Fun things are expensive to do, and if you’re a college student like me, you don’t necessarily have a lot of "extra" money. (That money isn’t "extra," it just means that we can eat like real people this month) Since that's the case for me, and I’m sure for many others, we don’t always have the funds to go on trips. Especially spontaneous trips that friends tell you about three nights in advance. Sure, we would love to, but that isn’t in this month's budget, so it isn’t going to happen.
While I’m in Ireland, my budget has been changed significantly. Since I don’t drive here, all of the money I usually used for gas can go towards other things. I also don’t have a college meal plan to fall back on, so buying food is a bit more important to me. Since I'm so close to the rest of Europe, too, I still want to travel. So far I have planned two trips (and paid for a lot of the preliminary things like airfare and accommodations), and now, as I make plans for a third trip, I have a better idea on how I should be doing it.
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1. Make your plans far in advance
Give yourself at least a few weeks (a month or so in my case) so that you have time to work out your budget and save for everything you need. The last thing you want to happen is getting excited for a trip that you have to cancel due to being unprepared.
2. Leave a little wiggle room in dates
Sometimes the prices of a plane ticket will be cheaper the day before you want to leave, so if there’s an option of taking that flight, it’s good to save the money. It may be cheaper to leave from a neighboring airport, or ditch the plane altogether and take the train. It’s important to do this research and not just accept the first option you find.
3. Look for accommodations in more than the main city you will be in
This is the same principle as above. I want to go to Amsterdam, but hostel prices triple on the weekends, so are there any neighboring cities that have slightly cheaper prices? Probably. All it would take is a quick bus ride, and I’m back. Of course, you may only want to stay in one place where prices may be high, and that’s fine, but it’s always good to compare prices.
4. Consider if you really need another pint
...or coffee or expensive pasta. In the time leading up to the trip, self-control is necessary. Whether it's stopping yourself from buying another pint, or going out one night altogether, or not eating out as much, every Euro not spent is a Euro redistributed to your trip! (And it you’re going to treat yourself, why not do that on the trip!)
5. Find things you want to do while there!
Amidst all the important planning (sleeping arrangements, plane tickets), keep a lookout for fun things to do while you’re there. Many hostels and hotels have adverts on their websites for local attractions, and many of them help local tours advertise. It would be a shame to budget for a trip and forget the fun parts of the trip!
6. Enjoy the trip
There is nothing quite as fun as exploring a new place! So get out there, be safe, and have fun!
