Tips for College Students Wanting to Travel

Tips for College Students Wanting to Travel

Most people believe traveling the world is expensive, but we’re actually finding that young people are booking overseas trips more than ever. Students around the world are realizing they can see the world on a tight budget and still be able to manage their classes.

Your younger years can often prove to be the best time in your life to travel due to the fact you often have fewer commitments. Not having a hefty mortgage, children, or a career means you have more freedom to make personal decisions like taking a journey of self-discovery by traveling the world.

Of course, managing assignments as a student while traveling can prove difficult for some, so some students may need assistance whether it’s through peer-mentoring, tutoring, or hiring the services of professional writers like those found at WritePaper.

Traveling allows younger minds to develop important life skills which can prove to be extremely beneficial later in life such as self-discipline, money management, building self-confidence, and becoming an overall well-rounded person.

There are many opportunities for younger minds to travel including studying, interning, or volunteering abroad. Many students also opt for taking a gap year in order to enjoy a break from their seemingly tedious life before they tackle their transition into full-blown adulthood.

Employers often love seeing that eager applicants have spent a considerable amount of time abroad as it shows you are able to adapt to changes and most likely overcome challenges. If you’re a student who wants to travel the world, be sure to check out these great tips that will help you choose a destination, keep travel costs down, make the most of your time abroad, and stay safe while traveling. Backpacking as a student is sure to make for one of the most memorable experiences in your life.

Choosing a Travel Destination and the Right Time to Travel

Preparing for an international holiday is especially important for students, particularly for those planning to take their very first solo trip abroad.   

The first step to planning foreign travel is to research a destination that interests you, is within your budget, and is generally safe. Things to consider when selecting a travel destination include what a country’s cost of living will be like so you don’t end up finding yourself in credit card debt and if there are any current travel advisories that may affect your safety or health.

You will need to look into what the visa requirements are for the various countries you are considering and make yourself well aware of the conditions of each visa to make sure you don’t run into problems with immigration. Thoroughly research the local culture of the place you plan to visit to make sure you are aware of the social etiquette and laws.

Once you have chosen a travel destination, the next decision to make is when you should travel. Many students plan their travel during a semester break or better yet summer break in order to experience the least amount of disruptions. While this may be a good time to travel in order to not have it affect your studies, you may find that these school breaks fall within peak travel times and will therefore prove to be expensive travel periods.

Other students are opting to travel during their terms and simply use a quality online essay writing service such as WriteMyPaperHub.com to help stay on top of their complex college assignments. It’s all about finding the balance of enjoying your travels while also staying committed to your education.

  Staying Healthy

It’s safe to say that a large number of student travelers are more likely to take risks while traveling and pay little attention to their health. While you may think you’re indestructible when you’re young, there are many things that can knock you flat while traveling.

Take the advice of your local government and get all the recommended vaccinations for the destinations you are traveling to. You should also ask if you should be taking any special medications such as malaria prevention and make sure to watch what you eat and drink. Food poisoning is no laughing matter and drinking unsafe water can lead to a number of serious illnesses.

And while it’s common for students to want to drink alcohol and let loose while traveling, remind yourself that consuming alcohol can lead to making bad decisions that can haunt you for the rest of your life. Drinking alcohol can also end up voiding your travel insurance policy which you definitely will want to have in case you require costly overseas medical treatment.

Pack a handy first aid kit and more than enough essential medications that you are currently taking. Wash your hands frequently and don’t push yourself too hard. Try to practice good sleeping habits and stay on top of your fitness while traveling.  

Keeping Costs Down

Unless you happen to be swimming in cash, which is highly unlikely for a student due to hefty college tuition and everyday living expenses, you will surely be seeking out ways to keep your travel costs down.

Thankfully there are many ways a student can travel cheaply. The first piece of advice is to select an economical destination like Southeast Asia or South America which will allow you to find accommodation and meals at ultra-affordable prices. The next tip is to travel during a destination’s off-season when airfares, accommodation, and activities will be offered at their lowest rates.

Most students opt for shared accommodation, staying in hostels or dorm-style accommodation. Another great option is couchsurfing where you can score free accommodation from hosts that happily invite travelers to stay with them free of charge. You can also seek out workaway opportunities in which you exchange your labor for free accommodation and sometimes even meals.

Stick with using public transportation whenever possible, as this will prove to be the most economical option for getting around. Choose accommodation that offers kitchen facilities in order to avoid having to eat out every night. Shopping at local grocery stores and cooking your own meals with save you a bundle, especially if you’re planning to travel for an extended period of time.

Don’t think you have to do all the expensive major attractions to make your travels memorable. There are always countless free activities offered that will prove just as exciting and rewarding. That being said, many attractions offer student discounts, so be sure to bring your student ID. The best option is getting an ISIC card or International Student Identity Card. This is the only internationally accepted student identity card that can score you generous discounts on accommodation, attractions, and public transport in more than 130 countries.

Be sure to purchase travel insurance in case you require overseas medical treatment, lose your personal belongings, or run into travel disruptions. Having travel insurance can end up saving you a great deal of money if something unfortunate were to happen.

Tips for Staying in shared Accommodation

Many young travelers find that engaging with locals and fellow travelers is one of the most enjoyable parts of traveling. Meeting other people while traveling can help you feel less isolated and you may be able to learn many helpful local tips. That being said, you should always be careful when it comes to sharing your personal information with others. Sharing too much information about yourself and your travel plans with people you just met can put you in a vulnerable position.

Never feel pressured into doing anything you don’t want to do and avoid accepting free accommodation offers from strangers when you don’t know their background. Staying in reputable shared accommodation is a far safer option. Simply select a hostel that is located in a good part of town and one which has received positive online reviews. You should also choose a place that offers you the option of choosing a same-sex room if that makes you more comfortable.

Of course many students will be looking to hook-up with the opposite sex during their travels. Traveling is a great time to explore your sexuality and navigate the ins and outs of sexual relationships. Just remember to practice safe sex and never feel pressured into having sex if you are uncertain that is what you want. It’s also important to remember that sexually transmitted diseases can be more prevalent in some countries.

Don’t forget to keep your personal belongings secure when staying in shared accommodation. Most hostels offer lockers to allow you to safely store your belongings. You may also want to remember to pack some headphones or earplugs in case you end up with noisy roommates.

Top Student Travel Destinations

Whether you’re looking to backpack around beautiful European cities or want to trek through the jungles of Southeast Asia and South America, there are endless travel destinations to consider. Most students tend to look to Europe for their first solo travel adventure as it’s generally very safe and well connected by public transport. Budget airlines offer cheap flights between major iconic cities and affordable hostels are easy to come by.

It all comes down to what kind of an experience you’re after. Traveling to less westernized destinations can give you a better appreciation for vastly different cultures and give you a fresh perspective on how different people live around the world.

Some students choose to enjoy expensive destinations for shorter periods of time while others would rather enjoy an extended holiday in a cheaper country. Some of the best cheap travel destinations include Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Costa Rica.  Some of the most popular cities students enjoy include London, Paris, Prague, Amsterdam, Rome, Berlin, and Budapest. Other great places to travel as a student include Peru, India, and Australia.

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Author: Michael Jerrard

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1 Comment

  1. Thanks for sharing these articles. It helps me a lot as I am a college student.

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