budget travel college students

4 ways I save money on travel as a college student: Award travel on a budget

They say cash is king — but that's only if you have cash to spend. For most college students, extra dollars are hard to come by, so to put it simply, my travel budget is quite small.

You could just call it budget travel to the extreme, but I prefer to call it the life of a college student. I rarely get the best redemptions but that doesn't mean I don't try (nor does it mean I stay at hostels ). Instead, it means that I avoid spending cash at all costs.

Here are some of my favorite tricks to keep your cash spending to the absolute minimum.

Avoid fuel surcharges

The arch nemesis of a college student, fuel surcharges are a relevant issue to all award travel enthusiasts.

They can often accompany award tickets, tacking on hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in addition to miles redeemed. I will avoid paying surcharges at all costs.

In many cases, this has led to paying more miles instead of surcharges. This happened recently while planning the flights home from a weekend trip to Santorini, Greece, in the spring.

On the dates I wanted to fly, there was very little availability from Athens to New York City, leaving me with two realistic options if I wanted to fly in business class. The first was with Air-France-KLM Flying Blue :

and the second was with Avianca LifeMiles :

While I would have loved to spend the morning in Athens, I just couldn't justify 6,500 miles for a $270 difference in price. It also meant that I had to take three flights instead of just two, but for three weeks' worth of groceries, I couldn't find a way to justify the cost.

Avoiding surcharges is tough for even the most seasoned award travelers — sometimes it's impossible. There is, however, a list of airlines that generally don't impose fuel charges on any awards, including flights on their own planes and those operated by partners.

Other frequent flyer programs pass on some surcharges for some airlines, while some waive the full charges for all flights. Here's a short list of my go-to frequent flyer programs to avoid hefty charges, and a few that you might want to avoid:

No fuel surcharges on award tickets

• Air Canada Aeroplan.
• Avianca LifeMiles.
• Free Spirit.
• JetBlue TrueBlue.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards.
• United MileagePlus.

Some fuel surcharges on award tickets

• Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
• Alaska Mileage Plan.
• American AAdvantage.
• ANA Mileage Club.
• British Airways Executive Club.
• Delta SkyMiles.
• Singapore KrisFlyer.
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

This is not a comprehensive list — just some of the frequent flyer programs I check first when booking a trip. Bookmark this list and refer to it when facing multiple award flight options.

Related: Fly business class to Europe with no fuel surcharges

Fly into a downtown airport

This one is probably less talked about than other budget travel hacks but can save you quite a bit of cash if you are willing to do some research. Some cities have smaller airports that are located closer to the city. This may require more miles, or even an extra layover, but can save you time and ground transportation costs.

When thinking of regional airports close to cities, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) comes to mind first. While you could take the Silver Line (or a $50-plus Uber) to Dulles International Airport (IAD), you might prefer to fly out of Reagan, paying $2.50 for a Metro ride that takes well less than an hour.

Washington is not the only city with an airport close to the metropolitan center. Here is a short list of cities with regional airports that may offer cheaper alternatives than bigger international airports:

Sometimes, saving time in traffic from large airports — especially in places like London and New York, where traffic can be abysmal — makes flying into a smaller airport worth the extra connection.

Related: 10 US airports with great public transportation options

Book through credit card travel portals

Every frequent flyer has gone through it at some point: No matter how much searching you do, there are simply no award flights available for the route you need to fly.

You might often run into this problem when booking last-minute trips or when booking positioning flights for longer trips. Thankfully, credit card travel portals let you book these flights with points, even if it's not the best deal.

For example, shelling out 30,000 points through Amex Travel for a positioning flight that costs $300 is painful. But again, that's three weeks of groceries that I am saving by dishing out those 30,000 points.

This is also a good way to save on hotels. When making plans for next year, I stumbled upon the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island. I knew right away that there was no way that I could afford a price tag near $1,000 per night.

However, I have a hefty amount of American Express Membership Rewards points at my disposal from business expenses; I realized I could book three nights for roughly 85,000 points per night.

Both of these redemptions give me half of TPG's valuation of Amex Membership Rewards at 2 cents apiece. But in the case of the Four Seasons, I get to enjoy three nights in luxury without spending my entire travel budget for the year.

While it is not even close to a good redemption, it's the sacrifice I make being a college student. I rarely get the best use out of my points, and that is perfectly fine by me.

Related: Battle of the credit card travel portals: What's the best for booking flights?

Make sure my hotel offers breakfast

There are several ways to save on breakfast at hotel chains. Some chains offer free breakfast through status and others offer all guests complimentary breakfast. If you're looking for a good resource, TPG has covered all the ways to get free breakfast at hotels .

As a top-tier Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite member, I receive complimentary breakfast at nearly every Marriott brand except Ritz-Carlton.

As a college swimmer, I can inhale a $30 airport breakfast and still be hungry. Doing some quick math, I have stayed 78 nights at Marriott properties this year. If I were to place a conservative estimate, $15 per meal x 78 nights = $1,170 in savings. That's about a third of my travel budget each year that I save just on complimentary breakfasts.

This often means I don't get the best redemption at a hotel. When traveling for my photography business, I often choose a less "flashy" option that includes breakfast to save on out-of-pocket expenses, even if I get hotel reimbursement.

Related: How to get some of the world's most expensive hotel buffet breakfasts for free

Bottom line

Being a college student means I will rarely get the best redemptions when booking award travel, and that is perfectly OK by me. That doesn't mean I don't do my best to maximize points, it just means I do everything I can to avoid spending money.

Even if you're not a budget traveler, there are still many ways you can reduce your out-of-pocket cash expenses when redeeming your miles. Whether it's flying out of an alternate airport or eating free breakfast, cutting these little expenses can lead to big savings over time.

• Campus Life

Are you tight on cash but itching to have your own version of a fancy European ski trip or tropical adventure after seeing your classmates’ vacations on Instagram? 

You’re in luck! There are plenty of cheap travel destinations perfect for college students looking for a fun and reasonably-priced vacation. 🌍 

Catch some waves on spring break or spend a weekend exploring another city as you visit 28 of the best travel spots for college students on a budget . 💸

1. New Orleans, Louisiana 🎭 

2. daytona beach, florida 🏄, 3. andalucia, spain 👑, 4. myrtle beach, south carolina ⛵, 5. porto, portugal 🌉, 6. savannah, georgia 🍸, 7. denver, colorado 🍺, 8. belgrade, serbia 🚍 , 9. new york, new york 🗽, 10. philadelphia, pennsylvania 🌭, 11. placencia, belize 🐆, 12. zagreb, croatia 🎨, 13. portland, oregon 🌹, 14. cancun, mexico 💃, 15. phoenix, arizona 🏜️, 16. boston, massachusetts ⚾, 17. raleigh, north carolina 🌳 , 18. albuquerque, new mexico 🌮, 19. austin, texas 🎸, 20. san juan, puerto rico 🤿, 21. kraków, poland 🥨, 22. prague, czech republic 🧑‍🎨, 23. punta cana, dominican republic 🏞️, 24. budapest, hungary 🏰, 25. panama city, panama 🛳️, 26. athens, greece 🏛️, 27. bucharest, romania 👢, 28. negril, jamaica 🏖️, 1. plan a budget-friendly itinerary, 2. book cheaper local accommodations, 3. maximize your student discounts, 4. learn how the public transportation system works , 5. arrange your visit during the off-season , 6. book flights with the best value, cheap travel destinations for college students: frequently asked questions.

Experience a vibrant culture sans the jet lag by visiting New Orleans — the home of Mardi Gras, fried chicken and gumbo, and jazz. 

It’s a one-of-a-kind destination that pairs a bustling nightlife with strong booze, good music, and a little touch of creepy with voodoo. It’s no surprise why this city’s a popular destination for college students. 🎆

Munch on New Orleans’ signature beignets for less than $5 and jam to live music at the French Quarter where you’ll find a series of nightclubs, historical buildings, and soul food diners. 😋

There’s no need to bust your budget on pricey hotels when you can stay in cheaper accommodations in the Central Business District or the Marigny neighborhood (which are still close to the best attractions). 🏨

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, music lovers, and history buffs 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $85

When looking for a wallet-friendly trip, hearing the words “free attraction” will instantly make you giddy. 😀 Daytona Beach has plenty of these around, making it one of the cheapest travel destinations for college students. 

You don’t need to spend a dime at the “ World’s Most Famous Beach ” or the North Peninsula State Recreation Area to swim in the ocean, play beach volleyball, or just soak up the sun (don’t forget your sunblock!). ☀️

Cap off your day at the beach by watching the sunset with a glass or three of happy hour drinks (we’re talking one-dollar whiskeys and two-dollar tequilas😉) from the bars lining the beachfront.

