Traveling after graduating college seems like a pretty far-fetched notion considering there are so many factors such as student loans, debt, and tuition to pay off. Put up against these burdens, any trip outside the city will most likely put a massive hole in your wallet. College students never catch a break!
But despite the fact, traveling can turn into a reality. The main thing you need to do is make the best decisions now to ensure that traveling after college will be a breeze. Be smart and don’t fall into the temptation to spend all the money you have once you earn a diploma!
This is how to travel once you graduate college:
Start saving now
For the remainder of your university career, set aside portions of money earned from part-time jobs towards a travel fund. It may not seem like much at first, but that money will build up over time. Additionally, you can ask for money as a graduation, birthday, or holiday gift that can go towards supporting future traveling expenses. Most importantly, make wiser spending decisions right now, such as cutting back on eating at restaurants and finding cheaper ways to commute, like biking or public transportation (if you’re not ready to give up your car, there are recent graduate incentives). Also, try to accomplish a list of multiple savings goals that will pay for a future item or service, like a plane ticket or heavy-duty luggage.
Think outside of the box
Don’t cast aside the idea of working or volunteering in a different country. Traveling isn’t just meant to be a vacation! Think of how your current area of study can be utilized when traveling abroad, such as an English major teaching English in Thailand or a Biology student researching marine life in Australia. Alternatively, there’s the option of volunteering in another country as well. You can help a third-world country build schools or assist in taking care of animals at conversation sites. Lastly, consider applying to travel fellowships. Travel fellowships are created to fund trips for aspiring students who have just graduated and are looking to broaden their horizon and cultural awareness.
Carefully consider the timing of your trip
Realistically, it may take a while to travel after graduation – but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Make a plan of action to prepare for your future trip, instead of impulsively buying the next plane ticket out of the country. Be patient! Research when destinations will be cheaper and better suited for travel due to weather or holidays. Fares and lodging will be cheaper after tourist season and weekends are always the most expensive.
Go backpacking
If you’re willing to try an incredibly cost-efficient route, take on backpacking. Because everything you own is on your back, you have the ability to be flexible with traveling wherever your heart desires in a country, especially, off the beaten path. Furthermore, backpacking forces you to stay on a budget and make smart decisions when you’re moving from place to place.
Hopefully, after college, you get to travel as soon as possible because it is a once in a lifetime experience that will change you for the better. The world awaits!
Author Bio: Trevor is a freelance writer and a self-proclaimed “Travelholic” who’s currently writing for Audi Atlanta. He enjoys traveling to parts unknown, sampling local cuisines, and sharing his experiences with the world. In his free time, you can find him planning his next trip or outside enjoying about any type of fitness activity imaginable.
