by Ava Williams (UC Irvine)

As an out-of-state student financing my own travel, planning affordable weekend trips while studying abroad, and staying on budget seemed daunting. And here’s the twist: I visited 7 countries over 11 weeks, and not a single reservation was made before I arrived in Florence. Sound impossible? It’s not.

After three months of traveling the world on a college budget, I learned every tip, trick, and hack to become a budget traveler—and I’m excited to share them with you.

1. The more, the merrier

Put yourself out there with your classmates! In pricier cities and countries, having a larger group can ease a lot of the financial burden. During our two-night stay in Rome, our group of eight secured individual beds in an Airbnb and purchased group-rate tickets for popular attractions for less than $100 per person.

2. Plan as far in advance as you can

While you likely won’t have your schedule finalized until you arrive in your “home base” country, it’s crucial to book flights, accommodations, and activities as soon as possible. Planning ahead, particularly through apps like Viator or GetYourGuide, guarantees you’ll maximize your trip and secure the best deals.

My group of four enjoyed an Amsterdam canal tour with unlimited cheese and drinks for under $30 each, thanks to booking early!

3. And monitor the social media of local travel companies

Planning in advance is helpful, but it’s also crucial to be flexible and ready to take advantage of last-minute deals. Many travel companies provide last-minute discounted rates for weekends with remaining availability.

Ava Williams (UCI) with friend in Switzerland

Student-oriented companies like Bus2Alps and SmartTrip offered a travel option from Florence to Interlaken, Switzerland, at a 25% discount for multiple weeks at a time. It turned out to be an unforgettable trip, granting me an unexpected “bonus vacation” that wasn’t initially part of my travel plans.

4. Create detailed itineraries to manage your budget

Creating day-by-day calendars while traveling is essential for managing expenses as a college student. Documenting every detail—from baggage fees to tourist entry costs—ensures you stick to your predetermined budget.

I applied this tip to every weekend excursion and never experienced the anxiety of an unexpected bank account total!

5. Open your mind to less popular destinations

Although destinations like Paris or Ibiza may be tempting, popularity often correlates with higher prices. If you’re willing to deviate from your Pinterest board or original bucket list, you might discover the adventure of a lifetime.

Ava Williams (UCI) in Marakesh

One Tuesday on a whim, my group of four decided to book a trip to Marrakesh, Morocco. Despite knowing little about the country, the affordability was irresistible. One waterfall hike, camel ride, and ATV tour later…it was undoubtedly worth it!

6. Pay attention to where locals frequent, and follow suit

Prior to my arrival in Florence, I compiled a list of the most highly reviewed restaurants, TikTok-famous cafes, and TripAdvisor award winners. However, after visiting these establishments, I realized my mistake. The food quality was disappointing, and the prices were outrageous! It was the advice from locals—whether from professors, Airbnb hosts, or baristas—that allowed me to indulge in great food on a budget. Many of my meals came in below $10!

Traveling the world on a college budget is entirely within reach with the right planning and flexibility. Whether you’re a solo traveler or dealing with pre-arrival jitters, hang in there. Your dream global adventure is possible—and more affordable than you think. Just follow this advice when you get there, and have the time of your life.

Learn more about traveling the world on a limited budget from fellow UC students who’ve done it: