As students, we’re not typically in the most affluent of positions, and therefore the idea of having a summer holiday can seem all the more daunting when all you can focus on is how to make it as cheap as possible. However, as a student who has spent the last year on an Erasmus placement (and has done a fair bit of traveling), I am going to share my best tips for making your trip as cheap as possible, and the best places to go to get the best experience for your money.
1) Check various websites
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people find one website and stick to it religiously, and miss out on a whole host of offers as a consequence. If you’re looking to go abroad, remember you’re not just limited to flying, but you can also get to a whole host of destinations via train, like France or Amsterdam on the Eurostar (from as little as £30 one way). If you’re looking to stay in this country, trains can often be the more expensive way from getting from A to B, so have a look at bus companies like Megabus (Nottingham to London for £6 return), Flix bus, or National Express. Chances are you’ll save a lot of money!
2) Budget (and alternative) companies
As well as budget airlines like Ryanair and Iberia Express that can take you to Europe for under £50 return, bus companies like Megabus can also take you abroad to places like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels for competitive prices as well.
It’s also worth noting that it is not just travel companies that come with a student budget, but also businesses like Airbnb that can offer cheap accommodation as well. When you recommend a friend on Airbnb, you can get a £15 reduction off your next booking, making the already cheap prices even less. From renting an entire beachside apartment to staying in a single room, the opportunities on Airbnb are endless, as well as comparison sites like Kayak and booking.com which allow you to compare a whole host of different prices at the same time.
3) Search for student discounts
Did you know that there are 133 countries in the world that offer some form of student discount? Even if you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking if a website or company can reduce the cost by even a few pounds with the presence of a student card. Top tip – look into getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) that is guaranteed to be valid even in countries abroad and can open up a whole new world of travel discounts.
4) Plan Ahead
Again, this is probably obvious to a lot of people, but then again, I always hear of people leaving the booking until the very last minute, at which point the prices have skyrocketed! Don’t delay in booking, and that way you’ll be sure to get the very best trip for the least amount of money. Use price comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak to get notifications on when is best to book in relation to when prices rise and fall. This way, you’ll always be ahead of the holiday booking game.
Happy travelling!
Cheap locations
[Taking cheap airlines and accommodation into account, these places are the best to travel to in order to get the most out of your money:
Amsterdam – Whether you want to recreate some of the events from The Fault in Our Stars, or you want to visit the city for its student reputation and the canals, you’re sure to find a bargain here. With budget travel companies (coaches for around £20) and plenty of things to do, there’s nowhere more perfect for a student getaway.
Zante, Greece – Another popular student destination, but the cost is slightly more travel wise. However, what you pay for on the flights, you’ll make up for on the cost of having a good time. Along with serene views, beaches, and cheap drinks, you’re certain to have a good time.
Majorca – Both flights and accommodation tend to be extremely cheap here, as well as being a great location to relax away from the stresses of university. As well as beaches, there are also cathedrals and castles sure to please everyone.
Berlin – This city is widely known to be one of the most student-friendly cities in the world, with five public universities, and the student nightlife is guaranteed to make for a great getaway. But if culture is more your style, you can visit the many castles, galleries, and foods to make the most of the budget trip.
Barcelona – If you want a trip full of culture and art, then look no further than this city. The metropolitan area is covered in striking work and dedications to the city’s former artist and architect Antoni Gaudi, as well as enough Spanish sun and tapas to complete your break.
Faith Pring
Photo courtesy of Tourist Deck