How to Travel This Summer for Cheap

We are all eager for the chance to travel again and have some fun, especially when the weather starts getting warmer. After an extended period of struggling with the effects of the pandemic, how excited will you be when you can hit the shores again? Or go to a beautiful lakeside cabin with your besties and sorority sisters? Breathing fresh air and enjoying nature’s beauty.

But how can you travel on a budget? It is exciting to get away, and do something different. It is even more exciting when you’re able to save a few dollars.

Here are some tips for how you can travel this summer for cheap.

Set Aside Lots of Time to Peruse Travel Sites

Part of the fun of planning a summer trip is spending time looking for the best deals. Who would want to spend top dollar on a hotel and flight that turns out to not be so great after all? You can find some wonderful deals on hotels and airfare if you take some time to do research.

There are countless websites you can browse to find good deals that are more than happy to give you discounts so that they can fill those seats and rooms. Also, look for flights or bus seats that guarantee you space to socially distance.

So, grab a cup of tea or cocoa and dedicate an hour or two to look for the best deals possible. You can save a lot of money when you take the time to look at multiple travel sites instead of settling for the first one you find.

Also, ask the people you know if they have any tips on where you can find an affordable vacation package.

Buddy Up

When things get safer after the pandemic, most people get vaccinated, and you know that you have a responsible buddy that you can trust to be around, consider taking a trip together to save money. 

Link up with a sorority sister or fraternity brother who you are close with and share a hotel. Bring your Greek lettered mask, hand sanitizer, and make sure you’ll have your own area to relax. If you hang out, take it to the balcony so that you both can enjoy some fresh air. Always wear your masks and socially distance, even if you’re vaccinated and tested.

Also bring your disinfectant wipes or spray to wipe down high touch areas (door knobs, tables, dresser drawers, toilet handle, etc.) as soon as you arrive in your hotel room.

Bring Your Own Lunch

One of the most expensive things about traveling is spending money on restaurants and fast food. You can easily spend hundreds just on eating out. Go to the grocery store instead and pick up food that is easy to prepare or microwave in your hotel room. Here are some ideas for things you can grab for your trip at the local supermarket as soon as you land at your destination:

• Lunch meat, cheese, rolls, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments.
• Your favorite soups (easily heated in a microwaveable bowl).
• Fresh salads.
• Burritos (also easy to heat).
• Can’t say this enough: get paper bowls. Get plenty of bowls for heating up food, as well as an assortment of utensils.

Also, pick a hotel that has free breakfast in the morning and load up your plate for the day.

Pack Light

An easy way to save money on your upcoming summer trip is to pack a small bag as a personal item with the most important items you will need while you are traveling. Some airlines will charge you $50 or more just to have an extra bag. What is the point of saving money on a fare if you’ll have to spend more money on luggage? As long as it fits under the seat in front of you, it’s normally considered a free personal item.

Think about it. You will most likely only wear two or three outfits the entire time you’re away, so only pack for that. You can also buy things that you need when you are at your destination. So, pack light—just the basics.

For top quality Greek merchandise and clothing that you can wear on your summer trip this year, shop GreekGear.com.

Have you ever wondered about sorority lingo? The terms that are used throughout the rush and recruitment process that is. These are a few of the terms that you might want to know about — a little dictionary to Greek life.

PNM

PNM is short code for a potential new member. This person is also referred to as an interest, rush, or candidate. These are people who have a serious interest in joining the organization.

Spec

Not every sorority uses this term, but a spec is short for a special. It is someone who you take a special interest in when they are joining. A spec can be someone from the same chapter, the same sorority at a different chapter, or someone from a completely different organization. A spec may get mentored or just receive the occasional snack.

Chapter or House 

A chapter is a group of the people at a sorority house at a specific school. Sometimes it might be at a group of schools that are nearby each other. A house is pretty much the same thing.

Bid Day

One of the most exciting days for sorority members and potential new members is bid day. This is the day when bids or invitations are handed out. It’s the day when people are confirmed to become a new part of the chapter or house.

The Para Game

As you can imagine, sorority members can be a little mischievous at times. The para game is a way for members to have fun with each other. Paraphernalia, which is Greek Gear like jackets or even small trinkets that include sorority letters, is treasured. Members sometimes take each other’s para and then brag about it in jest. Eventually it is returned. 

But please only do this with someone who has a good sense of humor!

Legacy

A legacy is someone who gets into an organization because they know someone or are related to someone who is already been initiated into the organization. It is usually someone who is a close family member.

Bis Sis or Lil Sis

When someone becomes a serious candidate for membership, they are assigned a big sister. And you become their little sister. it is so that you are guided to understand how to be a good sorority sister.

Neo

Neo is a short term for a neophyte. It is someone who has just joined the organization and still doesn’t know all of the traditions. It is also someone who has a lot of opportunities, such as joining the chapter board in some capacity.

Initiation

initiation is the process of making you a fully official member of the sorority. It is a beautiful time when everyone welcomes you into the organization. It is a time for Greek gifts, sorority paraphernalia, and lots of hugs.

So that’s some sorority lingo. There are so many more terms you’ll learn over time while navigating the rush and recruitment process. This is a start.

Just know that the most important thing is for you to love and be good to your sorority sisters. Be there for your community and care for others. These are bonds that can stay strong and long for many years, decades.

Understand what others are going through and care for yourself as well.

For Greek merchandise, clothing, and home goods that you can be proud of and that will promote your organization for many years, shop at Greek Gear.