College students often travel for pleasure, study abroad or exploration purposes – often on a budget.
Travel doesn’t have to break the bank – even students with limited means can take an affordable and memorable trip during winter, summer and spring breaks. Here are some student travel tips that will help make planning a great journey a reality! You are surely already aware that some airlines, like Cathay Pacific, are more affordable than others.
Budget
Students contemplating travel may feel overwhelmed with excitement but bewildered about how they’ll afford it. Being broke doesn’t limit you to road trips and cheap Spring Break destinations; all it requires is some creativity when looking for ways to fund your journey without breaking the bank.
Starting off by creating a budget and setting reasonable goals. This will help keep the planning process on track while making sure everyone can participate. Another great way to save money when planning your trip is booking it off-season; flights, activities, accommodations are less costly then. Plus group trips tend to be cheaper so invite some friends along!
Your students should also be made aware of how much everything will cost before booking their trip, to prevent overspending and any financial strain. In addition, it’s essential that they learn the local language as much as possible so as not to stand out as tourists – making themselves vulnerable targets for thieves and other criminals.
Take advantage of any discounts that are available to students when traveling. Tour operators, transportation, and accommodation providers often offer student discounts – make sure you ask!
Students looking to reduce costs on their trip can also find other ways of cutting expenses by purchasing second-hand items like laptops, smartphones and clothes – often for much cheaper than buying new. There are even websites dedicated to selling used and refurbished goods at reduced costs.
Travel is an invaluable opportunity for students, not only as an exciting adventure but also an invaluable learning experience. Travel broadens perspectives and opens doors, giving students confidence to follow their dreams and bring about change in their lives.
Safety
Student travel can be both exciting and fulfilling, yet hazardous if students fail to follow these basic tips. Traveling alone after dark should be avoided while keeping close watch over all belongings at all times. Drivers should practice safe driving habits and understand local crime trends in their destination country as well as be knowledgeable of ways to access help in case of an accident on the road.
Students traveling abroad should make an effort to learn the local language in order to interact more easily with the people there. Learning their native tongue will show respect for culture while reducing any unintentional cultural faux pas that might cause offence or lead to miscommunications. They should use front pockets or backpacks rather than back ones as these make easier targets for pickpockets.
Students should go beyond learning the language to also familiarize themselves with local customs and traditions of their destination country. Students should investigate whether cars drive on the right or left side of the road, what dress codes apply during religious festivals, recommended vaccinations for travel and the nature of emergency medical services in that destination country as well as ensure adequate insurance coverage in case an accident or illness arises.
Students traveling alone should prefer traveling in groups as it provides companionship and emotional support, essential components of mental wellbeing. If they must travel alone, however, they should notify someone (preferably their parents) of all side trips they take during their study abroad program.
Students should always carry copies of their passport, driver’s license and credit cards with them when traveling, leaving copies at home for someone at home to access. When staying in hotels they should take precaution not to open their door to strangers unless accompanied by an adult chaperone; additionally they can request that their room is locked during the night if desired.
Travel Etiquette
Students traveling abroad must consider local customs and etiquette when visiting foreign destinations, including greetings, dress codes and how trash should be disposed. Spending even just a moment learning this etiquette can make a big difference to how others perceive your visit; for instance it is customary in most countries to not litter while visiting religious sites, while modest clothing should be worn when visiting sites of worship.
Though it can be hard to remember all these travel etiquette tips, a bit of research will go a long way toward helping you avoid making embarrassing faux pas. For instance, many cultures consider shaking hands in public rude. Furthermore, learning the local language will come in handy for greeting and thanking hosts more efficiently.
Students should keep in mind that business etiquette varies based on culture. To make an impressionful first impression, students should dress according to the business environment and honor host country customs, while remaining assertive while remaining non-aggressive, listening attentively during meetings, and practicing effective communication skills before an international trip will also help ensure a smooth experience.
Travel etiquette is an integral component of international business, and can significantly alter your career in many ways. Students should research the culture and business etiquette of their host country before traveling in order to avoid miscommunication and offense in the workplace.
Along with researching appropriate travel etiquette for international travel, students must also pack carefully. Packing comfortable shoes and light clothes along with essential items like an umbrella and sunscreen in case of rain or sunburn will always come in handy. Carrying emergency cash and being familiar with local currency are both also key assets; students should also leave a copy of their itinerary with someone they trust so that if something arises that requires emergency contact they have someone they can turn to quickly if need be.
Accommodation
Students traveling for school purposes require accommodations that are both affordable and safe, making hostels or hotels that provide student rates the ideal accommodation solution. Since these discounts may not be publicly advertised, it would be a good idea to contact these establishments beforehand and inquire. Also book early as prices tend to increase during tourist seasons.
Students should ensure they have secured accommodation as well as a valid passport before embarking on any travel experience, and can learn about the application process from the Department of State website. A valid passport is an integral component of travel experience and will help prevent problems at airports.
Traveling as a student provides an incredible opportunity to discover new cultures and see the world. Although sometimes challenging, traveling can be highly rewarding. Furthermore, traveling allows students to form lasting bonds with fellow travelers from diverse backgrounds that they will carry through throughout their lives.
Student travelers can save money while traveling by staying in hostels or renting an apartment, staying as guests of local families in exchange for meals, or joining home exchange programs such as Workaway or IVHQ which allow students to stay at someone else’s house in exchange for helping out around the house.
Students seeking affordable accommodation should also consider visiting their destinations during off-peak seasons, like China during May where prices tend to be reduced significantly and they can visit iconic attractions such as the Great Wall while taking advantage of affordable food and travel deals.
Student travel offers numerous advantages, so it is no surprise that more and more students opt to use travel as a form of education. Although balancing schoolwork with travel can be challenging at first, the experiences gained through travel will have lasting ramifications on your life and career goals.
