College is hard. You spend your days in class, your free time studying and your weekends doing homework. In my first year of college, I fell victim to procrastination and felt trapped in the classroom. However, I slowly began to recognize that having something to look forward to outside of school can make all the difference. I have always craved adventure and time in the mountains, but it was not until recently that I realized I can have both – continuing my pursuit of education while traveling places I have always wanted to go. This past year, I was able to go to more than 12 states while keeping my grades up and college friends close. Follow along for the tips and tricks I have utilized to integrate traveling into my schedule as an undergraduate student.

1) Set Travel Goals

First things first, make a list of the places you want to go. It is hard to plan a trip when you do not know what you want to see or what you wish to do. For me, I aim to see all of the national parks and ski all the skiable mountains in the United States. But remember that travel goals are unique to you. It is always okay to start small, but do not be afraid to dream big when it comes to traveling!

Perhaps you have always wanted to see “the Big Apple,” or maybe you would prefer a closer trip like going to the St. Louis Arch or on a little getaway to Branson. If you are not a big traveler, this can simply look like planning a one-night camping trip out around the Missouri area. Some of the bigger adventurers may even hope to see the whole world! Whatever it is, the first step in getting there is writing it down along with all the things you want to do there. Seeing it on paper can make your dreams feel attainable and push you to make them come to life.

2) Stay On Top of your Schoolwork

Weekends are for traveling, so prioritize your schoolwork during the week. Doing homework can feel draining, and if you are anything like I used to be, you push it off with the confidence it will get done eventually. But what I have learned by making myself focus on finishing my homework and studying during my free time throughout the week, is that I am not crammed or pressured to work on it the entirety of the weekend. While that new Netflix show will be tempting, choosing homework during the week will pay off. This is extremely important because you most likely do not want to bring physical homework and emotional stress on your travels with you and want to have the most time to explore your new destination.

3) Work, Work, Work

Unfortunately, the world we live in is expensive and although there are cheap ways to get to and from places, travel still requires more than a few bucks. I have found that simply working two longs shifts during the week allows me to continually put away a little bit of money towards my travel fund. After about two months of these savings, I can purchase my fares without seeing too much of a punishment to my bank account. But as I mentioned previously, travel goals vary, and some places may require more money to go. Working does not have to be a demanding thing or an activity that makes you feel trapped. Finding a place you enjoy working with flexible hours makes saving and traveling a breeze. Seek out an occupation that you look forward to, and the savings for you to spend will come before you know it.

After you have got a plan, learn to prioritize schoolwork and save a couple dollars, get going girl! Traveling is such an amazing way to build new connections within yourself and with others from all over the world. A little trip can be the perfect way to treat yourself for all your hard work at school.