👍 Best for: Beach bums, party animals, spring breakers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $76

While Andalucia isn’t the fairytale kingdom from the hit film Enchanted, it’s still a magical place to visit (and one of the most affordable regions in Spain!). ✨

The Andalucian capital of Seville makes you feel like a royal with its architectural wonders, like the Plaza de España and the 15th-century Palace of the Marquises of La Algaba (and they’re all free). 🫅

Seville is tourist-friendly since you can explore the city by foot or by bike , especially the hip district of Macarena (an area littered with vintage shops and student-priced tapas bars) near the Santa Cruz historic quarter. 🚶

Note: American citizens traveling for up to 90 days don’t need a tourist visa to Spain (and selected European countries) because it’s a signatory to the Schengen Agreement . 

Without needing to spend for a visa, keep an eye out for discounted flight fares during low peak seasons to get the best bang for your buck on this overseas trip. ✈️

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, history buffs, artsy students  💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $43

Worn out after a college hell week? Escape to the popular Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, which is a paradise that fits every tourist’s budget. 🍹

Plan a picnic spread by the seaside with grub from affordable supermarkets like Aldi and the Walmart Neighborhood Market instead of giving tourist trap restaurants the time of day.

Looking for free entertainment? The Barefoot Landing has live music on selected days, and the Great American Summer Nights event offers live shows and fireworks at Broadway at the Beach. 🎆

👍 Best for: Beach bums, novelty seekers, spring breakers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $61

Compared to tourist hotspots like Barcelona or Paris, you can find cheaper round-trip flights in Porto that leave you with leftover pocket money. 😊

Hit up the affordable riverside neighborhood of Ribeira (which is also a UNESCO heritage site) located in this city’s old town, munching on fresh sardinhas assadas or grilled sardines served by cheap bars and watching the sunset while sipping this city’s world-famous port wine. 🍷

After a day’s activities at the Ribeira, head over to the enchanting library called the Livraria Lello and purchase a book as a souvenir (or pay the $5.50 admission fee instead).

Tired from touring around? Check-in at affordable hostels and guesthouses for around $35 a night. 😴

TIP: Get a Porto Card from the airport or tourist offices for discounts or free entrance to Porto’s attractions and commercial stores. If you plan to travel as the locals do, add a travel card for unlimited access to public transportation. 

Don’t forget to snap a photo of yourself with the famous blue-and-white tiled chapel called Capela das Almas in the Rua de Santa Catarina (and maybe sneak in some shopping) to complete your trip.

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, artsy students, foodies 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $47

Is relaxing in a laidback city with Southern hospitality your perfect getaway? Sounds like you can use some time in Savannah, Georgia. ✈️

Book dormitory-styled rooms at the local inns for around $25 to $30 a night with your friends, then slurp down happy hour oysters at Common for less than a dollar each or sip on three-dollar rosé glasses with a view at the Top Deck . 👯

Carrying alcoholic drinks around is possible in the Historic District because of its open-container policy . Cheers to drinking responsibly, right? 🍻

After filling your tummies, freely stroll through scenic spaces made famous by movies . You can step into the Forrest Gump bench scene at Chippewa Square or visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at Lafayette Square, found in the 2019 version of Lady & The Tramp. 🎬

👍 Best for: History buffs, party animals, novelty seekers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $53

Soothe your study-induced stress by hiking and drinking (but not at the same time, okay? 😅) in Denver without busting your student budget. 

Nature lovers can take the scenic route along the 40-mile paved Cherry Creek Trail or stroll along Denver’s Botanic Gardens during Free Days , like Earth Day on April 22.

Parched from your outdoor activities? Quench your thirst with the local craft ales on the Denver Beer Trail, with around 100 taprooms to choose from . 🍺 

This city has plenty on offer for art lovers, too! Catch some of the limited free admission tickets at the Denver Art Museum or stop by the RiNo , the hub for creatives and a go-to place for a hip nightlife scene. 🎨

👍 Best for: Outdoorsy types, novelty seekers, artsy students 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $71

We’re out here proving that Europe shouldn’t be feared by tight-pocketed students. From historic palaces to modern entertainment hubs, Belgrade is one of the most accessible and affordable go-to travel spots . 👍

You may have to spend around $870 for roundtrip airfare, but your stay in the city is easier on the wallet with $4 authentic Serbian fast food, less-than-a-dollar bus fares, and $20-a-night accommodations . 

Are you a sucker for street art, concept stores, and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops? Take your pick of attractions while wandering around the trendy neighborhoods of Dorćol and Vračar , which are around 30 minutes away from each other by bus. 🚌

TIP : To save on transportation, pay for bus, tram, and trolley rides using an electronic card purchased from city kiosks or stores with a “Bus Plus” sticker. 

Despite the modern culture taking over, you can still see traces of the age-old city in places like the Belgrade Fortress (which was built in 279 BC), the old citadel, and Kalemegdan Park — all with free access 24/7 .

