This also applies to once you are abroad. I definitely went over seas with less money than most people, but I made it work. Every week I went down to the Grocery store by my home stay and bought food for the week. I bought ingredients for sandwiches, things I could make for dinner, as well as some snacks to take with me on the go. I knew I always got hungry in between school and my internship, so having a filling snack I could eat on the tube on the way made my life so much easier. This saved me so much money not stopping at food places or coffee shops every day. It left me with extra money to go out with my friends on the weekend to concerts, musicals, bars, etc. It allowed me to go on more day trips and stay even longer in my favorite countries. Learning how to budget and save money is one of the most important things you can do in life. You feel so much better about yourself and your bank account as well. I definitely left London feeling extremely more responsible and independent than I ever did before. Yet another benefit of traveling and Sudying Abroad. :)
Even if you are just traveling, there are many ways to save money. Instead of staying at a fancy hotel, stay at a hostel! There are so many good hostels in each country that are very clean and safe. They even offer breakfast which saves you even more money! All you have to do is research for them on Hostelworld.com or any other hostel site. Just make sure they have a good rating (4-5 stars). Also, pack lunches for your day trips. Don't always go out to a restaurant every day. Now that doesn't mean you can't treat yourself out every once in a while. It just means, taking money away from little things like eating out could give you money towards more things you really want to do, like going to the top of the Eiffel Tower perhaps! It's all about how much you are really willing to do what it takes to experience these countries for all that they have to offer. Some memories and experiences are more important than a five-star meal, I promise. One thing that makes it particularly difficult to save money in Europe is the Exchange Rate. For example, when I was in London every time I spent 5 pounds i was actually spending about 8 US dollars. It really makes you stop and think before you buy something. "If this souvenir is 15 pounds, I am actually spending about 22 US dollars. Is it worth it?" It also depends on which country you are in as well. Any country that takes Euros will be a little better since their exchange rate to the US is lower. A weekend in Ireland for example, is way cheaper than a weekend in London. Before you leave, just look up the exchange rates for each place so you have a better idea of how much money you're really spending. It will help you in the long run!
Over all, Traveling & Studying Abroad can be very stressful when it comes to spending your money. But if you prepare before you leave and take the right steps while you are there, you are going to make your trip soo much easier on yourself. Research online, look for deals, cheap flights, coupons, etc. There is always a way to save money. You will thank yourself later when you are relaxing at the top of the Eiffel Tower, not sitting in your hotel room.
Best of luck!
xx, Miranda Lopez
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