The very wise St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Unfortunately for many college students, the demands of college (i.e. lack of change) make it hard to be very “literate”! With summer only weeks away, it may be time to consider a little adventure, a little spreading of wings, while we are still young and able. Check out the following Web sites to see just how easy, safe, and most importantly affordable world travel can be!

www.kayak.com

If, as Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu puts it, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” then checking out Kayak’s site is a foot forward in the right direction. This travel search engine lets you search flights, hotels, cars and cruises on over 140 sites all at once. It allows you to compare prices all on one page, and a bonus for college students is the inclusion of rates from budget airlines like Spirit. Type in your itinerary, and let the search begin.

www.tripadvisor.com

Now that you have decided on a destination, it is time to sort through the glamour shots and cheesy hotel slogans to figure out if a place you are considering is safe, clean and worth your time. Search a hotel name or destination, and get the no-holds-barred experiences of previous travelers who give their reviews. From stories of great bed and breakfasts to bed bugs in between sheets, Trip Advisor is a must before booking a place far from home.

http://www.hihostels.com/

And, for the true penny-pinching explorer, try the experience of staying in a hostel. With a widespread reputation for being a clean and safe alternative to expensive lodgings, Hostelling International has over 4,000 places to stay in 80 countries. Rooms can cost as little as $10 a night, and even if you do have to share a bathroom with complete strangers, you will meet people from around the world who have been similarly bit by the travel bug. With communal kitchens, recreation rooms and events around the city, try a hostel for community, global-village style.

Hopefully the Web sites I have just shared inspired you in some small way and will serve as a springboard for further travel searching. The Internet is a valuable tool, especially for student travelers, and you will find deals especially for those in our age range. So, with passport in hand, see the world, and see if you might find yourself. Bon voyage!