Student-athletes have a lot of hoops to jump through before contacting travel management companies. Fundraising is key to securing funds for necessary sports equipment and travel accommodations for the big event. It’s not uncommon for the burden of these costs to detract from the fun of the experience. Luckily, however, there are several creative ways to lighten the financial burden of traveling expenses for student-athletes.

7 Creative Ways for Student-athletes to Fund Traveling Expenses

Mix and match these funding options to meet your fundraising target.

• T-Shirt/Swag Fundraiser
  Custom-designed team apparel is a great way to build school and community morale and give your fundraising budget a boost. Well-designed, limited-edition shirts and swag are sure to get scarfed up fast.
• Peer-to-Peer (Crowdfunding) Campaign
  Online peer-to-peer fundraising is big these days, advertised via social media and community forums. Using timed challenges and posting contributor rankings can boost momentum.
• Athletic Shoe Drive
  Collecting new and gently-worn cleats (or other sports-specific shoes) can be a great way to add to your fundraising piggy-bank and help youth in the community. If you don’t want to sell them yourself, contact an athletic shoe drive facilitator to learn more about goals and compensation.
• Auction
  Auctions can be casual or fancy, with a pot-luck or catering and auctions items donated from area individuals, sports teams, businesses, and restaurants.
• Community Dining Event
  Community pot-luck or farm-to-table dining events are another great way to earn traveling funds. Plan your venue and menu, selling tickets in advance.
• Food Truck Partnership
  Forming a partnership with a local food trunk vendor helps boost their customer-base and your fundraising efforts.
• Neighborhood Field day
  A field day at a local park is great for raising money and garnering community support.

Cost Savings Reduce Travel Expense Burdens

In addition to raising money, it’s essential to look at ways to save on traveling expenses. This can reduce your overall fundraising burden. Avoid booking airline tickets online, looking to trusted travel services professional for the best deals here, as well as lodging and transportation. You can also reduce travel costs during your trip by:

• Booking a room with kitchen and dining amenities. 
  Making your own meals and stocking your own beverages can save a pretty penny. For this reason, alternative lodgings (apartments, vacation rentals) may make more sense than multiple hotel rooms. If you must eat out, research affordable options in advance.
• Bring your own snacks and beverages to the sports event.
  Kids need food, and event menu markups are typically substantial.
• Shop at local stores and farmer’s markets.
  This will allow you to enjoy the local cuisine and fresh, healthy seasonal foods without paying the high prices of restaurants.
• Make yourself aware of transportation options.
  Taxi services add up quickly. Can you save with subway and bus fare, or would it be more convenient and affordable to rent a car?

Find more ways to save with the help of the to event travel management experts at GTI Travel today.