead of feeling shy, consider it a social responsibility and enjoy the benefits.
10. Be flexible
Travelling on a budget means you have to have a degree of flexibility and bounce. It’s about being prepared for things to change, but undeterred if that does happen. When you arrive, prices might have changed, or you might experience an unforeseen event such as a lost passport or unexpected injury. Have an emergency back-up fund in your back pocket to plan for unexpected circumstances, and try not to get overwhelmed if it happens. The true beauty of travel is the journey it takes us on, no matter the budget constraints.
