Seeing the world. Adventures galore.
Sounds nice, right?
Unfortunately, these sorts of desires are stereotypically applied to the younger crowd and viewed as naive dreams that have to be crushed as soon as you enter the “real world.”
Do they have to be, though?
Absolutely not.
The fact remains that more and more people are hunting for ways to travel more often. The rise of remote work combined with today’s travel apps makes it easier than ever to make would-be dream vacations a reality on a consistent basis.
If you love to travel and want to make it a staple of your life moving forward, we totally get it. That’s why we put together a list of tips for students from all walks of life. Whether you’re in college or are simply scraping by, these tips can help you make your travel dreams a reality as you enter the workforce and build up your budget.
Start by Hitting the Open Road
Many Americans neglect the beauty of what’s in our own backyard.
From the Pacific Northwest and the mountains to New England or more traditional “tourist” spots like New York or Florida, there are plenty of not-so-hidden gems sprinkled throughout the state.
And speaking of states, there are likely tons of nearby cities worthy of a weekend vacation that you’ve never even bothered to explore.
To get started, though, you’re going to need to make sure that you’re ready for the open road. Between looking at high-mileage vehicles and checking out free practice driving permit tests to ensure you’re prepared for the highway, don’t neglect what a good, old-fashioned road trip can offer you.
Consider a Study Abroad Program
If you’re still in school, never neglect the opportunity to take a month or two to study abroad.
Through fundraisers, grants, and work-study programs, you may be surprised at the sorts of places you can explore.
For example, the best places to study abroad which frequently offer programs such as London and Dublin represent one of the most immersive, cost-effective ways to experience a new culture. An added bonus of such destinations is that you don’t have to deal with as much of a language barrier and can likewise hit up so many nearby spots in Europe via train.
Try Teaching English Overseas
A smart way to gain real-world experience, especially if you’re a liberal arts major, is to seek an English teaching job abroad.
Many programs hire teachers right out of college with the only core requirement being a Bachelor’s degree in just about any field. This allows you not only a chance to live somewhere exotic (oftentimes with a low cost of living) but also a way to get some practical job experience that can translate into a career back home.
Some lucrative spots to teach English as a second language include Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.
Look into Travel-Friendly Careers
Travel opportunities are one of the most frequently requested perks of any job among Americans.
The best way to make this happen is to score a remote position or work as a freelancer, making travel part of your routine as you need little more than a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection to get down to business. You can also find out how to become a travel nurse here, just one career option that will enable you to see the world.
Another option is to try to get hired by companies that’ll pay you to travel such as Delta and Travel nurses. If you’re researching potential employers it wouldn’t hurt to ask during your application or interview if travel is on the table. You may be surprised at who’s willing to accommodate your request.
Become a Bargain Hunter
Arguably one of the most important aspects of frequent travel is knowing how to save a buck or two.
For starters, use services like Skyscanner to monitor flights from budget airlines and other red-eye flights that can cost a fraction of what you’d pay for a bigger carrier. Other than that, traveling during the off-seasons and racking up airline rewards is another way to slash the cost of your next trip.
Another cheap way to travel is through the Couchsurfing travel app where verified hosts will put you up for way less than you’d pay at a hotel or Airbnb. This requires you to be a bit of an adventurer but can be totally worth it for those who don’t mind staying with strangers.
The dream of frequent travel is pretty much universal, especially for millennials and Gen Z who understandably don’t want to be tied down to a traditional lifestyle. Whether it’s hitting the road of entering a travel-focused career, reflect on these tips and how you can adapt them to your own life in pursuit of adventure.
