Traveling as an Exchange Student in the USA – 5 Tips

Are you studying in the United States of America as an exchange student and want to explore the country and its culture during your stay? Then you’re just like most other international students – including me. But the big question is: How do you make the most of your time without breaking the bank? That’s exactly what this blog is about. Based on my experiences during my semester abroad, I can give you the following five tips:

1. Traveling in a group – more fun, fewer costs

Since money is a big factor for most students, but you still want to experience a lot, there are a few things to keep in mind. Traveling with a group of friends can really help you cut down on costs. Why? Accommodation is usually cheaper when shared among several people, and you can also save money on transportation by splitting costs for things like a rental car.

I went on all my trips during my exchange semester with other students I met on campus. Especially other exchange students are in the same boat as you, so it’s relatively easy to find a travel group. So don’t be shy and approach other people. You’ll have unforgettable adventures and make friends for life.

2. Rental Cars as budget tip

The United States aren’t exactly known for a well-developed public transportation system, which makes traveling a bit harder if you don’t own a car. The solution? Rental cars! They come with pros and cons but are often the most affordable option when traveling in a group.

Usually, you pay under one hundred and fifty dollars per day, and gas is quite cheap. For example, we paid about fifty dollars for a full tank on a trip from Evansville to Chicago (for over five hundred kilometers). Compared to prices in Europe, that’s nothing! A rental car also makes it easier to get around within a city, so you can skip Uber – although parking in downtown areas usually isn’t free.

However, there are a few downsides to be aware of. The driver has to pay (and only with a credit card), and I always had to pay a deposit, so make sure your card has a high enough limit (trust me, I learned the hard way!). Most rental agencies also charge extra fees for drivers under twenty-five.
Additionally, I highly recommend getting an international driver’s license – you can get one from ÖAMTC for around twenty euros. All drivers must be listed on the rental contract. Not following the rules can lead to serious consequences, so I strongly advise against it! I usually used websites like “Kayak” to find the best deals, and that always worked out just fine.

One more tip: always take photos of the car before driving off, and check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels! That way, you’re covered in case something goes wrong.

3. Share accommodation and safe money

On every trip, you need a place to sleep (obviously), and again, traveling with a group will save you money here. I recommend checking several platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Having a rental car also pays off here, since you don’t need to stay right in the city center. On all our trips, we booked apartments with kitchens so we could cook ourselves. That saves money and time, as you can eat breakfast right at home instead of hunting for a café.

It’s best to book accommodation as early as possible to get the best price. And don’t forget to lock your doors at night – you don’t want any surprise visitors in your room!

4. Online Tickets for inexpensive cultural entertainment

While traveling, you’ll probably want to visit a few attractions – many of which require tickets. It’s usually cheaper to buy them online in advance, and there are often generous student discounts. In some cases, museum entry is even free for students – totally worth it! Plus, if something is sold out, you save yourself the trip (I learned that the hard way too!)

I’m furthermore a huge fan of comedy shows and can totally recommend them. There are several online platforms where you can browse all the events and buy tickets directly – super convenient!

5. Make clever use of international airports

Want to visit places that aren’t easily reachable by car? Then I recommend flying from the nearest major international airport.

What do I mean by that? During my exchange semester, I lived in Evansville, Indiana. There is an airport, but it’s very small and the flights are usually expensive. So, we always found it worth it to drive to Nashville or Chicago with a rental car and fly from there. I usually flew with budget airlines like Spirit, even though they have a bit of a bad rep – but I never had any issues. So don’t feel like you’re stuck in your city. Often, the drive to a larger airport is cheaper than flying from your local one.

Also, here’s a little insider tip: FlixBus. They don’t run super frequently – usually just one bus per day – but the tickets are very affordable.

Now nothing’s standing in the way of your next trip! Grab a few friends and hit the road!