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, history buffs, artsy students  💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $14

The bustling Big Apple may be known as a city with high price tags, but it’s also got diverse attractions for every budget if you know where to look. 👀

Trade your hours spent studying indoors for a good ol’ stroll around Central Park or join free walking tours to Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown , giving you a glimpse of NYC’s melting pot of cultures. 

Note: While these tours are advertised as “free,” it’s customary to tip the guide. 😄

Art and architecture buffs will have a field day inside the Guggenheim Museum (which has Pay-What-You-Wish Saturdays) and the Museum of Modern Art (free admission for students of selected schools ). 🖼️

Lastly, don’t forget to drop by Times Square for cheap pizza slices and street performances . 

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, artsy students, foodies 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $87

A vacation in Philadelphia — the historic heart of the American Revolution — can feel like a front-row seat to our nation’s history.

Head toward the Liberty Bell at the Independence National Historical Park and the Independence Hall where the 1776 Declaration of Independence was signed. 📃 Admission is free but may require a dollar fee for ticket reservations. 

Walk around 17th to 18th-century American buildings and colonial alleys (all for free) at Elfreth’s Alley , a national historic landmark. 

Make sure to stop by for some famous Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks or grab student-budget-friendly meals from the food trucks in the hundred-year-old Reading Terminal Market . 🌭

👍 Best for: History buffs, foodies, novelty seekers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $65

College stress will be miles away as soon as you’re nestled within this beautiful coastal village in Belize. 🌅

Who has time to worry about grades when snorkeling in clear waters and walking barefoot along the sands is freely accessible in Maya Beach or Seine Bight ? 🏖️

A two-for-one attraction can be found in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary , where you can hike and spot jaguars for around $5.

Let your hair down and fill your stomach with affordable authentic food from local eateries like Carmen’s and taprooms like Barefoot Bar (which has a Traveller’s Tuesday Happy Hour!). 🥳

👍 Best for: Beach bums, outdoorsy types, spring breakers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $32

The Croatian capital of Zagreb is bursting with old-world and avant-garde attractions, making this a fun but cheap travel destination for college students on a shoestring budget. However, keep in mind that a visa application will be an added expense . 

Marvel at 17th-century buildings in the oldest part of Zagreb: Gornji Grad (Upper Town). Then, grab an affordable sandwich with pršut at Pingvin while strolling along the busy Donji Grad (Lower Town). 🥪

On the lookout for something out-of-the-ordinary? Visit the quirkily-themed Museum of Broken Relationships displaying discarded items from ended relationships. 💔 It’s open every day, and you can enter for around $6 using your student ID. 

In the summer, the culturally curious can soak up street festivals involving artists and performers scattered around the city. Otherwise, a stroll down the art-splattered alleys of Branimirova Ulica will do just fine. 🚶

👍 Best for: History buffs, artsy students, novelty seekers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $28  

Beautiful scenery? Check. Bike-friendly? Check. Iconic food carts? Check. Stressed college students can come for a breather in Portland. 🍃

So, what can you expect in the “ City of Roses ?” You can stop and (literally) smell the roses for free at the International Rose Test Garden , then bask in nature at the Hoyt Arboretum . 🌹

Next, stuff yourself silly at the numerous food carts around the city, where even vegan meals come at student-friendly prices. Drop by The Saturday Market in Chinatown for some artisanal crafts shopping and take Instagram-worth snaps at the Alberta Arts District . 📸

👍 Best for: Outdoorsy types, foodies, novelty seekers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $57

Get ready for a sand -sational vacation in Cancun, Mexico! After being buried in schoolwork, you might just find the relaxing break you need in this tropical fun zone. 

Sunbathe at the free-to-access public beach Playa Delfines during the day and party all night in the Hotel Zone’s (Zona Hotelera) nightclubs, such as La Vaquita .🪩

Note: While American citizens don’t need a visa to fly to Mexico for leisure purposes, they may need a valid Mexico Tourist Card called Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Check out the instructions from the US Government and Mexico for updates.

Grab souvenirs to remember your trip from the Mercado 28 flea market, where you’ll find locally-made handicrafts, like a Mexican or Mayan-style hammock, for just a few pesos. 

Save on your accommodations by choosing to stay in budget hostels at El Centro (downtown Cancun), which have the added benefit of being close to the beaches and attractions. 🏨 

👍 Best for: Spring breakers, beach bums, party animals 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $40

This desert city is more than just the gateway to the Grand Canyon; in Phoenix, Arizona, you’ll find everything from A to Z. 😉

Time to get acquainted with stunning desert flora at the Desert Botanical Garden for free every second Tuesday of the month . As it is one of Phoenix’s top tourist spots, make sure to reserve your tickets in advance. 

