In the world, among all the sources of entertainment, there is nothing more fascinating than traveling. Visiting other countries broadens one’s horizons in the way that helps to become more open-minded, independent, and wise. However, there is a common belief among us stating that traveling far abroad is available only for those who have thick wallets. Experienced travelers will argue with you, as there are many ways to flee to unknown corners of the globe spending bearable sums. What you need for it is information, not a fairy – godmother  who provided Cinderella a nice life in the castle.

First what you can do is applying for being a volunteer for the projects being developed in the other countries. Certainly, there are those ones which will require such a  commitment of time as one/two years. As a student, you probably wouldn’t like that. However, a good alternative would be joining short-term volunteer project. Some organizations help you out not only with room and boards, but occasionally – flights.  Those who don’t like simply wasting time lying on a beach, but would rather see and learn about the country, contributing some energy and time in a worthy case plus to it, should check out these websites: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/v/volunteer_abroad.php and http://www.globalworkandtravel.ca/

Secondly, a good advice would be: fly smart. In European countries people are crazy about budgeting their flights, rarely paying the full price for a ticket. It’s possible to get across Europe and pay less than $50 for it, if you keep hand on pulse looking through the offers of European budget airlines.

Thirdly: take an initiative and show your leadership skills. Not a lot of people know that  some travel companies offer a huge discount to people who organize a group tour. No, this doesn’t mean you are the one who will have to deal with everything and everybody, starting from the airline and hotel administration (a task is especially impossible if you don’t know the language ). It’s rather that you’ll plan who, when, and doing what. That’s about it. So next time planning your trip discuss this with a local travel company.

And, finally: host a foreign exchange student. There are plenty of placement organizations who would like to offer you an opportunity to become a family for a person of a culture different from yours. It means that you’ll be able to experience it without walking out your house.

Just convince your parents on it, which is, if you have a couple firm points, doesn’t seem to be an impossible task.  And, who knows, maybe you’ll be invited to visit the student’s home country?.. As shows the experience of many host families I’ve met, it’s not unusual.

It’s a big plus as it can be much easier to travel somewhere there you have friends: guides will never show you some absolutely magic places that inhabitants of the area know and will love to share their history with ones who are interested.