Smart spending on a holiday- A student’s guide to budget-friendly travel

For many of us youngsters, the idea of going on a holiday, sounds like a dream come true. And that too after long semesters filled with lectures, exams and late-night study sessions. But with increasingly tight budgets and rising costs of travel, how can young students enjoy a memorable getaway without financial troubles?

The good news is that smart spending on a holiday is indeed possible and it can surely make your travel experience even more rewarding. With the right kind of planning, a little bit of research and creative thinking, youngsters can stretch their funds while still enjoying a rich and amazing vacation.

I just came back from a trip to Bali with my cousins. (That is the reason why I could not post anything on the blog last weekend!) Let me share some tips that we found extremely useful.

Always start with a realistic budget

My first advice to you all is to set a clear budget, even before you book a flight or decide on a destination. Ask yourself: how much can I afford to spend on this trip without compromising my absolute essential expenditure like rent, food or tuition? Then break your budget down into categories: transport, accommodation, food, activities and emergency funds. You may like to use some Apps, or even a simple Google Sheet to help you track your spending in real time while you are on the go.

Always choose budget-friendly destinations

Not all travel destinations are on an equal footing when it comes to affordability. While Paris, London or Tokyo might sound tempting, you must also consider less expensive alternatives that offer similar charm and experiences like Budapest instead of Vienna, or Vietnam instead of Thailand. Also, traveling during the off-season can save you an amazing amount of money in flights and accommodations. Remember to spend some time researching when the tourist low seasons are in your chosen area, and take advantage of the lower prices and lesser crowds. This is the reason why we chose to visit Bali in June instead of going to Europe.

Be a little flexible with travel dates and booking tools

The price of air tickets is often one of the most significant costs of any trip. You must compare flight prices and options on websites to find the best deals. You should be flexible with your dates as flying midweek or at off-peak hours can be significantly cheaper. Also, sign up for airfare alerts or travel deal accounts on social media.

Some tips on finding affordable accommodations

Gone are the days of booking expensive hotels. These days, budget travellers have far more interesting choices than ever. Hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels are all great options that one can explore. For more, look into alternative lodging, where local residents of a city, host travellers for free, or trusted home stay sites. You can even split a vacation rental like Airbnb with your friends to reduce costs further. Student-specific platforms or ISIC (International Student Identity Card) also offers various accommodation discounts.

Eat like a local

One of the best ways to explore a new culture is through its cuisine, and it does not have to come with a huge bill. Avoid tourist traps and instead look for local markets, food stalls and family-owned restaurants. Not only will you save money, but you will surely get a more authentic dining experience. If your accommodation has a kitchen, you may even like to consider cooking a few meals yourself. To be honest, even making breakfast or lunch can save a considerable amount of amount over the course of a trip.

Free and low-cost activities

Not everything worth doing comes with a hefty price tag. Most cities offer a wide range of free attractions, museums with free entry days, public parks, art galleries, and historical landmarks. Walking tours, often run by local students like us, are available in most major cities and operate on a pay-what-you-can basis. Remember to take advantage of nature too: beaches, hiking trails and scenic lookouts are usually free and can be just as enriching as paid activities. Always ask the concierge at your hostel and keep a check on local tourism boards for any student discounts and free events.

Don’t forget to use student discounts

Always remember to carry your student ID, and better yet, invest in an international student card. Many museums, transportation services, and attractions offer discounted rates for students, especially in European and Asian countries. It may seem too little at first, but these small discounts can add up quickly over the course of a trip.

Pack smart and travel light

Baggage fees can slowly sneak up on you, especially with low-cost airlines. Try to travel with a carry-on to avoid extra charges and make your transit at the airport smoother. Packing smart also reduces the temptation to spend on unnecessary items while travelling. Make a list of essentials like a refillable water bottle, snacks, a power bank, and travel insurance before packing. While insurance may seem like an added expense, it can save you hundreds in case of emergencies, cancellations, or lost belongings.

Finally, I would say that being a student does not mean you have to postpone your travel dreams. With a thoughtful approach and smart spending habits, it is entirely possible to enjoy great adventures without major dents on your bank account. In fact, budget travel often brings deeper experiences such as staying with locals, eating authentic street food, and discovering hidden gems that luxury travellers sometimes miss.

So, pack your bags, plan wisely and set off on a journey that is not only affordable but unforgettable. Happy holidays!