As a 30-something lawyer who indulges a side-passion for travel, I have the distinct advantage of a modestly robust budget when considering my travel options. Such was not always the case and certainly isn’t the situation for many aspiring travellers whose dreams of globe-trotting are dashed by dollar-signs. Fear not good readers. The Crime Traveller’s got your back with a guest post from youthful blogger, KC Owens. KC spills his secrets for seeing the world on a College-student’s budget. Enjoy.

How Students Can Travel the World Without Going Broke

The life of a college student is far from easy. In my own time at school, I’ve been so busy studying and paying bills of all kinds that I can hardly find the time to let loose and have some fun. You might wonder how I manage to survive my time here. The truth is that every time there’s a school break, I become a world traveler who sees the sights in countries around the globe. However, as a cash-strapped college student, I have to be careful to save money at the same time. Finding work while I’m at school can help, but it’s still not easy to get the funds together to pay for equipment, flights, boarding and recreation during my journey. Here’s a look at some ways I manage to make my traveling addiction financially feasible.

Financing a Vacation

As a poor college student who works to pay for college, I can’t just pay out of pocket to fund international backpacking trips. I had to find some kind of solution that was feasible for the long term. Of course, I knew I wouldn’t need too much money because my plan was always to travel on a cheap dime so that I could see and do more. I eventually settled on a student credit card. While you might think this is a bit extreme, it works great. This way, I can buy basically whatever my heart desires during my trips with only a little extra debt afterwards. Most places accept these cards, so it’s a truly viable way to get by while traveling without carrying too much cash. The card pays for my big-ticket items and then I pay it back later when I’m working while at school. To reduce stress later, aspiring student travelers should make sure that they fully understand the workings of credit before signing up for a card. [The Crime Traveller’s Note: Be very wary of taking on debt to finance travel. You may find your vacation leaves you with memories that keep on giving but collection notices that keep on taking.]

Working in Another Country

If you’re a college student from a relatively wealthy country, it may not always be easy to find work abroad. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily even have to find paying jobs if you’ve got your student credit card lined up. Instead, consider signing up with WWOOF, an organization that sets people up to work on farms and other places in countries around the world. In some cases, this can even make it possible for you to stay in a country for longer than you would be able to as a regular tourist. All you need is 40 dollars to get access to a massive list of opportunities posted by farms and other places that will trade boarding and sometimes food for your labor. For example, you could work with other young travelers on an organic farm in Peru for weeks at a time. There are even positions as housekeepers in cities throughout China, although not all can afford to feed you.

Cheap, Lightweight Backpacks

Versatility is one of the best things about backpacking. If you’re weighed down with tons of luggage, you’ll have a harder time seeing the sights and getting from one place to the next. Instead, invest in a sturdy, lightweight backpack that will protect a modest amount of your belongings from the elements and dishonest locals. Unfortunately, the cheapest places to travel are also usually the poorest, so it’s a good idea to keep your stuff safe from the criminal element if you want to arrive home with it. Some hotels and trains will let you lock up your bag for temporary safekeeping. If you’re planning to go hiking or camping abroad, make sure you choose a bag that will last in a rough environment.

KC Owens is a college student who loves traveling, college life, fitness and a good
survival kit. He enjoys studying different cultures, meeting new people and
leaving his footprint somewhere most people only read about.