I’m a very very poor college student with very little time and terrible spending habits, but I manage to travel. How? You may ask. Five priceless pieces of advice that will hopefully inspire you to finally take your vacation.
Give Your Trip Meaning.
You can travel, but are you willing to make the sacrifices necessary to do so? The way I rationalize my trips are by giving them meaning, which in turn gives them value. What will this trip do for you? Why do you need this trip? How will this trip elevate your lifestyle? When you look at a vacation as an investment in yourself you are much more likely to prioritize it.
Money Comes Back.
Travel is a necessary investment in your mind and body. Stepping outside your comfort zone nurtures your soul. Trust me, there will be a huge return on your investment both mentally and spiritually. Speaking to those that are not the best with money. You are broke now and you’ll be broke after the trip, so the next time you get money just purchase a plane ticket.
Plan Ahead.
Plan ahead!!! I can not stress this one enough especially to my fellow college students. This is not one of those movies where you go be spontaneous in the city and just have the best night ever. You will be stressed. If you can’t even decide where to go eat when you are at home, what makes you think you will be able to make that decision on-spot in a foreign country?? Pre- book all of your activities and make reservations at all the restaurants you want to eat at during the duration of your trip!
Have an Itinerary.
This one goes hand in hand with the 3rd one. I like to create a powerpoint, but you can do a digital planner or list as well. Make sure everyone has access to this itinerary and can reference it when wondering what the plans are for the day. This will allow for such a seamless trip and you will never be bored!
(Note: I include: optional activities, optional restaurants/ bars, down time, addresses, and outfits. If you guys want to see an example I can post mine!)
Be Whoever You Want.
This is my favorite piece of advice and the reason I fell in love with traveling in the first place. When you leave home, you are basically leaving your identity behind. All you are taking with you is your own perception of yourself. When you are existing in a space where you have developed relationships (either good or bad) there are assumptions made about you (either good or bad) that are out of your control. Your reputation in that environment is tethered to your identity, but when you travel you get a temporary clean slate. You won’t have the burden of the world’s expectations. You get to live outwardly and soak in everything around you. This feeling of weightlessness is priceless.
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[…] Traveling can be expensive, but by following these tips, you can save a significant amount of money on your travels. Purchase your airline tickets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, consider alternative accommodations, buy tickets on foreign websites, and pack light. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy your travels without breaking the bank. If you need some inspiration to finally make the jump read my Travel Advice from a Premature Vagabond. […]