Exploring on a Budget
It's been almost two months since my arrival in Germany, and I've done a lot of amazing things and have a lot more ahead of me. I've heard it a million times though, people asking me how I can find the money for everything I'm doing, even my eight year old niece... So here's my secrets to paying as little as possible for the same experiences.
1. FLIXBUS: If anything this is an ad for Flixbus. Make them your best friend. It's a coach bus, but insanely inexpensive. This is how I go everywhere. I don't care that it may be way longer, take the overnighter and sleep on it(That will save you a night's cost for a bed, too!). And plan in advance--the tickets get pricier the closer you get to the date.
2. CORNY(granola bars): Hopefully when you come this will still be a thing, but right now I buy about five boxes at a time because they are 1.20euros each with a 3euro coupon for Flixbus in each marked box...I've saved over 50euros doing so. ***Buy your tickets separately not round trip in order to save 6euros per trip***
3. CONNECTIONS: Say you knew a kid from a couple years ago who's now living somewhere you're planning on visiting, be strait forward and ask if you can sleep on their floor. I've done this a lot, and it saves you so much money.
4. If you don't have connections, make sure to look into Youth Hostels and Air BNB before booking a pricey hotel. They are usually much cheeper and a great experience.
5. BRING SNACKS: Bringing lunch & snacks along is an easy way to save money, choose one meal to go out for instead of having to go out for every meal.
6. SCHOLARSHIPS: Make sure to apply to every scholarship you see, ESPECIALLY THE BWB SCHOLARSHIP! Scholarships help me immensely here, not having to worry about paying rent is a relief every day.
7. BYO: Two things I would highly suggest bringing is a sleeping bag and reusable water bottle. I bring my sleeping bag on all my adventures, saving me the cost of bedding. I also never buy water, which is SO expensive here! I'm serious... So just fill your water bottle before you leave home.
8. STUDENT DISCOUNTS: "Haben Sie eine Student Karte?" Every time you go to any sort of museum or somewhere you have to pay, make sure you ask if there's a student discount. I've saved over 30euros being a stickler about this.
I worked three jobs this Summer, sometimes working over 15 hours in one day. I will say, working hard the Summer before you leave pays off. Make lots of money, make lots of memories.