Hiking on Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak to enjoy the views is also a great way to spend your day. ⛰️

If the heat becomes unbearable, cool down at the Phoenix Art Museum and be inspired by haute couture exhibitions, Latin American art, or Old Master paintings. You can pay whatever you like on Wednesdays. Otherwise, bring your student ID for sweet discounts . 💸

TIP: Plan your trip to Arizona on the first Friday of the month because this is when the streets of Roosevelt Row and Historic Grand Avenue districts come alive with art, food, and music. 

👍 Best for: Outdoorsy types, artsy students , novelty seekers  💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $68

Buried in schoolwork and daydreaming about the day you can take a break? Boston might be the place to go, and you don’t need to be an avid Red Sox fan to know that this budget vacation is a home run!

Multiple Boston attractions in the Freedom Trail can help you unearth the city’s and America’s histories without spending a fortune through a free walking tour . 🚶

Along the way, look for the red-bricked buildings and cobblestoned road of Acorn Street to provide the best backgrounds for Instagram. 🧱 Then, you can visit the Institute of Contemporary Art for free every Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm. 😄

Hungry after all that touring? Find locally sourced food (and specialty souvenirs) at the Boston Public Market . 

👍 Best for: History buffs, artsy students, foodies 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $80

Dubbed the “Smithsonian of the South,” Raleigh in North Carolina is abundant not only in museums but also in pleasant city amenities and attractions.

You can wander for free at North Carolina’s Museum of Art , Museum of History , and the Museum of Natural Sciences . 🦕 Prefer something outdoors? Wander into the floral wonderland of the JC Raulston Arboretum at absolutely no cost. 

The City of Oaks is also great for walking or biking around. 🚴 If you’re looking to get off the beaten track, hike or bike at the Capital Area Greenway Trail System . 

After all that sightseeing, grab a bite at the Morgan Street Food Hall and other local haunts like Sup Dogs that offer delicious food at student-budget-friendly prices. 😋

👍 Best for: Museum-goers, art lovers, foodies 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $66

Did watching Breaking Bad change your life? It’s about time that Albuquerque should be at the top of your list of places to visit. It’s also one of the cheapest travel destinations for college students!

More than just the filming locations for the iconic TV show, this New Mexican city is rich with cultural gems. Visit the Old Town to munch on enchiladas, buy locally-made trinkets, or watch the latest free events at the plaza , like flamenco and salsa dances. 💃

Check out the Albuquerque Museum (which is free on Sundays and the first Wednesday of the month) to learn about how this multicultural city was influenced by Native Americans and Latinos, among many other cultural groups. 🖼️

👍 Best for: History buffs, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $46

As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin hits all the right notes to become one of the top cheap travel destinations for college students. 🎵

Pub crawlers and music fans alike will love walking down Sixth Street (Austin’s entertainment district) that’s bursting with live entertainment venues boasting cheap drinks. 🎶

In the morning, get some fresh air at Austin’s famous Zilker Park and head over to Lady Bird Lake to enjoy an afternoon of kayaking or canoeing (equipment rentals are priced from $15 to $25 per hour).  

All this exploring will definitely make you hungry, so stop by for some affordable chow at The Picnic , a food truck trailer park . 🚚

👍 Best for: Music lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $55

San Juan might just make American college students feel like they’re on a European vacation with its Spanish architecture, but there’s no passport required as Puerto Rico is considered a US territory. 🌎 Travel back in time at El Morro , a fortress completed in the 1700s used to protect this city. You need to pay a small admission fee of $10 per head, but certain holidays let you in for free.

Instagram-worthy photos are within reach in the Old San Juan historic district with its cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses. 📸 You can also find cocktails for around $10 at La Factoria , a hidden gem of a bar located in the same district. 

And, what’s a trip to tropical San Juan without hitting its free-to-enter seasides? Sunbathe on the Condado beach and go snorkeling at Escambron. 🤿

👍 Best for: Spring breakers, history buffs, party animals  💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $70

You don’t need to shell out big bucks to take in the beautiful architecture and UNESCO world heritage sites when you have a crack at visiting Kraków, Poland.

