There's no more room on your Christmas wish-list, your notoriously empty checking account is bone dry once again and you're stuck with an overflow of War Eagle spirit looking for an escape ... preferably in New Orleans, Louisiana. Around Jan. 2, maybe?
The Sugar Bowl is approaching swiftly and choosing funds over fun is simply not an option. The game and trip are a much needed kick back after a long semester of slaving over calculous II and organismal biology. With the right budget and a thrifty mindset, you'll be strutting orange and blue while catching beads on Bourbon Street before you know it.
Here are some cost-cutting curves that'll get you closer to the Superdome while keeping you out of your parent's 401K.
Tickets are for bargaining.
Oh, what a lovely technique that has been lost from daily exchanges. It's time to slide on a pair of your dad's Ranglers, tie up the hair and get down to business.
If you are down for a risky situation, buying from scalpers on the big day is always an option. Be prepared to haggle and walk away from an undesirable deal. Waiting until the game starts will drastically drop prices and increase your chances of getting a better deal, if you don't mind missing the first few minutes.
Always have cash on hand to offer and try to make the transaction painless for the seller. Very few sellers will turn down a face full of green because an easy transaction means money in their hands faster.
For those that prefer a more timely option, utilize today's greatest tool: social media. Auburn fans have developed a group, "The Unofficial Official Auburn Student Ticket Exchange," on Facebook for this very purpose. Once accepted to the group (this is not a difficult feat), one can either post requesting a ticket or respond to a seller.
There are sellers that will budge and there are those that will not. Give it your best shot, but don't overpay or succumb to a hardheaded scammer. Everyone knows how much the tickets are worth, so work from there and pull them down as low as you can. The closer the game is, the less they will be able to convince you to pay.
Transportation is temporary.
Saving money is the goal here, correct? Yes, so one must set aside pleasantries and focus on getting to NOLA. This may mean taking a bus or carpooling with the guy from your American Literature class.
If carpooling with friends isn't an option, consider finding a larger group of acquaintances or fellow students to rent a van with. By all means, be extremely careful when choosing a group, as sketchy situations could put a damper on the vay-cay. Splitting the cost of a van or gas for someone's larger vehicle will save loads of cash.
Another option is taking a bus. Although undesirable at times, this option is cheap, relatively quick and it'll get you there. This option becomes a little less terrible with friends and family.
Lodging has to be safe, but doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
How much time do you honestly plan on spending in the place where you sleep? Not much, I'm guessing. Let this fact fuel your choices. This might lead you to consider a Motel 6, but their are other options.
At couchsurfing.com, you are connected with locals in your desired destination that don't mind you spending the night on their couch for free. Not only are you getting a night of sleep for free, but you are given the opportunity to meet a new family and learn more about the destination than you would from pamphlets at local hotels. You can check reviews of the hosts and make sure there aren't any payments to be made, as some hosts do have a set list of requirements.
Hostelworld.com provides a list of hostels at the destination you designate. Youth hostels are cheap, safe and taken care of by families or small business owners. Staying in a hostel puts you in contact with youth from all over the world. Certain hostels specify an age maximum or gender.
Eating is necessary, but eating lobster or steak isn't.
Your first move in saving on food is packing for the ride to New Orleans. If you bring something that needs to be cooked in a microwave, some truck stops have microwaves. Sandwiches, chips and a cooler work just as well. Stock up on snacks and you'll make the journey without thinning your wallet and starving yourself.
While in New Orleans, save for two nice meals with friends and eat wallet-happy food for the remainder of the trip. Food is typically cheaper in bulk, so make a couple stops at grocery stores. Getting premade food from a grocery store is often cheaper and absolutely healthier than eating fast food.
There is no reason why a college-student budget should keep you from living an exciting life. Plan the trip, stick to the plan and have fun.
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