Saving Money While Traveling: Lessons From Fixing My Car

As a college student, my life is a balancing act of classes, part-time work, and a tight budget. Recently, I faced a financial curveball—my car broke down right during Thanksgiving weekend as I was traveling to my parents' house for dinner. Fixing it wiped out my travel fund, but instead of canceling my plans, I found ways to get home and celebrate without breaking the bank. Here's what I learned about saving money while traveling, even when unexpected expenses crop up.

Plan Your Budget Like a Pro

Before hitting the road, I set a clear budget for the trip. After paying for the car repairs, I calculated what I could spend on gas, snacks, and any holiday extras. Apps like Mint or EveryDollar made tracking expenses easier and helped me stick to my plan.

Pro Tip: Allocate a buffer for unexpected expenses. A flat tire or surprise toll fee can sneak up on you, and having an extra $50 tucked away saved me from additional stress.

Cut Transportation Costs

After repairing my car, I realized I couldn’t afford to drive the entire way alone. Luckily, I coordinated with family members traveling for Thanksgiving and carpooled. Splitting gas costs was a lifesaver and made the trip more enjoyable.

If you are traveling solo, consider taking a bus or train, which can be surprisingly cheap. For those flying, check for student discounts or use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner to find the best deals.

Stay Somewhere Affordable (or Free!)

Fortunately, I was traveling to stay with family, so I didn’t have to spend on accommodations. If family isn’t an option, there are still budget-friendly alternatives:

• Hostels: Affordable and great for meeting other travelers.
• Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals: Splitting costs with friends can make this option work.
• Couchsurfing: Staying with locals for free can save you significant money.

DIY Meals

Eating out during the holidays can be expensive. I packed snacks for the road—granola bars, sandwiches, and reusable water bottles—to keep me fueled and avoid convenience store temptations. Once I got home, Thanksgiving dinner was a delicious and cost-effective meal!

Pro Tip: If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, take advantage of it. Cooking meals not only saves money but can also be a fun activity with family or friends.

Find Free or Cheap Activities

The best memories don’t always come with a high price tag. During my Thanksgiving visit, I enjoyed free activities like family board games, walks around the neighborhood, and catching up with loved ones. For other trips, check out free hiking trails, local events, or museums with student discounts. Your college ID can be your golden ticket to saving money.

Make Travel a Group Effort

Thanksgiving is all about togetherness; traveling with family made it even better. We shared gas costs, brought snacks for the ride, and made the trip more enjoyable with good conversation and music. If you’re traveling with friends, group efforts like splitting accommodations and groceries can also stretch your dollars.

Leverage Rewards and Discounts

I used rewards points from my credit card to cover part of my gas expenses. Many credit cards offer cashback or travel rewards, so it’s worth looking into those perks. If you’re a student, take advantage of discounts on transportation, attractions, and more. Websites like StudentUniverse are great resources for deals tailored to students.

Prepare for the Unexpected

The car repair taught me a valuable lesson: always be prepared. Even during the holidays, keeping an emergency fund can be a lifesaver. It’s tempting to spend everything on gifts or fun, but having a financial cushion gave me peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Traveling on a budget is possible, even after a financial setback. Thanksgiving reminded me of the importance of family, resourcefulness, and thoughtful planning. My car repair may have dented my wallet, but it didn’t stop me from making the most of the holiday season.

To my fellow college students: don’t let a tight budget hold you back. With a little creativity and some savvy planning, you can travel, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank!