When you're young, facing a mountain of student debt, subsisting on an entry-level salary and dealing with the everyday expenses of living on your own for the first time, the idea of embarking on an overseas adventure might seem indulgent. But your youth might also afford you certain discounts and advantages that can help you travel on the cheap.
Here are some ways to save every step of the way.
A plane ticket will probably be your priciest purchase, but being young can help you snag cheaper fare. If you're under 26 (or a student or teacher of any age on some airlines), you can find discounts through STA Travel or StudentUniverse, booking agents specializing in under-26 travel. For example, in late July STA Travel offered a nonstop one-way flight from New York City to London for the youth fare of $470.50, while the cheapest similar flight on Kayak was about $600 and included a layover. Booking through STA requires an International Youth Travel Card (or International Student or Teacher ID Cards; more on the cards later); buying a flight through StudentUniverse does not (you do need to sign up on the site and submit your age and school credentials, if relevant).
Don't forget about discount airlines, which are particularly abundant in many countries outside of the U.S. Some of these airlines are notorious for slamming travelers with unexpected fees, but young travelers should have little trouble packing light and skipping costly extras, such as booking tickets by phone or in person at the airport (which costs 20 euros, or about $26, with infamously fee-happy Ryanair, based in Ireland). Sarah Schlichter, senior editor of IndependentTraveler.com, recommends searching WhichBudget for flights with obscure carriers that the major aggregators, such as Kayak and Bing Travel, might miss.
Especially when you're young, your friends and family may expect you to stay with them—and save on accommodations—if you're visiting their areas. But if you're going to a buddy-free locale, you may still be able to find a free place to crash. Couchsurfing connects people around the world who are willing to lend space in their home to another traveler, at no cost. Or upgrade from a couch to a bed by renting a spare room in someone's home through Airbnb, where homeowners take reservations for their living spaces. Both options are nice for solo travelers because they provide you with a built-in local host.
Staying with strangers may sound sketchy, but you can take a few easy steps to help ensure your security. Be sure to use the various screens and safety features Couchsurfing and Airbnb offer, such as verified reviews and references, messaging systems to communicate with potential hosts and secure payment options (such as holding funds until you have had a chance to inspect the property). Talking to your potential hosts online is key to weeding out scam artists—ask about the safety of the neighborhood and about nearby attractions, keeping an eye out for responsiveness, friendliness and information that jibes with what you've already researched about the place, says Schlichter. Insist that hosts have complete and verified profiles, requesting that they fill in any missing information. "Keep in mind that hosts are also welcoming a stranger into their home, so they probably want to get to know you, too," Schlichter adds. Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, advises paying with a credit card for added protection in case of fraud.
If you're looking for an even more social experience, try a hostel. You can find upscale gems that offer outdoor hot tubs and swimming pools, sumptuous breakfast spreads and comfy beds—that aren't bunks—all for less than $30 a night. Many even have options for single-sex dorms, rooms with fewer beds, private rooms and rooms with en suite bathrooms. These amenities will generally add a few dollars to your nightly rate, but it will still likely be cheaper than a hotel. Compare your options (and look for promos) at Hostelworld.com, Hostelbookers.com, and Hostelz.com. You can also find reviews on TripAdvisor.
You may worry about safety at hostels. When I've traveled overseas, I found that hostels are much
safer than they sound, but take precautions. Choose a hostel in a safe location with security measures that make you comfortable, such as 24-hour reception and lockable doors. Bring a small lock in case your hostel offers in-room lockers, and, if not, keep flashy items concealed and your valuables on you at all times—even when you're sleeping—tucked into a money belt or purse. Or better yet, don't bring anything irreplaceable in the first place. And grab the less-accessible top bunk if you can, for an extra measure of safety.
If you're traveling with a group, renting an entire apartment or house can make for a much cooler, more exotic and more economical experience than piling everyone into a bland hotel room. Explore everything from designer lofts to neon-lit tree houses at vacation rental Web sites such as Wimdu and HomeAway, as well as Airbnb. These sites offer security features similar to Couchsurfing.com and Airbnb.com, and you'll want to take the same precautions mentioned above.
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