Vacation time is perfect for relaxing and enjoying everything that can be challenging to fit into the daily routine. This summer, I decided to take a few days off to unwind by the beach and visit some friends, choosing Miami as my destination. The sun, beaches and vibrant nightlife all sounded ideal. However, when planning a vacation as a student, especially in a tourist hotspot, there’s one critical factor to consider: the student budget.
It’s well-known that most college students don’t have a lot of income or savings. However, this shouldn’t be an obstacle to enjoying an incredible vacation while also getting the rest you need. I can say with confidence that my vacation was a lot of fun and, best of all, didn’t break the bank. This experience inspired me to share some tips on how to have an amazing vacation while keeping expenses to a minimum.
Are flights really expensive? That depends on several factors. First, consider flying with a low to medium-cost airline and booking your trip on a day when there’s less passenger traffic. My recommendation: Monday and Wednesday evenings. While this isn’t backed by formal studies, it’s based on my own experience. Traveling on a Monday or Wednesday can cost half as much as flying on a Friday or Sunday.
Accommodation costs can be significantly reduced, if you travel to a place where you have friends or family who can offer you a place to stay. If you’re traveling with a group, consider booking an Airbnb. These often come equipped with everything you need, and splitting the cost among several people is much easier on your wallet.
While dining out at cool or fancy restaurants can be enjoyable, shopping at local markets, and cooking where you’re staying can also be a fun and budget-friendly alternative. With so many convenient meal options available today, cooking doesn’t have to be a chore. However, if cooking isn’t your thing, I highly recommend exploring small local eateries. These places often offer incredible flavors at reasonable prices. For example, I enjoyed several delicious places where they served generous portions at very affordable prices (around $15 per person, including tip).
Finally, seek out destinations with plenty of low-cost entertainment options. In Miami, one of the main attractions is the beach, a very wallet-friendly activity. Many museums offer free admission with a student ID, and there are plenty of amazing spots to visit where the most expensive aspect might be parking. But even if you don’t have a car, it might not be necessary to rent one in the city you’re visiting, as there are numerous free transportation options, such as the Trolley or Freebee.
But remember, vacations don’t always have to involve traveling to another location. Sometimes, the ideal vacation is about spending time with family, catching up on sleep, binge-watching movies or even being a tourist in your city! So don’t limit yourself; research low-cost plans that allow you to break free from the routine of studying and working while still enjoying new and exciting experiences. For inspiration, I often turn to summer bucket lists on apps like Pinterest or Lemon8, or I search for videos about my city on TikTok. You’d be surprised at how many cool places you can discover.
