Planning and Funding a Trip

Planning is one of the most important steps in your journey. Making good decisions on accommodations, activities, and routes can make an adventure less stressful and inexpensive.

Helpful Websites and Apps

  • Hostelworld is a leading platform for booking budget-friendly accommodations, particularly hostels, making it an ideal resource for college students seeking affordable and social lodging options.

    Key Features for College Students:

    Extensive Hostel Listings

    • Offers access to over 36,000 properties in 178 countries, including hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses.

    • Focuses on affordable options, ideal for students traveling on tight budgets.

    User Reviews and Ratings

    • Provides verified reviews and ratings from travelers, allowing students to choose accommodations that match their preferences (e.g., cleanliness, social atmosphere).

    Flexible Booking Options

    • Includes free cancellation policies for many properties, ensuring flexibility for students with changing travel plans.

    Social Experiences

    • Lists hostels known for fostering a sense of community with shared spaces, group activities, and events, helping students meet fellow travelers.

    • Allows filtering by location, price, amenities, and reviews for easy selection.

    • The mobile app simplifies trip planning on the go.

    • Offers travel guides and tips for budget-friendly travel and exploring new destinations.

    Why It’s Perfect for College Students:

    Hostelworld helps students travel internationally without overspending while also providing opportunities to meet like-minded adventurers. Its focus on budget accommodations, combined with its user-friendly tools, makes it a popular choice for gap years, spring break trips, and study-abroad excursions.

  • The Broke Backpacker is a travel blog and resource platform aimed at budget travelers, especially young adventurers like college students. It provides practical advice on how to travel affordably, often focusing on destinations where a tight budget can stretch further. The site offers:

    Travel Guides and Tips: Detailed destination guides for regions worldwide, emphasizing low-cost travel options, from accommodations to activities.

    Gear Recommendations: Reviews and suggestions for essential travel equipment, helping budget-conscious travelers choose cost-effective and reliable gear.

    Budgeting Advice: Tips on saving money while traveling, including where to find cheap accommodations and food.

    Inspiration and Stories: Content to inspire adventurous and meaningful travel, often centered on unconventional or lesser-visited destinations.

    The site also occasionally highlights deals and partnerships, such as discounts on hostels or travel gear, making it a valuable tool for those planning trips with limited funds​.

  • Booking.com is an excellent travel resource for college students planning trips, offering several advantages:

    1. Wide Range of Affordable Accommodations

    Booking.com provides access to a vast selection of accommodations, including budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. This variety enables students to find lodging that fits their financial constraints.

    2. User-Friendly Interface with Comprehensive Filters

    The platform's intuitive interface allows users to filter search results based on criteria such as price, location, amenities, and property type. This feature helps students efficiently identify accommodations that meet their specific needs.

    3. Transparent Reviews from Verified Guests

    Booking.com features reviews exclusively from verified guests, ensuring that feedback is authentic and reliable. This transparency assists students in making informed decisions about where to stay.

    4. Flexible Cancellation Policies

    Many properties listed on Booking.com offer flexible cancellation policies, which is beneficial for students whose travel plans may change unexpectedly. This flexibility provides peace of mind when booking accommodations.

    5. Access to Deals and Discounts

    Booking.com frequently offers promotions and discounts, such as the Getaway Deal, which provides significant savings on select destinations. Additionally, joining the free Genius Loyalty Program can lead to further discounts and perks, making travel more affordable for students.

    6. Map View for Strategic Planning

    The platform's map view feature allows users to visualize accommodation locations relative to landmarks, public transportation, and other points of interest. This tool is particularly useful for students aiming to stay in convenient areas.

    By leveraging these features, college students can effectively plan and book travel accommodations that align with their budgets and preferences.

  • Viator and GetYourGuide are popular platforms for booking activities and experiences while traveling. They specialize in connecting travelers with a vast range of options, including guided tours, local experiences, cultural activities, skip-the-line tickets, and adventure excursions. Both platforms emphasize convenience, offering features like instant confirmation, mobile ticketing, and flexible cancellation policies. Their catalogs cover thousands of destinations globally, ensuring a mix of iconic attractions and unique local experiences, often curated by local experts. These services are particularly useful for travelers seeking to enhance their trips with memorable, authentic experiences​

  • Tripadvisor is an excellent planning tool for college students because it provides comprehensive, user-driven insights into travel destinations, accommodations, activities, and dining. The platform aggregates millions of reviews and photos from travelers, offering genuine and diverse perspectives that help students make informed decisions. Here’s why it stands out for college students:

    1. Budget-Friendly Planning: Tripadvisor lists a range of lodging options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with user ratings and detailed reviews to help students find affordable yet reliable choices.

