Traveling as a college couple can be an exciting way to strengthen your bond, but limited time and a tight budget make planning the perfect getaway seem challenging. In fact, financial stress has led 59% of college students to consider dropping out. Fortunately, plenty of budget-friendly travel ideas won’t break the bank or require too much time off. This guide presents creative ways for college couples to enjoy affordable trips, from weekend getaways to local adventures, all while making the most of their limited resources. You might also consider these side hustles for college students to be able to afford travel amenities.
Ideas for domestic trips and trips abroad
If you’re from the Midwest or East Coast, you can visit Las Vegas for one night and then drive up to southwest Utah. Weather permitting, numerous camping options exist: Zion, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyon Lands. If you’re new to camping, you’re not alone: there were 7.2 million first-time campers in 2022. Ninety-two million US households are in the habit of camping, compared to 48 million two years earlier, and 58 million have gone camping once or more often.
On the way back to Vegas, you can visit the mesmerizing Grand Canyon or drive through the Rocky Mountains.
Quebec City is worth visiting if you’re from the North. According to recent data, its many highlights and sights attract 4.3 million tourists a year. You can go by train and stay in Toronto or Quebec City. Driving is probably a more affordable option.
This isn’t the end of budget-friendly destinations in the US. There is a pedestrian bridge between Tijuana and San Diego. Airbnb and Uber are very cheap in Tijuana, and the amazing food is a bonus. You won’t pay more than $30 for a meal at a four-star restaurant.
If you and your partner want to travel outside the US, you might consider Eastern Europe. Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria are affordable destinations. Catch a low-cost flight to Europe and stay at a hostel. Two people don’t need more than $100 a day, even if you eat at places that are expensive by local standards. Stay away from the capital cities, though. The countryside is beautiful in these countries.
A round trip to Costa Rica costs less than $400. However, it’s more expensive than El Salvador, Nicaragua, and other Central American countries. It has well-developed infrastructure and a flourishing tourism industry.
Budget-friendly travel tips
If you’re traveling abroad, don’t exchange money at airports, as the surcharge is up to 15%. Wait until you get into a city or town and exchange at a local bank.
Check out the options for debit or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, so you won’t pay more when you withdraw foreign currency at an ATM.
A work exchange involves working several hours a day in return for free room and board. Retreats and lodges are often looking for volunteers to help with cleaning, gardening, cooking, and more. You’ll save money traveling, meet locals, and acquire new skills.
Starting a side hustle
As of 2024, around 18 million students are enrolled in US colleges, but enrollment has dropped over the past decade. Finances are probably the main reason. Freelance writing is a suitable side hustle for students majoring in English, communications, journalism, or related areas. Someone with social media knowledge majoring in marketing or digital media could choose a social media management gig.
The demand for AI professionals is soaring. Students with AI skills and expertise can find side hustles in this discipline. It is a good fit for those studying data science or computer science.
Recap
- Las Vegas, Utah, Grand Canyon, and Quebec City are affordable regional destinations
- Eastern Europe and Costa Rica are attractive to college students
- Travelers shouldn’t exchange money at airports
- Consider a work exchange to save money
- Freelance writing and social media management are suitable gigs for students
