Traveling as a student is the best part of the experience, but let’s face it, it’s not cheap. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading off on a summer vacation or for a more long-term adventure; every dollar counts when it comes to getting the most out of your trip. Here are eight tips to make traveling the world affordable.

Plan Ahead and Be Flexible

Budget travel planning is your friend. Study up on places, planes, and hotels in advance to get the best price. Nevertheless, you can save money as well by being flexible with your travel dates. It will be cheaper and also less crowded if you travel midweek or off-season. Check Google Flights or Skyscanner for flight prices to compare and get the lowest airfare.

Use Student Discounts

As a student, you have access to deals other people do not. Almost all the airlines, museums, and buses have student discounts. For these offers, bring an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) or use your school ID. Study up on student offers at the destination. Such include everything from free museum admissions to cheap fares on public transport. As a student, you can also purchase paper writing service at Academized.com with a discount. Head to their website and check the current deals to get the best bang for your buck.

Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Forget about fancy hotels and stay at cheap hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals. Hostels are especially great for students because they are cheap and also great for connecting with other tourists. Some hostels have some freebies, too, such as breakfast or a local tour. If you’re ok staying with locals, Couchsurfing is another choice. It’s cheap and often feels more authentic.

Eat Smart and Save on Food

Food can quickly run up your bill, but it does not have to. Avoid going out for every meal and shop at your local market or supermarket instead. There are kitchens at most hostels and cheap hotels where you can cook your meals.

Tips for saving on food:

Go for street food (it’s usually cheap and yummy).
Eat where the locals do instead of the touristy spots.
Bring snacks so you don’t have to buy expensive food while sightseeing.
If there are complimentary breakfasts at your hotel, avail of that.
Use apps such as Too Good To Go to find deals on food near you.

Travel Light

Make sure to bring only what you need to avoid extra luggage charges. A well-packed carry-on can save you time, money, and frustration at the airport. It is also lighter to travel with, particularly when you are going between different places. Make a list so you don’t overpack. Bring versatile clothes, and don’t forget to save room for souvenirs.

Use Public Transportation

You don’t need to pay for taxis or car rentals if you take public transportation. A great number of cities have cheap buses, subways, or trains that can get you almost anywhere. Another low-cost approach is to walk or rent a bike, it’s also a good way to see the local culture. Check for transit passes or day tickets that are cheap if you’re in a city for a few days.

Find Free Activities

Going around the world does not mean you need to be paying for everything. There are a lot of free things or experiences to do that are as good as the paid stuff. For instance, hiking trails, beaches, parks, and guided walking tours are usually free. Consider local festivals or free days at the museums – there is always something that costs nothing. As a learner, you can also get free educational resources from many companies – look here for some options. Sites like Academized offer free essay samples and helpful articles to make learning easier for busy student-travelers.

Stay Connected for Less

Staying connected when on the road is expensive, especially if you consider international roaming rates. The cheapest alternatives are prepaid data SIM cards in town or Wi-Fi hotspots everywhere. WhatsApp or Skype will connect you to friends and family without wasting money on phone calls. Get offline maps and other essential information in advance so you don’t have to rely on the Internet all the time.

Make Memories Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t need a lot of money to see the world as a student. With good strategy, discounts, and planning, you can make it memorable without spending a fortune. Never get caught up in spending money – it’s all about the experiences, relationships, and stories you make along the way!