You know what used to absolutely drive me up the wall? When people insinuated that I could travel because I had “so much free time.”
In college, I double majored in Accounting and Entrepreneurship (which sounds hard enough, right?). But, some people I knew who majored in science used to complain about how they couldn’t travel because they had too much going on. I’m not saying sciende majors aren’t busy, I’m sure they are! I’m sure they’re busy just like I was busy and my other friends with different majors were busy.
Now, I’m busy. We’re all busy. In the end, it all comes down to your priorities. If your priority is your on-campus clubs or other various extra curricular activities, that’s great! However, the more you put on your plate, the less time you’ll have.
Make the time.
Travel has been and always will be one of my top priorities. If you want to travel more while you’re still in college, you have to make it one of your priorities too. The thing about priorities is not that you have the time, but that you make the time. If travel is one of your priorities, you will make the time in your schedule for it.
Since I usually have classes during the week, I do my best to have Fridays off so I can travel on my three-day weekends. On these three-day weekends, I prefer shorter trips within driving distance. When I have an additional day off on Monday, that means it’s time to plan maybe a longer trip with either a short flight or a bit longer driving distance.
So, even if your schedule doesn’t allow for long weekends, make the time. Plan your trip in advance and don’t let other things get in the way of your going. Plan like you would for any other appointment.
Budget accordingly.
If you’re spending a lot of money going out or buying new clothes, you have less to spend on travel. Try saving a portion of your income for a “travel fund” and don’t dip into it for other things. Even on a part-time income, you can save up for a few fun trips.
Now, not all trips need to be expensive! I usually splurge on a few trips a year and then budget for a few trips that require air travel. My boyfriend and I usually go on those trips on weekends and they’re usually quick trips to Colorado or California. Spring break was one trip I splurged on last year and it might be a splurge trip for me this year – I guess time will tell!
Travel local.
You would be surprised how many great things are in your area. Here in Tucson, we’re close to Rocky Point (check out my travel guide here), the Phoenix metropolitan area, Sedona, Page, Bisbee… there are so many places to explore close by!
Don’t fool yourself into thinking you have to go far to travel. Instead, opt for these day trips, use AirBnB’s for overnight stays, and explore what’s around you!
Tell me about some of your favorite college travels or your favorite travel tips in the comments below!
