Just to restate the obvious–I love traveling. Studying abroad in Budapest has given me fantastic opportunities to explore more of Europe, and I still have three remaining weekend trips in October and November. Since I am studying abroad, here are some things I have learned about while planning trips.
1. Budget Bus Lines
I think in previous blogs I wrote about $20 round trip bus tickets to nearby countries. Buses are definitely the best way to travel if the destination is less than 8 hours driving distance away. It might not be the most comfortable or quickest way to travel, but it is a cheap option and I always enjoy the views on the way to my destination.
2. Hostels
I had never stayed in a hostel before traveling in Europe this semester. Hostels are so much fun. Honestly. In our last hostel in Bratislava, we met an amazing group of backpackers; the discussion with this diverse group of individuals is one of my fondest memories of this trip so far. Hostels are much cheaper than hotels, and as a bonus, staying in hostels is a fantastic way to meet new people from all around the world.
3. Student Discounts
Most college students are on strict budgets while studying abroad. Luckily, many attractions and sites throughout Europe offer student discounts. I have received discounts when entering museums, traveling by bus- my public transportation ticket in Budapest even has a discount price for students! The advantages of being a student are endless.
4. Trip Advising Websites
Sometimes, all of the information to collect in order to prepare for trips is overwhelming. That is why I am a frequent visitor of travel websites; it makes trip planning much more streamlined and simpler. “Tripadvisor” and “Rick Steves Europe” are two of my personal favorites. It really does help to read reviews and tips online, then make a “to do list” based on these reviews prior to arriving in the destination city.
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