10 cheap places for recent graduates to travel this summer

After pulling all-nighters to finish papers and cram for exams, affordable travel is a final test for a college graduate to face before embarking on their career. The mean college debt is $32,731, according to the Federal Reserve, which makes the idea of traveling seem out of reach for many recent graduates. But cheap travel is possible for a graduation getaway. You don’t have to spend a year planning the trip in advance. The best time to purchase a plane ticket is typically one to four months in advance. Online services for deal hunters include SkyScanner.com, which allows you to enter destinations, departing and returning dates, and fares for the cheapest month, said Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, founder of Making Sense of Cents.“Many people think that they need to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars in order to have a fun trip and that vacations are only for those with high incomes. Well, that’s simply not true,” said Schroeder-Gardner.In general, look at the costs of excursions and try to visit cities with plenty of free activities and robust public transportation systems, said Kristin Wong, author of the 2018 book, “Get Money.” And don’t forget to check the currency conversion, which could stretch your dollar depending on your destination.