Traveling always presents an opportunity to not only create memories but to also broaden one’s perspective in life by meeting new people and exposing you to different ways of life. There has never been a better time to travel than when you have youthful blood, time, and your whole life in front of you.
But often while still young and a student for that matter, your budget is always shoestring tight and a major limiting factor to your travels. But it doesn’t have to be the case. You can still travel and marvel at mother nature’s offerings regardless of how much you can spend. This is by budgeting. This article aims to give you tips on how to plan a road trip on a budget and also highlight ways to help you navigate and keep yourself entertained when you decide to hit the road.
Budgeting
When you decide to go for a trip, budgeting can be the difference between having a good time or an unpleasant experience. You don’t want to exhaust your funds and spend the last three days of the trip sleeping hungry. Do you? A budget cures this by apportioning every aspect of the trip its funds to ensure everything is catered for.
The first step is knowing how much is available to spend. With that amount in mind, you then divide the expenses into three categories namely:
- Preparation expenses
- Actual vacation expenses
- Emergency expenses
Preparation Expenses
These are the funds you will have to spend before embarking on the trip. Below are the expenses you must cater for before the trip.
- Visa fees. These will depend on where you are going and the visa requirements of travelers from your country.
- Travel insurance. While sometimes not mandatory it’s always a good idea to have one. You never know what may happen while you are away and you happen to need medication.
- Vaccinations. Some are mandatory when traveling to certain places and others are recommended. It is advisable to get all that is recommended as vaccinations tend to be cheap and will get you covered in case you get exposed to illnesses.
- Travel gear. This is a broad category and it generally includes all the things you will need while on your trip. Examples are suitcases, camping tents, hiking boots, and cameras to name but a few.
- These are the expenses you will incur to travel and move around. They include train and plane tickets and car rental costs. To ensure you get good rates ensure you make all your transportation arrangements well in advance.
To get cheap cars for rent in the area you are traveling to as a student, use Rental24h.com to compare prices of the different under 25 cars for rent and get yourself the cheapest and most suitable car rental for under 25.
Actual Vacation Expenses
- Accommodation. This will depend on your preferences. You can choose from the various accommodation options available based on what you can afford.
- Food and drinks. You are encouraged to do some research on the average prices of food and drinks in the area you are visiting before the trip. This will help you have a rough estimate of how much you are likely to spend per day and then make any adjustments necessary.
- Activities. Make a list of all the activities you want to engage in and how much they cost. You can then add or remove some according to your activities budget.
- Souvenirs. These are important for the memories. You can either divide the amount set aside into daily amounts or cumulatively for the whole trip.
Emergency Funds
These are amounts you will set aside in case of any unforeseen circumstances for example loss of your credit cards. You should keep this amount in cash. You can separate it into two or three stashes that you will keep at different places. It should be equivalent to a few days’ food and accommodation to keep you on the safe side in case something happens.
Navigation
Getting lost in unfamiliar territory is quite unsettling and frustrating. It is, however, common and happens to the best of us. But it tends to waste time and even resources and should be avoided. Below are tips to keep in mind to assist you in navigation while on your trip.
- Use GPS/Google Maps. GPS and Google Maps come in so handy to help you move around in unfamiliar territory. They are real-time and offer extra information like roads under construction which can be a great time saver.
- Download offline maps. Off-line maps are equally important and help complement GPS or Google Maps. This is in case you get to an area with poor or no internet connection.
- Carry physical maps. You should also bring along a physical map to your trip whenever possible. They come in handy especially if you plan to stay for long in an area.
- Be keen on road signs. Road signs will offer you information sometimes not available on GPS or maps like detours. Keeping an eye on them will not only be helpful but also help you avoid trouble with authorities in matters like speeding.
- Ask the locals. If you are not sure and suspect you are lost, ask for directions from the locals.
Entertainment
There is a big likelihood of boredom catching up with you while on a trip especially while moving from one place to another. But you can spice up things and keep the fun going with the following tips.
- Listen to podcasts. Download several of your favorite podcasts and play them whenever you are in the mood.
- Listen to an audiobook. This can take you to an entirely new world you won’t realize how fast time will move.
- Listen to your favorite playlist. Bring along a collection of your favorite music and sing along to make things even more fun.
- Play games. You can play card games or even fun games like the license plate game. This will keep you occupied and entertained.
Conclusion
Whenever possible an opportunity to travel should never be passed. There is something unexplainable that traveling does to you that even you can’t put a finger on but would love to happen again. As a student looking to quench their spirit of adventure, apply the few budget travel tips discussed here and a few tips on navigation and entertainment highlighted during your next trip and you will be in for a good time.
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