    2. Activity and Dining Suggestions: It includes detailed recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities, often with filters to match specific interests or budgets. Students can explore highly-rated spots or hidden gems without extensive research.

    3. Comparison Tool: For hotels and activities, Tripadvisor compares prices from multiple booking platforms, helping students secure the best deals without jumping between sites.

    4. Interactive Features: Features like “Travelers’ Choice Awards” and curated lists highlight trending destinations and must-visit spots, making it easy for students to create itineraries.

    5. Safety and Practical Tips: User reviews often include safety information, tips for navigating local customs, and suggestions for avoiding common pitfalls, which are especially valuable for first-time or solo travelers.

    Tripadvisor serves as a virtual travel advisor, saving time and reducing stress by consolidating essential information into an easy-to-navigate format. However, it’s worth noting that actual bookings are made through third-party sites, so students should confirm details directly with providers. The platform’s accessibility and detailed content make it a go-to resource for young travelers planning adventures on a tight budget and schedule

  • Rome2rio is a powerful travel planning tool designed to help users navigate transportation options for journeys across the globe. It aggregates multiple modes of transportation—flights, trains, buses, ferries, car rentals, and rideshares—into a single search, displaying estimated travel times, costs, and booking links. This platform collaborates with major transportation providers like Amtrak, Trenitalia, National Express, and Skyscanner to offer comprehensive results for over 600,000 routes worldwide.

    For college students, Rome2rio is particularly appealing because it simplifies planning complex trips, such as backpacking across Europe or traveling between distant cities. It eliminates the need to open multiple browser tabs to compare travel methods, saving time and effort. Additionally, its ability to estimate costs helps students stay within a budget while identifying the fastest or cheapest ways to reach their destinations​.

  • The PackPoint app is a travel packing assistant designed to help users create efficient and tailored packing lists. It simplifies the packing process by generating a customized list based on your destination, travel dates, trip duration, weather forecast, and planned activities. For example, if you’re hiking or attending business meetings, PackPoint ensures your list reflects those needs. It also adjusts recommendations depending on trip length, making it easier to pack appropriately.

    PackPoint is especially valuable for college students because it reduces the stress of packing and prevents common forgetfulness, like leaving behind chargers or toiletries. The app is free to use, but a premium upgrade offers additional features such as customization options and integration with apps like TripIt. Students can also share their lists with friends for group trips, ensuring everyone is prepared without duplicate items.

    The app’s user-friendly design and clear categorization make it accessible and practical for those with busy schedules or little travel experience. By tailoring packing lists and saving time, PackPoint helps students focus on enjoying their trip rather than worrying about packing details​.

  • Google Maps is an essential tool for travelers, offering a range of features that make navigating unfamiliar cities simple and efficient. Here's what it can do for you and why it's especially beneficial for college students in a foreign city:

    What Google Maps Offers While Traveling

    1. Navigation: Provides step-by-step directions for walking, driving, cycling, or using public transport. It includes real-time updates on routes, traffic conditions, and delays.

    2. Offline Maps: Users can download maps for specific areas, ensuring access to navigation even without internet service—a critical feature for travelers in places with limited connectivity.

    3. Local Discovery: Highlights nearby restaurants, attractions, landmarks, and stores, often accompanied by user reviews, photos, and ratings to guide decision-making.

    4. Transit Integration: Displays public transportation options, schedules, and route details, making it easier to plan and use buses, subways, or trains.

    5. Safety Features: Shows busy and safe areas, which can help travelers avoid potentially unsafe neighborhoods. It also allows location sharing with trusted contacts for safety.

    6. Multilingual Support: Offers features like place names in local languages and translations for addresses and reviews, simplifying navigation in non-English-speaking regions.

    Why It’s Great for College Students in a Foreign City

    • Budget-Friendly: It eliminates the need for expensive guidebooks or maps and helps identify free or affordable activities and eateries.

    • Efficiency: Students can quickly plan routes to optimize time and avoid getting lost, crucial for those on tight schedules.

    • Cultural Integration: By discovering highly-rated local spots, students can immerse themselves in the culture and avoid tourist traps.

    • Safety: Location sharing and safe route suggestions give students and their families peace of mind while traveling alone or in unfamiliar areas.

    • Convenience: Its offline maps and universal usability make it a reliable companion in areas with limited mobile service or high roaming charges.

  • Eurail is a comprehensive service that offers flexible train and ferry travel across Europe with its Eurail and Interrail passes. These passes allow travelers to visit up to 31 countries, offering access to thousands of train routes, ferries, and other transportation options. For college students planning to travel on a budget, Eurail provides an affordable and efficient way to explore Europe, with the freedom to travel spontaneously or plan multi-country trips.

