Your college years are some of the best times to travel because you have more free time than you will when you are working full-time. However, because you don’t have the income from a full-time job, it can be challenging to actually get out and travel. Still, because of budget-friendly accommodations, tech tools for easy travel, and the possibility of traveling with friends, seeing the world doesn’t have to be difficult. There are plenty of affordable destinations to help you expand your horizons, no matter your budget.

Making Your Trip Affordable

There are discount sites where you can shop around for flights, accommodations, and even restaurant deals. You may need to spend some time shopping around for the right deals, but once you find them, you can make your limited budget stretch a little further. One option for increasing your budget is to take out a personal loan. Now is the time to see the world, and a personal loan can put you much closer to your goal.

Puerto Rico

American students may find the trip to Puerto Rico easy because the flights are not that expensive or long. Because it is a U.S. territory, you may not even need a passport to get there. One of the cities, San Juan, has many hostels that are friendly for students, as their rates may be only a few dollars each night. There is a fun local party scene, and you can meet other tourists and students. The Santurce neighborhood has local restaurants that locals migrate toward, and you can try authentic cuisine while watching the locals go by.

Costa Rica

Central America is known for beautiful beaches and the opportunity for adventure. There are plenty of affordable accommodations, and some may even offer complimentary meals in the morning. It is usually not too hard to find affordable flights, and the country offers an affordable exchange rate. Know that the area can be touristy, so you will want to spend time getting to know tourist traps and avoiding them. You can visit grocery stores in the area for authentic ingredients if you want to try your own Costa Rican food.

United States

You don’t have to leave the country to experience something new and different. Panama City, Florida is known as the spot for college students on spring break, but you can also take a visit during the off-season. You’ll experience fewer crowds and lower prices in the summer or fall. The weather will be warm and the beaches will be more pleasant during this time. Plus, the flights might be more reasonable. New Orleans is also a fun place to visit, even if it is not during Mardi Gras. It has a lot of culture and history, and there are plenty of great places to eat. You can find hostels in the area near the French Quarter, where accommodations tend to be reasonable. You can also use the streetcars to get around so you don’t have to rent a car or pay high parking fees.