Just Go! Travel on a Budget

      I am a big believer in “money doesn't buy happiness” but it does allow us to have experiences that can enrich our lives. That said, I have done a great deal of traveling around the world and I am a poor college student who is knee deep in debt. How does that work out? Well, it isn’t always easy, but it is always rewarding to take on the world with a pack on your back and camera in hand.

Finances:

Usually the plane ticket is one of the priciest items I purchase.  In order to get the best deal possible, I would recommend setting up an email alert on Kayak.com telling me how fares vary from week to week and which site I should purchase from.  For trips where I might be backpacking through several different countries, I always check prices to all of the airports and train stations I plan to be somewhere near.  Odds are that I will be able to find one destination that is significantly cheaper to fly into and then I can plan my trip around arriving at that location.

If you're looking to stay in one place for more than a few months, a great option for earning money and really getting to know the local scene is teaching English.  While it's initially a little investment, being TEFL/TESOL certified (which you can do online) opens many doors for teaching abroad, short term or long term, and being able to finance your trip and excursions while you're in country is pretty fantastic.

Personally, my first time abroad was financed on my own by opening a credit card for the first time. This is important because I was able to purchase almost anything while abroad without carrying large amounts of cash on me. Also, using a credit card will automatically work in the exchange rate from dollars to whatever kind of currency that specific country uses. If I were to recommend a student credit card, I would suggest that a student use one that allows them to repay their bank once they return home and can work off their debt in a timely manner. This has been my most cost efficient way of traveling.

Must haves:

I've traveled enough to know that everyone has a different idea of what they need, but here's what I've found is most helpful to have regardless of where I am. I always bring my iPhone.  My iPhone has a removable chip, and in most Central and South American countries a local chip can be purchased for less than $5.  This gives me a local number to give to my parents should they want to call me via Skype or with a calling card. This way, I'm not relying on Wi-Fi to connect. It also works as a great camera! All companies I've used have a prepaid minutes option, and they offer bonuses to call the states for cheaper than Skype.  With my iPhone and a local chip I can also connect to 3G, which enables me to keep in touch easier and I don't have to waste time and money looking for an Internet cafe.  Since the phone has a camera, music and a kindle app on it, I consider it to be the single most useful tool I can bring with me anywhere. Just don't forget a charger and power converter because different countries use different currents and you can fry your phone (I’m guilty of this).

I always make a copy of my passport before I go and leave one in my bag, one at home, and I keep my passport locked away or on my body at all times. Truthfully, I prefer not to leave it locked away in a hostel safe because if it is on my body, I know where it is at all times. I keep mine in a zipped pouch in a zipped pocket so it is very difficult to pickpocket. Every country I have been in requires my passport when changing money at an official bank, so having an ID wallet or safe place to carry my passport is necessary. I always carry a small chamois because it doesn’t take up much space and dries quickly. Remember, you cannot travel with large bottles of liquids because planes and trains will not allow it! Usually they have very cheap options at the local pharmacy so if you need something, you can purchase it there.

Overnights:

Adventurous travelers should try couchsurfing where they will be connected with people all over the world and given a couch to sleep on for (usually for a small fee). This is truly an adventure, but my experience has always been that people I meet traveling who are willing to host are very friendly and outgoing.

If couch surfing is not your idea of a good time, I would suggest using HostelWorld to book hostels anywhere you might want to go. They have a great app you can use on your phone to help your plan your trips. Average overnights cost about $30 and most hostels will offer you a shower, locker (very important) Wi-Fi and 24/7 check-in. The check-in time is highly important because your travel plans always change because there are so many moving parts that you never arrive on time. If you arrive at your destination past the check-in time, then you are homeless for a night. Trust me, this is not a very exciting moment when you’re tired, do not understand the language and it’s cold outside. The best way to combat this problem is to plan ahead as much as possible and utilize the resources given to you.

KC Owens has written and submitted this article. KC is a college student who loves traveling, college life, fitness and a good survival kit. He enjoys studying different cultures, meeting new people and leaving his footprint somewhere most people only read about.