Summer is here and so is travel season. For students on limited budgets, traveling may seem out of reach. And as any foodie knows, when faced with endless food options, it’s easy to empty your pockets quickly. There’s enough tempting food out there that you could fill an entire bucket list of desserts just from European countries. Trust us, we tried. Whether you’re visiting another state or exploring a foreign country, these travel hacks are so ridiculously simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them yourself.
1. Search for flights in a private browser
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Travel sites often track your visits and will raise the price simply because you’ve visited before. Get around this pesky tactic by searching for your flights in a private browser. Looking for more discounts? Online travel website Kayak recommends traveling on Fridays for domestic flights and Tuesdays or Wednesdays for international flights.
2. Take advantage of cheap accommodations
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Forbes recommends staying away from high priced hotels and taking advantage of cheap accommodations like hostels. If you are uncomfortable staying in a hostel, there are also several websites like AirBnB, HomeAway and Couchsurfing that allow travelers to rent out rooms in a local’s house.
3. Use Google Maps Offline
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Inevitably at some point during your travel, you’ll find yourself completely lost in an unfamiliar area. Not to worry though, you can actually use Google Maps offline. Using this travel hack will save you tons of time and frustration spent wandering around lost. Simply type in OK Google Maps into the search bar, and voila! The map will save onto your phone so you can access it later.
4. Ask for student discounts
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Your student status doesn’t just get you a cheaper movie ticket. Sign up for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) which can get you cheaper rates to museums, bookstores, cinemas and public transport. Even if you don’t have ISIC, you can still ask about student discounts at establishments as long as you have your student ID. You can also browse Student Universe or STA Travel for deals exclusively for students. With this travel hack you’ll save money and have more to spend on important things like food.
5. Save luggage space by rolling your clothes
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Forget paying extra to check your luggage. Fit everything into a carry-on by rolling your clothes instead of folding them.
6. Never pay for WiFi
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Of course you’re not going to travel without checking Instagram, posting the obligatory travel selfie or streaming Netflix while you wait for your flight. But don’t pay for Wifi. Instead, use the app FourSquare. Look through the comments and you’re more than likely to find that Wifi password you so desperately need.
7. Charge your phone using your TV
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You’re bound to forget something while packing. And more often than not, it’s something important. However, if you forgot your wall plug for your phone, simply plug your phone into the USB slot on a TV.