So you want to go abroad. The only problem is, you're low on cash. Fret not, dear friends! I urge you to ignore the voices in your head (or home, or class, or wherever) that say adventure isn't possible. I assure you that it is.

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Paying for your Travel Abroad Adventure

To make your way abroad you simply have to be willing to follow these three steps: Save, Beg, and Borrow. You've probably read “Save” and said, “Um, obviously.” But it's a lot easier said than done. If saving isn't a priority, you really won't save much; you'll catch that concert you think sounds cool, buy those shoes you saw in the shop window, or get the latest mp3 downloads because they all seem like small enough purchases at the time. But when you add it all up – counting your tax refund, that birthday check from Grandma, and quarters in couch cushions – you'll have a reasonably sized deposit. Then, look for accounts that will earn you something on your deposit, and you're on your way.

Then Beg. It might sound strange, but a well-informed discussion on Italian Art or European History with your relatives or the heads of your university department can turn out exquisitely. Show your excitement and passion, and practice your pouty face (for the relatives, not the professors...). And make sure you check out scholarship opportunities or sponsorship options from various companies; if you're willing to write some extra essays or speak in an office meeting after your return, you can get nice wads of cash for your trip.

Finally – and really, this option should only be used as a last resort – Borrow. Now remember, kids: “borrow” means you have to pay it back, so borrow wisely. STA Travel offers a loan called the MyRichUncle Travel Loan, and it's geared specifically for travel abroad. The interest rates are better than you'll find on other financing options, and the best part is that you can defer payments until after you graduate. This is your best option to close the gap in your budget between saving and begging (and the gap between you and the trip of a lifetime).

How Research Can Save You Money

So, you've plotted out some of the places you want to go, and you've checked out the exchange rates of currency along the way. You've got your travel guidebook and your plane ticket. There's just one more thing to do to save some money before you leave: research. Research what? Research art galleries, museums, transportation, and accommmodation. Since art galleries and museums are huge tourist traps with big price tags and even bigger lines, you should buy your tickets online before leaving the States (bring your confirmation e-mail with you!) and you can bypass the lines while getting a bit of a discount on the ticket. Rock on. And with transportation, remember that last minute tickets come with a heavy price. Also, for whatever type of accommodations you plan on using, make those plans as far in advance as possible – they fill up with last minute travelers who will have to pay greater prices because they weren't as organized as you were.

Paying your credit card bill from Istanbul is NOT easy

What am I talking about here? Just a really quick tidbit that can save you from years of anguish. The rough thing about paying for your travel abroad experience with credit is that the bill is due on a monthly basis, and you're obviously not forwarding your mail to your travel destination. Unless you're some youth financial genius who figures out a way to actually pay your bill responsibly each month, you're out of luck when it comes to payments. Getting through to your credit card company or bank to make account transfers can be nearly impossible, you may have to pay for calling cards to reach them by phone, and if your payments are late, you pay the hefty interest fee. It doesn't matter that you tried to get a hold of someone in the company. And what other little surprise often comes with the late fee? A bump in interest rate. Not cool. A great alternative to all that complexity: taking a travel loan. Like I said, STA Travel offers MyRichUncle travel loans (since most of us aren't lucky enough to actually have a rich uncle who wants to fund our wanderlust). No worries on making any payments until 6 months after graduation. I realize it's not quite guilt free spending, but it's certainly hassle-free.

The right budget = different (and better!) choices

In researching my travels abroad, I knew there were things I absolutely had to experience, or else it would be a lifetime of regret...like when I went to Paris for the first time and didn't visit the Louvre because it was “too expensive.” We'll just say I was not pleased with myself later! Luckily enough for me I had the chance to visit again, but in most cases you visit a place once, and that's it. So, for this trip I knew I had to white-water raft in Austria, see The David in Florence, have some good lager at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, horseback ride in China, and do a hot air balloon ride in Australia. And folks, although it seems simple enough to say “Yeah, I'll have enough money to do those things,” it takes serious budgeting. It's all possible, but you've got to be smart!

How? Know your limits. Once you've identified the things that you can't miss, compile a list of those activities and their prices (converted to your currency at the current exchange rates, if possible). Simple enough...now that money's untouchable until the day of the outing arrives. Imagine it doesn't exist. By identifying all the things I wanted to do, I've been able to build a realistic budget and stick to it.

Moreover, I've seen that there are certain choices that allow me to experience other things. For example, if I take a high speed train, I have several extra hours in one city versus another; when you're trying to get a lot done, this extra time can be invaluable. High speed trains come at a cost, so I need to build that into my budget. Keep in mind that if you take an overnight train, while it may seem less ideal than sleep in a hotel or hostel, you save money and time! You pay only for the train lodging that night (thus saving a night's hotel cost), and you don't waste a day of sight-seeing time in a train. Awesome. At the end of the day, you must decide what's reasonable, what can be cut and what absolutely has to stay if this is going to be your trip of a lifetime. And if I, Rachel Rudwall (Queen of Incurring-unforeseen-costs-because-she-always-spots-a-coffee-shop), can do it – you can do it.

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Okay, now it's up to you! Go Save, Beg, and Borrow like there's now tomorrow, and before you know it you'll be on the other side of the globe relaxing with a Mai Tai or teaching English in the Andes. Then it's your turn to have the adventure and make the memories. What are you waiting for?

"How to Apply for a Travel Loan":http://www.statravel.com/cps/rde/xchg/us_division_web_live/hs.xsl/Student-Travel-Loans.htm