She Strengthens

The Thrill of Travel: How I Spent $2,660 on Six Trips Last Year

As a graduate student, I’ve always had a passion for travel, despite the financial constraints that come with it. Last year, I embarked on six exciting trips, spending a total of $2,660. While it may seem like a lot, I learned valuable lessons along the way that helped me make the most of my travel experiences.

Trip 1: Bachelorette Weekend in Chicago

My first trip was a bachelorette weekend in Chicago, where I spent $470. I drove to the city, which saved me on transportation costs, but parking fees added up quickly. We stayed in an affordable Airbnb, and our food expenses were relatively high due to Chicago’s restaurant week. One of the highlights of the trip was getting mani-pedis with the girls.

Trip 2: Wedding in LA

Next, I attended a wedding in LA, where I spent $653. My flight to LA was expensive, but I was lucky to stay with a friend who drove me around and lent me her car. Food costs were reasonable, and I even treated my friend to dinner as a thank you. I couldn’t resist shopping in LA, though, and ended up spending $95 on souvenirs.

Trip 3: College Graduation

I then traveled to my brother’s college graduation, spending only $76. We drove to the event, and my parents covered our hotel room and some meals. I did have to buy some cheap flip-flops due to poor planning, but overall, it was a budget-friendly trip.

Trip 4: Work Conference

My work conference was a great opportunity to travel while keeping costs low. Thanks to student travel subsidies and grants, my flight, transport, and registration fees were covered. I stayed in a suite with my boss, which saved me on accommodation costs. Food expenses were minimal, and I even picked up a local chocolate bar for my boyfriend.

Trip 5: Bachelorette Weekend in Vegas

My second bachelorette weekend was in Vegas, where I spent $852. My flight was booked on short notice, so it was pricey, but we stayed in a hotel covered by the bride-to-be’s parents’ rewards program. We had a mix of fancy and affordable meals, and I spent $191 on activities like a Cirque Du Soleil show and a day spa.

Trip 6: Wedding in FL

Finally, I attended a wedding in FL, spending $581. My flight was expensive, but I split the hotel cost with other bridesmaids. Food costs were low, and I even got my hair and makeup done professionally as part of the wedding party.

Lessons Learned

Looking back on my travels, I realized several key things:

• Speak up about budget constraints: Don’t be afraid to suggest affordable activities or opt out of expensive ones if they’re not in your budget.
• Take advantage of free accommodation: Staying with friends and family can save you a significant amount of money.
• Use student resources: As a student, I was able to cover some travel costs with subsidies and grants.
• Pack wisely: Proper packing can save you money, but sometimes it’s worth paying more for a better flight experience.

Overall, my travel experiences taught me valuable lessons about budgeting, planning, and making the most of my trips. While $2,660 may seem like a lot, I know that I’ll cherish the memories I made on these six trips forever.