First order of business: saunter into the Old Town and the Rynek Główny (Main Square) , where you can enter Cloth Hall to buy handicraft souvenirs or visit the 13th-century St. Mary’s Basilica. ⛪

The bustling nightlife doesn’t disappoint since any of the pubs in Kazimierz (a former Jewish quarter transformed into a trendy neighborhood) offer cheap beers and Polish vodka. Then, doze off after a night out in decent accommodations for around $25 . 😴

Find yourself full for less than $10 with authentic Polish street food like obwarzanek (a cross between a bagel and a pretzel) or a zapiekanka (an open-faced sandwich made using a baguette). 🤑

👍 Best for: History buffs, novelty seekers, party animals 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $19

From beautiful buildings to hearty meals, Prague is a city that you will definitely love to czech out. 😉

Getting to walk around Prague’s Old Town and across the iconic Charles Bridge while munching on a trdelnik (chimney cake) sold on the streets is possible on a roundtrip flight worth around $850. 💸 Consider checking out cheaper airfares to score better deals . 

Keep your eyes peeled up, down, and around for quirky street art installations like David Černý’s The Hanging Man near Bethlehem Chapel and the Piss installation fronting the Franz Kafka museum . 

If you’re starting to feel peckish after a day of exploring, visit any jídelna serving classic canteen-style Czech meals and feel full for around (or less than) the price of a burger-and-fries meal back home. 😋

Prague is also known for its party scene, and you can go bar-hopping at Wenceslas Square , one of this city’s main cultural and business centers.  

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, artsy students, party animals 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $38  

After a grueling semester, kick back and relax on the pristine beaches of Punta Cana without inflated expenses for a Caribbean getaway.

You won’t need to spend a dime to take a dip in the calm waters of the famous Bávaro Beach or Macao Beach or simply relax by the shore and admire the view. 😎

Adventurers on a budget can take advantage of affordable hiking trails to view spots usually hidden from tourists , like the Loma Linda mountain. ⛰️ The trail begins at Rancho Terranova where you pay around $5 to trek the private property toward the mountain or nearby waterfalls. 

Unwind with a happy hour Cuba libre (rum and coke) in a beachside pub and join dancers swaying to the beat of merengue music for a vacation to remember. 🕺

👍 Best for: Beach bums, spring breakers, outdoorsy types 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $43

With piles of schoolwork upon more schoolwork, you must be Hungary for an adventure. And guess what? You’ll find just what you need in the budget-friendly city of Budapest, with roundtrip flight prices going as low as $477. 😲

Get a breathtaking overview of the city from the terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion to begin your trip. 🏰

Just a 15-minute walk away lies Buda Castle , the former royal palace which was transformed into the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. Best of all, you can roam around these two popular attractions for free ! 🤩

Quench your thirst while meeting the locals at the city’s famed Ruin Bars (an old Jewish quarter with abandoned buildings), where you can find cheaply-priced booze.

Resting up for another day of adventure in Budapest on a budget is also possible, thanks to low-cost hostels going for $10 to $25 a night. 😴 

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, party animals, history buffs  💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $28

Tropic like it’s hot in Panama City, but don’t confuse this destination with Panama City Beach in Florida because this one’s in Central America. 🕶️

It’s recommended that tourists warm up by exploring Casco Antiguo , a former Spanish colonial plaza with everything from bars to museums . 🏛️

Parque Omar is another free-to-enter attraction that’s worth the trip. The large green park offers a wide range of activities, like having a picnic, swimming in the clean public pool, or joining a dance class. 💃

Wondering how you can explore the rest of the city without busting your wallet? The answer: ride the Metrobus for a trip that costs less than a dollar.

TIP: Remember to buy a Metrocard from the Albrook bus station or a supermarket to use before riding the MetroBus because they don’t accept cash. 

👍 Best for: Novelty seekers, outdoorsy types, history buffs 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $26

Whether you grew up obsessed with Disney’s Hercules or the live-action film 300 , visiting Athens can have you greek – ing out. 🤓

Planning your trip during academic breaks opens a lot of doors, like a free close-up of ancient Greek artifacts at the Acropolis or museums showcasing Greek folk music instruments available on selected days from March to May.  

After traveling back in time, you can explore modern-day Greece via the Psiri street art, discover hidden city gems guided by locals on a free walking tour , or wander along the narrow streets of Plaka and score some souvenirs. 🖼️

👍 Best for: History buffs, novelty seekers, outdoorsy types 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $46

Sometimes, college can be overwhelming and you just want to get away from it all. While everyone’s escaping to the Caribbean, why don’t you take time off in Bucharest? 😀

Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready when you pass by historical landmarks like the Palace of Parliament (one of the largest administrative buildings in the world) and the postcard-worthy Calea Victoriei area in the city center during sunset. 🌇

Cheaply priced admission fees and student discounts can be expected when you visit the National History Museum and the Suţu Palace to learn more about Romania’s significant events. 

