Have you ever wondered how those types do it? Those that look like they don’t have a cent yet to travel the world. They can be young or middle-aged, but they are out there, seeing the sights, and if you want to, you can join them. They may have been just like you a few months ago, but now they’re living their dream. Out there, they’re drifters, mysterious strangers, while at home they’re accountants and nurses and, yes, students. Here are some tips if you want to join them and explore the world.
Prepare and Save for the Great Adventure
All you require is an adventurous nature and a bit of financial prudence. In advance, you’ll need to save, save, save. Sacrifice things if you must. Put what you might have spent on beer or clothes into a bank account and leave it there. While it builds, you can plan where you’re going to go.
All you require is an adventurous nature and a bit of financial prudence. In advance, you’ll need to save, save, save. Sacrifice things if you must. Put what you might have spent on beer or clothes into a bank account and leave it there. While it builds, you can plan where you’re going to go.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
There are plenty of places you’ve never seen right here in the US, so maybe that should be done first, and leave the rest of the world till later. If that doesn’t appeal to you and you want to get out there in foreign lands, do it. Go where they speak English, but they think you have an accent, even if it’s how you’ve been raised to speak and its they who are different or go where you don’t understand a word and must rely on gestures and goodwill.
Be careful where you choose to go, not just for safety reasons (although obviously that is important), but as regards the cost of getting there and the cost of living when you’re there. You can spend an enjoyable night trawling the net, checking out destinations and the cost of the tickets, the availability of hostels or beach huts or wherever you see yourself staying for a while. Planning and daydreaming can be all part of the overall experience.
Get Your Finances in Order
Currency
If you don’t already have a credit card, this is the time to get one as you’ll need it for booking tickets and help cover extra expenses when you’re there. Talk to your bank if you have a good relationship with them and be sure to check a student’s guide to credit cards online to see which cards offer what you need. Don’t rush into it and find the one that suits you best.
Maybe you can also get set up on PayPal, or one of the others where you can pay and be paid, juggle money between accounts and get funds in appropriate currencies. Again, be sure to do your due diligence regarding what rates these companies charge for exchanges and transfers etc. Spending an extra dollar here and there adds up to a meal or a night’s accommodation when you’re travelling.
Keep Safe
For extra security, you might want to get a money belt that goes around your waist and under your clothes to keep your cards and cash safe. Know where your phone is at all times and look out for pickpockets. There are nice people everywhere, but there are scoundrels too, and a foreigner is often seen as an easy target.
Arrive Prepared
Check out accommodation options in advance so you’re not wandering aimlessly when you get to your destination. This will ensure you know the price you’re going to pay, and you don’t fall victim to getting overcharged. In terms of transport and eating out, seek out student discounts for everything from train and bus travel to cheap restaurants.
Be a cheapskate, a bargain hunter. At this stage of the game, you want to save every cent you can, so don’t be bashful. Haggle. Drive bargains when you can. Be polite but be firm and walk away if you feel like you’re being taken advantage of. You can even consider making travel videos for YouTube documenting all your tips and tricks, with the goal of helping other students who want to travel.
