Okay so you’re going to study abroad. Congrats! Usually your college will deal with all the expenses between tuition, housing and meals while you’re abroad so you don’t have to worry about that. But there is A LOT more to prepare your wallet for when you’re headed to a new country.
Think being on a tight budget is a “problem”? Not if you want to study in Italy – here’s seven ways to study abroad in Italy on a budget. Read More
Vacation provides a much-needed reprieve from the daily grind, yet the process of vacation planning can be a stressful endeavor. Not only are there many arrangements to be made, but the costs for things like hotels, flights, rental cars, and other expenses can be overwhelming. Use these strategies to plan a budget-friendly, sanity-saving vacation.
91 days, 18 countries, 13 flights, 4 trains, numerous buses, 12 forms of currency, and just one backpack. These numbers give just a quick glimpse into the life of Oscar Garcia, our 2014 Globetrotter of the Year. Oscar traveled to more countries with StudentUniverse than any other traveler in 2014. Read More
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Spring Break is almost here! Okay, so we’re probably at least a few weeks away, but that means there’s still time to get everything in order. From booking plane tickets to making lodging arrangements, there’s a lot that needs to be done. If you’re studying abroad and looking for some new experiences for your spring break in Europe, you have a lot of travel options. It’s certainly cheap to visit countries once you’re over there, but prices can quickly add up. If you’re looking for some cheap things to do that won’t break the bank, I’ve got some great suggestions right here: Read More
International travel is on my list of things to do but when you’ve just graduated college, have student loan debt, and your entry level job isn’t exactly bringing in six-figures, your travel plans are put on hold for the moment. America has some really great places to stay that a broke recent college grad could enjoy and afford. One of my favorite places to go is Cape May, New Jersey. Read More
There isn’t anything comfortable or energizing about traveling long distances in planes, trains, or automobiles. Spending hours and days and crossing time zones in a cramped seat while your over-processed airline food or gas station candy settles at the bottom of your stomach is a recipe for restlessness. There are a few items that can relieve some of the nightmares of traveling, however, and believe me – they are worth the investment!
For any travel:
1. E-reader – If you are a reader of books or magazines, there is nothing worse than having to haul around a backpack full of heavy books that hogs valuable trunk or carry-on space. Reading material is a must for the hours upon hours spent doing nothing but sitting during travel, but there is a much easier, lighter, and smaller way to bring your library along with you. Up until my most recent trip from Michigan to Taiwan, I was that girl who had a carry-on full of heavy books. But this time, I just packed up my little iPad Mini, stocked with some books downloaded to the Kindle app, and found myself with a whole new world of extra room in my carry-on! It truly is a lifesaver. It is a bit of an investment, but I’ll doubt you’ll regret it. Many e-readers also allow web browsing and have thousands of apps to keep you entertained, as well. Read More
I first became enamored with Panama City when, as a young girl, I saw pictures of the beautiful Panama Canal in National Geographic and endeavored to learn some Spanish and travel to the region one day. Little did I know then that the city was such a vibrant place. Today, as an older, wiser, and more budget-minded student traveler, I find myself drawn to Panama City for different reasons. Full of life and character, the city also happens to be one of the best places for an inexpensive but exotic getaway. Here’s a quick guide to experiencing the best that Panama City has to offer without spending a fortune.
One thing to remember about traveling throughout Europe is that they have just about everything you could ever need available in stores open 5-6 days a week. Except peanut butter. Europeans still use hairdryers and tooth brushes. In fact, they have hair dryers with European double prong plugs! This gets rid of the headache of trying to remember where your adapter is. In addition to toiletries, remember that when both academic semesters start (Spring and Fall), they usually correspond to some great sale seasons throughout Europe (either post-Christmas or end of summer sales). Consider packing half the clothes you think you’ll need, and use that as an excuse to pick up some sweet European styles. I’ll list some guidelines below to get you off to a good start, but if you’re able to take a deep breath, and internalize that anything you forget can always be picked up later during your trip, packing for a semester abroad or long backpacking trip is a lot less stressful. Read More