How I Traveled the US Without Going Broke

A solo traveler is walking along a cliff overlooking the ocean under a cloudy sky.

Traveling across the US and internationally sounds like a luxury most students can’t afford yet. I have spent at least a week in 24 states and visited three countries, all while balancing schoolwork and finances.

The Secret?

It wasn’t luck. It was mindset, strategy, and a little scrappiness.

Mindset: Experiences Over Expenses

From the start, I knew I wanted to explore during college, not just sit in lecture halls. I wasn’t chasing luxury. I was chasing learning. I stayed with friends, booked hostels, used student discounts, and kept it simple. Travel never distracted me from my education. It enhanced it.

Being a student was my first job. I learned how to talk to strangers and manage deadlines across time zones.

Strategy: How Did I Always Travel for Cheap?

In summer 2023, I didn’t have housing. Instead of spending time and scrambling to find a lease, I decided to use this opportunity to travel the US for three months.

I kept the cost low by being strategic. I used Skyscanner and Yes Theory Travel to track cheap flights and set alerts for price drops.

I flew with budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier exclusively, often booking early morning or midweek departures for the best rates.

For housing, I rotated between Airbnb and Hostelworld, and most of the time I would couchsurf with friends I met through school or online communities. No housing is better than free.

Transportation?

I took Greyhound, FlixBus, or Amtrak when flights didn’t make sense, and I walked a lot.

Occasionally, I’d ask bus drivers directly if there were any open seats before departure. Let’s just say… a friendly smile and good timing often got me a ride for 85 to 90% less than the listed price.

Was it off the books? Maybe. Was it brilliant? Definitely.

Pro tip: Use Wanderu for bus and train tickets

The Real Payoff

I’ve written essays in airport lounges and taken Zoom calls in bus terminals. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me how to manage time, adapt, and stay organized under pressure.

I never thought that these trips were a break from my education. They were just a different kind of education.

I gained real-world experiences, became more independent, and learned lessons no classroom could teach. It shaped the way I think, work, and approach challenges today.

Would I do it again? 100%.

You don’t need a trust fund to travel. You just need a plan, the right mindset, and a willingness to make it work.