Many people think living on a budget and travelling while studying abroad don’t go together. But there’s no reason they can’t. It may take research and preparation, but there are many ways international students can explore their destination country affordably. If you want to adventure around Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States while studying abroad, continue reading to learn five tips on how to do it without breaking the bank. 
1. Make a Budget
Creating a budget is the first step to travelling around your destination country affordably. Start by calculating the cost of the following major expenses:
- Tuition and books
- Housing and utilities
- Living expenses
- Travel to and from your destination country
- Health and travel insurance
- Transportation
- Entertainment
- Emergency funds
- Miscellaneous expenses
Next, deduct that figure from the amount you plan to put towards your studies. Whatever you have left over can be used for fun and travel.
Remember: Your priority is paying for your studies and all related expenses, so ensure that you have enough money before planning a separate travel budget.
Financial Questions International Students Should Consider When Studying Abroad
2. Plan Your Itinerary Before You Leave Home
One of the best ways to ensure that you commit to travelling affordably is to do your research and plan your itinerary before you leave home. Begin by reading destination-related content like guidebooks, conducting web research, and watching films and YouTubers to figure out what cities and locations you’d like to visit.
Knowing the best places to sightsee, go out to dance, enjoy festivals, eat, and explore will help you make the most of your budget and downtime away from your studies. Remember to always tell a friend or family member about your travels. Let them know where you’re going, who you’re travelling with (if you’re not travelling alone), and how long you’ll be gone.
Bonus: Travelling as an international student has its perks. As you’ll likely be in the country year-round, you can avoid tourist hot spots during their busier seasons.
3. Capitalize On Available Student Discounts
Research where the student discounts are and use them. Start by reaching out to a student travel agency from your destination country to find out about discount fares available to international students. Many ticket counters, museums, restaurants, bars, clubs, and retail stores offer them, or will have special days that offer reduced rates or pay-what-you-can.
Consider getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) before you leave, and show it everywhere you go. The ISIC is the only internationally recognized student ID card. On top of it being proof of your full-time student status, the ISIC gives you access to over 150,000 discounts and benefits at home and abroad. You can find a complete list of discounts on the ISIC official site. Their handy search tool will let you know which discounts are available to you in your area.
4. Use Bus and Railway Passes
Uber and taxi fares can add up. While mapping out your itinerary, learn which railway and bus companies offer routes to those locations, and consider buying a pass to help you reduce your travel costs.
Depending on what type of trip you’re planning, one option may be better than the other. For example, railway passes offer generous savings over regularly priced tickets if you’re travelling long distances. If you’re only planning on taking day trips that are quickly accessible by bus, you may find that a bus pass is a better option. And if you have shorter and longer trips on your agenda, consider purchasing both passes.
Tip: While researching bus and railway fares and passes, check to see what discounts are available with your student card or ISIC if you decide to purchase one.
5. Join a Travel Group
Contact a student travel agency to learn about student travel groups available to you. Student travel groups are an excellent option for a variety of reasons.
It’s a great way to meet other students interested in the same places and things as you are. Not to mention that the travel group takes care of planning the itinerary (and sometimes flights) for you, so if you’re short on time, often all you need to do is pay for the trip and show up! However, if there’s something you want to see that isn’t on the itinerary, don’t worry. The tour guide will usually allow a few hours for students to explore on their own free time.
Also, tour package rates are typically more affordable than if you were to pay for everything it includes separately. Lastly, if you’re nervous about travelling somewhere alone, student travel groups are a great way to stay safe on your journey.
Start planning today to make the most of your time abroad and experience everything your host country has to offer you!