All that walking is bound to make you hungry, so grab a bite of cheap street eats like covrigi (pretzels) . Then, explore some more when you walk around the streets of Lipscani, the city’s charming Old Town filled with cafes, pubs, street performers, galleries, and boutiques.🚶

👍 Best for: History buffs, novelty seekers, party animals 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $45

Yearning for a Caribbean getaway? This tropical Jamaican paradise deserves a place on your travel wishlist!

Soak up some sun along Seven Mile Beach, a paradise of white sand and emerald sea . 🤩 The best part? It’s free to the public, with guards patrolling to ensure visitor safety and enough space for everyone. 

Thrillseekers can find just what they’re looking for at cliff-jumping hotspots like Rick’s Cafe , which also has a good view of the sunset. 

Of course, what’s a trip to Jamaica without enjoying some reggae music? Jam at the Jungle Night Club or sit back and relax to classical reggae during live music nights at The Roots Café . 🎶

👍 Best for: Spring breakers, beach bums, music lovers 💰 Average daily spend for a budget-conscious traveler: $45

6 Tips for Affordable Traveling for College Students

Cheap flights are a good reason to plan a college trip, but having a blast while staying within your budget is what makes it memorable. These six tips are bound to give you the #BestVacationEver. 

Research your itinerary to know your estimated expenses at least six months before your trip so you’ll know how much to spend on your flight, food, accommodation, travel insurance, and tours. 💸

Start by checking and making your student budget and figuring out how long it will take to save up for your trip. If your current savings need a boost, consider doing side hustles . 

Note: Don’t forget to set aside some cash for emergencies , like flight cancellations or losing your passport. 😲

READ MORE: 15 Best Summer Jobs for College Students (With Killer Perks!)

Popular hotels tend to be near the action, but they also come with a hefty price tag. The good thing is that there are tons of cheaper options available. 🏨

You can stay in hostels which can be great for groups traveling on a shoestring budget, or meet some residents by checking into homey inns run by locals or via Couchsurfing .

If you want a place all to yourself, find an Airbnb or stay with a friend who lives in the area . 😄

This requires one thing you must always have with you: your student ID . Use this to score free or discounted museum admissions, flights , and public transportation fares. 🪪

READ MORE: Sweet Discounts for College Students You Might Not Know About

Hailing taxis or booking Ubers in a foreign city can be intimidating and expensive. You have two options to get from point A to B as cheaply as possible: take advantage of public transportation or find a walkable or bike-friendly city . 🚶

If you go with the first option, you can check out tourist guides online or YouTube videos about the city’s public transportation, fares, and routes. 

Expect cities or beaches to be crowded and overpriced during peak season. It’s important to anticipate which months are too popular so that you can find a better alternative because no one wants to swim at the beaches of Puerto Rico if you’re packed like sardines. 

Since this can differ among locations, research will be your wallet’s best friend here. ✅

Consider the Goldilocks window — or the period when the best rates are found — to secure the cheapest airfares. 

Here’s how it’s done: book one to three months ahead for domestic flights and two to eight months ahead for international flights . ✈️

Do this by checking for available dates on budget airlines then make the deal sweeter by setting alerts on days when ticket prices are at their lowest (typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) .  

Use flight comparison sites like Kayak or Expedia as references to book directly on the airline which has the lowest price or the better deal. 🤑

Even if college students don’t always have the luxury of time and money, who’s to say it’s impossible to travel? 

With this list of 28 cheap travel destinations for college students, you’re ready to discover new places without breaking the bank. Bon voyage! ⛵

Where is the cheapest place to travel out of the US?

Cheap travel destinations that US college students can consider are Mexico, Central American countries like Panama, Puerto Rico, Belize, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, or Eastern European countries like Serbia, Croatia, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania because the US dollar can go a long way when converted to their local currency.

How can a college student travel on a budget?

1. Plan a budget-friendly itinerary 2. Book cheaper local accommodations 3. Maximize your student discounts 4. Learn how the public transportation system works  5. Arrange your visit during the off-season 6. Book flights with the best value

What factors should you consider to keep travel costs to a minimum?

If you don’t want to stretch your college student travel budget, traveling to places that are geographically near, are walkable or bike-friendly, and have an excellent public transportation system is the way to go.

How much does the average college student spend on travel?

The average daily travel expense for college students going on domestic trips is $144, while traveling internationally averages $271 per day. However, this can vary based on many factors, like your accommodation type, the time of year, and chosen activities. 

What is the best place to visit during spring break?

The best places to visit during spring break are:

1. Daytona Beach, Florida 2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 3. Placencia, Belize 4. Cancun, Mexico 5. San Juan, Puerto Rico 6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 7. Negril, Jamaica

What are cheap travel destinations in Europe?

