Traveling on a Budget: Tips for Students Exploring New Places
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As a student, the idea of traveling might seem like a dream, especially when you’re juggling classes, part-time jobs, and other issues in your personal life. However, my journey from the lecture rooms to the vibrant streets of new cities have taught me that making out time to explore your city and beyond is good for your health and does not necessarily have to be crazy expensive. Here is how I’ve managed to visit different places without breaking the bank.
Russia can be an incredible yet budget-friendly destination if you know the right tricks. My first trip was to St. Petersburg, it was during the summer when the weather was nice. I took a train which was considerably cheaper than taking a flight and it was a very nice vacation. The trick to traveling on a budget as a student is to utilize student discounts. Russia has a good number of student discounts if you know where to look. I visited lots of places like the Hermitage Museum, Peterhoof, St Isaac Catherdral in St. Petersburg which offered me a significant discount with my student ID, so I recommend you carry it along; from theatres to transport, there are lots of deals to be found. In Moscow, I got a good discount on the Moscow Metro card, which was a lifesaver for exploring the city.
Accommodation can be your biggest nightmare, but not if you play your cards well. Hostels in Russia can be quite an experience but affordable. In Russia, you can find a cozy hostels where you can save up on accommodation expenses. Couchsurfing in Yekaterinburg introduced me to local life, from homemade borscht to understanding the city’s history through the eyes of the citizens.
Another trick is to eat on a budget!
Dining in Russia doesn’t have to be expensive. I made it a point to visit local markets, where I could buy fresh produce or sample traditional food at a much cheaper prices than what you can find dining in big restaurants. You can eat well and healthy while at the same time managing your funds. Street foods are also definitely a must since it is a vacation and they became my go-to snacks.
Russia’s cities are well-connected by public transport. The Moscow Metro, with the beautiful art and musicians sometimes found serenading the people, became my favourite way to move around, both for its cost effectiveness and beauty. In St. Petersburg, I walked the Nevsky Prospect, saving money and people watching all day. It is nice, especially during the summer to take a walk around the streets of Moscow, St. Petersburg and feel the nature and spirit of summer in the air. It is during these walking sessions that I discovered some pretty well-hidden spots, like cafes and book stores that are nice to just sit and chill during the day.
I discovered free walking tours or boat tours during my many vacations and these tours, led by locals, provide tourists and foreigners an insider’s view of the city. They operate on a tip basis, making them perfect for students. I learned about the Soviet era, the Romanovs, and it was a whole new experience.
Packing light is a must for a vacation. I travelled with just a backpack, which was ideal for moving around the cities. It also meant fewer worries about losing important documents, luggage or dealing with baggage fees.
One of the my most memorable experiences was in Sochi, where I volunteered at a local school in exchange for accommodation and feeding. This not only cut my costs but also gave me a deeper cultural immersion. I learned basic Russian, taught English, and made connections with other people which was a nice experience altogether.
Traveling as a student taught me that with courage, and planning, you can enjoy your holidays. Each trip has been an experience in itself, so I suggest you pack your bag, grab your student ID, and step out to find your own personal adventure!
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