Students love to travel. Of course, we're also hard pressed for cash.

Plan Well In Advance

This isn't always feasible, but you'll save moolah if you book in advance. Do your research. Not only will it save you money, you'll get to see all the places you really want to see.

Exploit Technology

Always use your resources and that mainly means the internet. Sites like kayak.com and airfarewatchdog.com are amazing. You can see which dates you should travel on, where you should stay, etc.

Lodge Near Attractions

Booking a hotel near the airport can be really cheap, but remember that you will be going to see the city, and all those cab rides will add up, since cheap metro transportation isn't available so far from the city.

Look for Cheaper Options

Should you fly? Or, should you drive, and chip in for gas? Should you stay at a hostel? Could you stay with friends who live in the city?

Think Outside the Circle

A few colleges offer to reimburse your plane ticket for visiting their campuses. Don't be afraid to call up the university to ask. The tickets are only reimbursed up to 200 or 300 dollars, but it shouldn't cost that much if you book them in advance anyway. You'll have to take campus tours and be genuinely interested in their programs for a day or more, but it's still a free ticket.

Airlines will overbook their flights, and will often offer a free voucher to be used within a year, if you travel on another flight out. If your travel plans are flexible, go for them.

Call to negotiate lodging costs. Eat in for breakfast. Look to cheaper alternatives, saving a little bit on the little expenses will save you a lot on the whole trip.

Mini Trips

A little initiative on your part can lead to great adventures. Grab a few friends and drive the two to four hours to the beach on a Friday. Camp out, and explore what's near you. Be sure to bring along your own towels, suntan lotion, drinks, snacks, and a cooler. Tourist shops are amazingly expensive.

Be Friendly

Not overly friendly, but genuinely. Of course always trust your instincts, and don't invite danger. Often travelers will be hostile, and keep to themselves, but that's a poor way to navigate an unknown city. Locals know where, when and how to go and their advice is usually right on the money.

Positivity

Be positive. It's simple. It's your vacation, you're going to enjoy it, and you're going to do it cheaper than other people simply because you pay attention. Keep your mind happy and content, and everything will unfold perfectly.

Learn more about this author, Sanjida Shahalam.
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