    Eurail passes can be purchased online and are available for various durations and coverage, including the Global Pass for extensive travel across multiple countries, or Select Passes for more limited regions. The pass allows for unlimited travel within a set number of travel days, giving students the flexibility to plan their travel around academic schedules or explore Europe at their own pace.

    With the Eurail app, students can also access real-time information, reserve seats, and manage their trips easily, making it a handy tool for navigating complex European rail systems. Plus, Eurail Pass holders often benefit from discounts on certain trains, ferries, and even attractions, which can help reduce overall travel costs​.

    This makes Eurail an excellent choice for students seeking affordable and efficient transportation throughout Europe while enjoying the flexibility to explore a variety of destinations.

  • Guide to Student Flight Deals is an article that gives information on how various airlines offer student discounts. Worth a read.

Hostels

Staying in a hostel offers many advantages for college students, especially those looking to travel on a budget while embracing a vibrant and social atmosphere. They provide an affordable, engaging, and resourceful way to travel while immersing yourself in the local culture and connecting with others worldwide.

  • Hostels are significantly cheaper than hotels, especially for shared dormitory-style rooms. Many also offer kitchens, allowing students to save further by preparing their meals instead of dining out​.

  • Hostels are known for fostering connections among travelers through shared spaces like lounges and kitchens. Many hostels also organize events, such as city tours, pub crawls, or communal dinners, making it easier to meet fellow travelers and make friends​.

  • Most hostels are strategically located near city centers, public transportation, or major attractions, making it easier and more cost-effective to explore a destination without lengthy commutes​.

  • Hostel staff and other guests often provide insider tips on local hidden gems, attractions, and authentic dining options that may not be found in guidebooks​.

  • Hostels typically have flexible check-in and check-out policies and provide luggage storage, making them ideal for travelers with unpredictable schedules or early/late arrivals.

  • Many hostels include conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and breakfast. Some offer added perks like lockers for securing valuables and privacy-enhancing dorm setups with curtains​.

  • Staying in a hostel often becomes a memorable part of a trip due to the communal spirit and diverse mix of travelers, fostering lifelong friendships and shared adventures.

Tips for Funding Your Travel

  • Budgeting: Create a budget and set aside a portion of your income or allowance specifically for travel. Cut back on non-essential expenses like dining out or entertainment.

    Open a Savings Account: Use a dedicated savings account for your travel funds to avoid spending them on other things.

    Part-Time Jobs or Side Gigs: Work part-time on-campus, freelance, or take up side gigs like tutoring, babysitting, or dog walking to earn extra moneyhere

  • Travel Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts on flights, accommodations, and attractions through services like StudentUniverse, STA Travel, or ISIC (International Student Identity Card).

    Transportation Passes: Many cities offer discounted public transportation passes for students.

    Hostels and Dorms: Opt for budget-friendly student accommodations like hostels or university dorms during travels.

  • Study Abroad Programs: Many universities offer scholarships and grants for study abroad programs. Look for travel scholarships through your school or external organizations.

    Field-Specific Grants: Some academic fields provide funding for international research, internships, or conferences.

    Volunteer Abroad Grants: Organizations like GoEco, ABroaderview, and International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offer scholarships or discounts for volunteer travel programs.

  • Work-Exchange Programs: Platforms like Workaway or Worldpackers connect travelers with hosts in exchange for work (e.g., helping at hostels, farms, or NGOs) in return for free accommodation and sometimes meals.

    Teach English Abroad: If you’re fluent in English, look for short-term teaching jobs or online tutoring opportunities.

    Seasonal Jobs: Work as a tour guide, barista, or in seasonal industries like ski resorts or summer camps abroad.

  • Create a Campaign: Use platforms like GoFundMe to share your travel goals with family, friends, and your social network. Be specific about why you’re traveling and how the funds will help.

    Offer Value in Return: Write a travel blog, share photos, or document your journey as a way of saying thank you to contributors.

    You can also live-stream your experience and travel on social media.

  • Off-Season Travel: Book trips during the low season to save money on flights and accommodations.

    Last-Minute Deals: Look for last-minute travel deals on websites like Skyscanner, Hopper, or Kayak.

  • NextVacay.com and Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) are platforms designed to help travelers find affordable airfare deals. Next Vacay works by scanning airline databases and sending users email notifications about cheap flights based on their home airport preferences. It offers a subscription-based service that simplifies the search for hidden flight deals.

    Going.com, also subscription-based, specializes in notifying users of mistake fares, flash sales, and discounted flights. Users can customize their alerts based on preferred destinations and travel dates. Both services aim to save travelers time and money by eliminating the hassle of manually searching for deals, catering especially to budget-conscious and flexible travelers.