As a student, travelling is one of those things that can feel like a far-fetched dream, especially with the seemingly endless assignments and exams every semester. On top of that, all the student loans and continuous expenses — rent, groceries, textbooks, transportation — make it much harder to take a holiday or visit new places. But here’s the thing: if you travel smart and utilize the following tips while planning your next trip, then it may be more achievable than you think.Â
Advanced booking
Booking your flights as early as possible is a good way to save money while planning trips. Factors such as the popularity of the location, the season you are travelling in, and sometimes even the day of the week that you are buying the ticket, can have a huge impact on the price.Â
To add, it becomes easier to grab the cheapest possible tickets for the destination you’re travelling to if you have flexible dates and can adjust your travel according to the cheapest option available.
In most cases, flights in the off-season tend to be less expensive compared to peak travel times, which are usually early fall or spring. To keep an eye on the fluctuating prices, set alerts for your flight using price comparison websites like Skyscanner. For instance, travelling to Montréal is less expensive in April as compared to peak seasons like November or December. Not to mention if you book flights early, then it gives you flexibility to cancel and rebook the ticket if there is a drop in the price. Moreover, if you book the tickets in advance, there is a higher chance of finding lower rates, such as tickets for the ferry to Victoria.
Choosing cheaper accommodations
Selecting the right accommodation is crucial while travelling on a student budget. Even though hotels and resorts sound appealing, it’s better to look for hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb stays which are often cheaper than hotels.Â
For example, if you plan to visit Tofino, several guesthouses offer cheaper prices than local hotels; Tofino Point Guesthouse offers accommodation for as low as $95 per night.
Use public transportation
Uber or taxis can be pretty expensive, especially for students. As a result, using public transit can be a great way to save while travelling. Most cities have budget-friendly and convenient buses and metro routes to help you explore popular tourist spots and get you around the city. Even most local shuttle services cost less than taxis. In Montréal, you can use the Métro or the bus to explore the city at a very low cost.
Cook your meals
With all the expenses that come with travel, eating out every day can dig a big hole in your savings for the trip. Buying ingredients that are available locally and using them to make your own meals can be cheaper than dining out every day.Â
For example, several farmers markets in Victoria sell inexpensive and locally grown products so you can enjoy low-cost, home-cooked meals. On-the-go grocery store meals or some ready-to-eat packed food that you can take along for these trips are also great alternatives to cut costs.
Enjoy free or low-cost activities
With proper research, you can do a lot of things without breaking the bank as a tourist. Look for free beaches, museums, or outdoor activities such as hiking to famous spots. These adventures can take up a whole day of your trip and won’t cost you a huge amount of money for entry tickets. Many cities also host free festivals and pop-up events you can add to your itinerary.Â
Montréal is one of those cities in Canada that hosts free festivals with art, live music, and delicious food in the summer, which can be a great experience for someone who is visiting for the first time.
Student discounts
Lastly, there are several student discounts as well as special offers you can access through programs like Student Beans. You can take advantage of these discounts on things like entertainment, food, airfare, shopping, etc…, as long as you are a part-time or full-time student.Â
Make sure you keep these tips in mind when booking your next trip so you can make the most of it without straying from your budget. Happy travels!
Hello, I’m Gauri Sethi, a passionate staff writer at the Cascade responsible for writing content that resonates with the masses. Currently, I am pursuing business administration, but deep down, I am a person who loves expressing herself through writing.