This may be the biggest thing that holds people back from traveling more: money. I definitely don’t have a lot of money (I am a college student, after all), but I know how to travel without spending my inheritance.
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Accommodations
Hostels are mostly glorified dorm rooms, so get over it.
Don’t have any grand expectations about large rooms with extravagant balconies and room service. Most accommodations are very basic, including a bunk bed, hallway bathroom, and toast for breakfast. Some hostels include towels and sheets, but don’t always bet on it. There are some exceptions to this rule (Palmer’s Lodge London, Isaac’s Hostel Dublin, etc) and those places usually cost you more.
Camping is also an option in many places, so keep an open mind.
You can find many places, especially in rural areas like Ireland, that have a hostel rate and a camping rate. Camping rates are very low, usually between 3 and 7 euros. This is a better option for those who came prepared with tents and sleeping bags.
Know what to bring ahead of time.
There is nothing worse than arriving at a hostel without realizing that they don’t provide towels, sheets, hairdryers, laundry facilities, etc. Do your research. If you book a hostel that has many extras, take advantage of it. Wake up early enough to eat the free breakfasts, email your parents on the free internet, take advantage of the welcome drink, locate some coins and wash your laundry. It may be the only opportunity for a while. On the other end of that, if your hostel has none of these things, ask the desk for a nearby laundromat, cafe, internet cafe, cheap trashy college bar.
Know where you are staying.
Many places advertise themselves as being only a few minutes from the city center, but this can often be deceiving. I stayed at Cork International Youth Hostel, one of only a few in the city, which said it was 10 minutes from the city. They forget to mention that it is 3 kilometers from the bus station and we were carrying backpacks half our weight. You may have to take a bus (or two) to get to your location.
Food
Fine dining is not feasible.
The biggest mistake I made while traveling in Europe on my own was to eat out every night. If you are going to be gone for more than a week, you will spend most of your money this way. Instead, eat a big lunch out and make dinner in your hostel. And as embarrassing it is to admit this, I have probably eaten at McDonald’s at every country I have visited. It just happens to be cheap and fast… A better alternative would be street foods like hot dogs and falafel.
Everything is better when it’s free.
If your hostel offers breakfast in the mornings, it is likely that it is only croissants, toast, cereal, and yogurt. Eat as much of it as you can. If this isn’t hearty enough for you, grab a snack from a cafe or market to carry with you throughout the day.
If your hostel has a kitchen, use it.
Nearly every hostel has a kitchen for guests to use. You can keep your food in the fridge/pantry and label it so no one eats it (in theory). I’ve found that spaghetti is an easy dinner to make when overseas. Cooking in the communal kitchen is also a great way to meet other travelers.
Attractions
ISIC card is your friend.
The International Student Identification Card is available through your school’s study abroad office or online. It gets you discounts at museums, restaurants, trains, hostels, and much more. Just remember to flash it.
Check for museum free/student days.
Many museums and attractions have a day once a month that is free to students or completely free. Look out for these. Other places, like London‘s Tate Museum, are always free.
You don’t have to see everything.
The best way to discover a city isn’t in its museums but on its streets, with its locals. Wandering around is free. Find a park and have a picnic or just people watch.
Transportation
Time vs. Money
When it comes down to it, you have to decide between how much something costs and how long something takes. The bus is always cheaper than the train, but it can often take twice as long. Same with flights. You may find a very cheap bus ticket to another city, but you can also find a cheap Ryanair flight that will take under two hours.
Walking is your best bet.
I will admit that in some cities, you absolutely must take public transportation because of how far apart everything is (Paris, London, etc). However, you are missing so much by not walking through the neighborhoods. If possible, walk or rent a bicycle (like in Dublin, Amsterdam). And of course, it will work off all that beer weight you are likely to gain.
Packing
Backpack optional, but helpful.
I’m not the least bit outdoorsy, so I am not going to say that huge backpacking backpacks are the best way to travel around. However, you may be better off carrying the weight on your back rather than lugging a rolling suitcase or duffel bag around airports, bus stations, train stations, elevators, stairs, and other annoying places to have luggage. You may be cursing your backpack when walking all over the city in search of your hostel, but it will be worth it because it forces you to pack light.
Anything that dries quickly is necessary.
Remember that anything you wash has to have time to dry. I washed clothes in the sink at my hostel but often ended up carrying damp clothes in my backpack. This includes towels. It is helpful to bring one since they are rarely included, but are bulky and take forever to dry. Instead, opt for camping towels or using worn clothing to dry off.
Anything that can be shared between friends lessens your load.
If you are traveling with friends, pack together. You can share clothes, shampoo, a towel, or anything. It is also beneficial to split the price of items such as towels and hairdryers. It is understandable that you may need to pack more during the winter, but layers are the best bet. During the summer, light dresses (for girls) are easy to wad up and throw in a bag.
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