There are a lot of perks to being in college, but being almost broke isn’t one of them. So if you are one of the many on the ramen noodle diet, here are a few tips for planning vacations – whether they be road trips, cross country trips, or transatlantic trips – on a budget.
First, be realistic with your destination location. If you can’t afford to buy a ticket to Europe, maybe settle for somewhere a little closer within a day or two’s driving distance. Grab two of your best buds and the most gas efficient car between the three of you and caravan to the spot of your choosing. Fact: four tanks of gas split between three people is way more affordable than one plane ticket.
Since you are already sharing the car ride down (or up or over), why not share the room accommodations as well? If you are part of a large group of people that all want to go to the same place, then do some research and get a three or four bedroom condo for the week. Bunk up two people in each room and split the cost evenly between each of you. You’ll spend most of your time on the beach, at the pool, on the slopes, outdoors, etc., so the shared space won’t be an issue. Besides, you’re all friends. Think of it as one giant sleepover for a week.
One of the major benefits to renting a condo instead of a hotel room for the week is having a kitchen. Skip eating out for every meal and hit the local grocery store, grab some staple snack and lunch items and save your money for dinners and going out after. Another perk to having a kitchen is that you will have the ability to store your refreshments and food. Buy whatever you enjoy drinking and eating during the day and stock up for the week. This will give you significantly more spending money.
Finally, if you’re really pinching pennies, stay close to your hotel or condo. Cab rides can add up and chances are…prices are high if you are visiting a tourist destination. Stick to restaurants and other places of interest that are within walking distance and save the cab fare for one night out at a place that everyone wants to go as the peak of your vacation. You can also download Uber and split your fares between the people in each car.
Vacationing is all about having fun and forgetting about school, work, and other stress for a week (or maybe more). You should be able to enjoy it without worrying how you are going to pay for your text books in the next semester. Follow these easy and simple tips and you’ll be on your way to a fun and budget-friendly vaca!