You wish to get away from your daily routine and academical pressure and enjoy some beautiful place of the globe. Before you see the Statue of Liberty, the Niagara Falls or Eiffel Tower, there are essential things to do.
Traveling on a student’s budget may be a challenging task, and you may be lost on how to plan a trip. Follow our simple seven steps for trip preparation and make the best out of your adventure.
Plan Your Trip Dates and Transportation Options
Here can be a few factors to take into account while deciding on the dates:
- Yours and your friends’ free dates should match;
- Choose the lowest season for your desired destination;
- Compare the ticket prices, agree on dates and country with travel companions, and book online.
Check International Conferences Your School Participates In
There should be plenty of propositions from your college or university for an international conference to attend. In this case, most likely, your school or an inviting side will sponsor an attendant’s trip.
It may be a fully financially covered option, or they will provide you only with a place to stay, or the tickets to the destination. That way you will be able to stay in another city for cheap or even free for a few days.
The scientific conference will most likely take only part of the time you’ll stay in a new place. The rest of the time you can simply enjoy the location. Anyways, additional plus to this option is that you will have a publication on the event’s website or in a scientific magazine. Most of the schools require such writings to finish one’s Bachelor’s or Master’s education.
You might not be sure which topic to choose for such work or how to complete it. Besides, it should be original papers relevant to the conference agenda. In case you want to travel and do not feel confident enough, turn to a professional writing service for help. There are tons of these if you start searching, and all you need to do is send a write my essay without plagiarism request on-site and start packing for your trip right away!
Book a Shared Accommodation
If you have decided to travel independently with no obligations like conferences or other university events, finding accommodation will be your next task. Cooperating with other students for a trip would be a good idea, as it might save some cash for each person.
Consider renting a shared place on one of the biggest vacation rental sites such as Airbnb.com, Tripping.com, HomeToGo, or HomeAway. The best group would be the size of a 3-4 people maximum.
Make an International Student Card
Most European and North American universities inform their students about international students’ identity cards. If you still do not have one, order it from the ISIC website.
This is the most significant internationally-recognized student ID, which also can be your banking card while you travel around the globe.
This card allows you to show official student status everywhere in the world and have discounts in 125,000 locations.
Those include:
- public transportation;
- flight, train and bus tickets;
- museums;
- attractions;
- tours around the cities;
- clubs/bars and many more.
Make an Itinerary for Must-See Places
Creating a trip itinerary may be both interesting and overwhelming. Which tourist attractions are an absolute must-see, and which ones could be skipped? Some trip planner apps help make your trip itinerary.
The most well-known is TripAdvisor. You can search by destination, rating of places, read other travelers’ reviews. Make your list clear and not very long. Include only the spots you are interested in and plan the time you may spend there.
Consider Renting a Car
Now that you have already booked your tickets, found accommodation, ordered international student ID, and made your dream list of places to visit, it’s finally time to think about transportation within the country you are going to.
Consider renting a car with the tripmates. The international student’s ID card will help to get up to 20% discount, depending on the car rental company. For example, Europcar, Europe’s leading rental company, offers 15% off by making an online reservation or in their rental stations.
Calculate the Budget
Now when you already know all the main trip expenses, write them down in Notes or create an Excel sheet. Even better, download a free financial budgeting template and use that! Of course, additionally to things we’ve already talked about, count the food cost in the country of your destination. If you’re budget isn’t covering everything you need on your trip, or if you’re concerned about funding in case of an emergency, see if title loans could be a good backup plan.
Be realistic, it is a trip to a new place, and you will be thrilled to try some new dishes. Maybe your group will go to a cafe or a pub, so don’t set this part of your budget too low. Make some space for souvenirs and other small presents for your friends and family back home as well.
Final Words
After all the planning and preparations, you are finally good to go! Pack up only necessary and appropriate to the season clothes and other necessities.
One backpack will be perfect for the short trip and won’t spoil your baggage allowance. Take your friend with you and finally, go enjoy your unforgettable and affordable trip!
