Published: 04/30/2009
BARCELONA, Spain – This is my last “College Traveler” column. As I write this, my finals are all but done, my belongings scattered around my room in the midst of packing, and my backpack is set aside for a weekend in Italy. I’ll be spending two days in Rome, then taking the train to Florence to visit friends from WSU and flying out of Pisa after a look at the Leaning Tower. After a layover in Barcelona and a grueling nine-hour flight, I’ll be back in the U.S. for the first time in more than four months.
Studying abroad has been an unparalleled cultural experience, an eye-opening chance to see the world and live in a foreign country, immersed in new cultures, cuisines and people. It’s an experience I would highly recommend to any student. Unfortunately, doing so is not cheap and neither is traveling. But getting around the globe on a college budget is possible, and I hope this last column can help students have the opportunity I am so grateful to have.
The first step in traveling cheaply is getting there. Budget airlines such as Ryanair (http://www.ryanair.com) are typically a student’s best bet. While the in-flight amenities are minimal, so are the prices. Web sites such as Skyscanner (http://www.skyscanner.net/) offer easy online comparison of prices. If possible, stick to bringing only carry-on luggage. Not only is backpacking incontestably cooler than dragging around rolling luggage, but most discount airlines charge for every piece of checked baggage and are notorious for losing it.
Hostels generally provide the best option for lodging in a foreign country. Prices are significantly lower than hotels, and common rooms are a great chance to meet people from around the globe. Web sites such as Lonelyplanet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/) and Hostelworld (http://www.hostelworld.com) offer online booking, ratings, reviews and information, so you know you’re getting the best price and a quality place to stay. An extra tip: Pack a small, super-absorbent camp or dish towel as most hostels charge extra for towels. If all else fails and you find yourself without a bed, avoid sleeping in cities at night. It’s better to stay up all night, then find a nice park bench or beach to nap on when the sun comes up.
Eating while traveling can be the priciest aspect of any trip. Experiencing the local cuisine, from paella in Spain to pasta in Italy, is part of the immersion, but eating out at restaurants adds up quickly. Bread, cheese and meat from supermarkets can provide enough food for only a few dollars (or Euros) a day. And never be too good for fast food, the McDonald’s Euro Menu was a blessing everywhere I went. Keep your eyes open for hostels that provide free breakfast as well and be merciless in making the most of it.
Whenever available, take public transportation such as metros and buses, as taxis are often absurdly expensive. Or better yet, walk. There’s no better way to see a new city than on foot.
Do your research on ATMs before you leave, foreign banks can charge steep transaction fees. For Bank of America in Europe, Barclay’s and Deutsche Bank offer fee-free withdrawals and have branches in most major cities.
Drinking and going out is probably high on the list of priorities for young travelers, and there are ways to do so without emptying your wallet. Be sure to prefunk heavily, prices at bars and pubs are often high, and alcohol at markets is a fraction of their price. Also, look for special deals posted in hostels. Events like Pub Crawls and Happy Hours can offer unbeatable drink specials.
It’s a wide world out there, with boundless possibilities for the traveler with an open mind and adventurous spirit. By being financially creative, seeing the world is more than possible on a college student’s budget.
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/28719
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