These are the cheap European travel destinations for college students on a budget:

1. Andalucia, Spain  2. Porto, Portugal 3. Belgrade, Serbia 4. Zagreb, Croatia 5. Krakow, Poland 6. Prague, Czech Republic 7. Budapest, Hungary 8. Athens, Greece 9. Bucharest, Romania

Other Readers Loved:

The College Post is part of Globe Post Media, a US digital news organization publishing the world’s best targeted news sites.

Latest Posts

Explore the top 10 most expensive colleges in the us, 11 things that won’t be the same after college graduation, 10 foolproof tips to pass the bar exam, most popular, 31 states with free community college to save you money, 73 top side hustles for college students to make fast cash in 2024, these are the cheapest colleges in the us, fast access, want to stay up to date.

Get the latest news about higher education in the US straight to your inbox.

© Globe Post Media | All rights reserved

• New Zealand

45 Best Places to Travel for College Students

Due to the global pandemic, travel looks different right now depending on where you're going from/to. Please check for travel restrictions and adhere to all local guidelines before planning a trip to any destination you may read about on this site.  Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something by clicking the links, I will get a small compensation, at no extra cost to you.

Sharing is caring!

Welcome to college! Freedom! Time to discover the highs and lows of being on your own for the first time — that means figuring out  how to save money , navigate your  college campus , study with less structure, and cook your own meals. College is also one of the best times to explore the world internationally and  locally  since you can make your own decisions ( ooh ahh ). So whether you’re  studying abroad  or exploring via these 9 other  ways to travel in college , these are the best places to travel for college students in the USA and internationally!

And let me tell you, I’ve traveled throughout my undergraduate and graduate college careers and these really are the best places for college students to travel. They have a great mix of adventure and relaxation because we both know how tolling finals are and best of all they are all cheap destinations for student sized budgets!

Student Travel Destinations in the USA

1. Portland, Oregon

Recommended by me! Alanna from Periodic Adventures (this site)

If you dream of a cozy, rainy getaway where you can curl up with a book that you’ve been putting off reading, while drinking some amazing local coffee, Portland, Oregon is for you! While it’s not necessarily the cheapest at first glance, it can definitely be visited on a budget as there are lots of free or cheap things to do in Portland .

Don’t miss  Powell’s Bookstore , where the main location (1005 W Burnside St) has over one million books, and coffee cafes galore!

Multnomah Falls  is an epic waterfall that cascades down beautifully. There are numerous hiking trails nearby as well.

OMSI is the  Oregon Museum of Science and Industry  and should definitely be on your list of to-do’s in Portland. This  science site  has many interactive exhibits for all ages that cover topics like chemistry, physics, astronomy, natural history, biology, paleontology, and more! Tickets only cost $12 for adults.

Lastly, don’t miss the  incredible food in Portland,  an experience that’s on our  West Boast bucket list ! Try the famous Voodoo Donuts (or for a local preferred donut shop try Blue Star Donuts). Coffee shops are also popular. Try Never Coffee, Coava Coffee Roasters, or Good Coffee.

You can expect to spend $80 a day in Portland, but can easily cut down on costs by sharing  accommodation ,  cooking your own meals, and taking public transportation serviced by TriMet.

Related read >> Top gardens in Portland (including the Japanese Garden pictured above)

2. Los Angeles, California

I truly believe Los Angeles is one of the best cities in the USA to visit, whether you’re in college or not (I might be biased since I’m from Los Angeles… but still ). I highly recommend putting LA on your radar as there is a lot to do, see, and eat. Plus  Los Angeles can be very affordable , believe it or not.

For a  one day visit to Los Angeles , I recommend visiting highlights of Downtown including  Grand Central Market  where you can pick and choose from a bunch of vendors for the ultimate meal. Within walking distance you can also easily visit  Olvera Street , an original Mexican cobblestone street from 1930 with food, vendors, and historic exhibits, and  Chinatown , another culturally historic area with authentic food, shopping, and beautiful architecture. And nearby is also  Angel’s Flight  railway, the iconic  Bradbury building , and the  Last Bookstore  where you can take some  epic Instagram photos !

If you can visit Los Angeles for a long weekend or even spring break, this  5 day Los Angeles itinerary  covers everything!

You can expect to spend $60 a day, if you stay in budget  accommodation  and cook some of your meals.

Related read >> Once in a lifetime things to do in LA

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

America’s sin city is one of the best party spots for college students, even if you’re under 21! There is so much to do in Vegas that you’ll easily be entertained even without access to bars or clubs.

First, lounge at the pools for a little R&R. Every hotel has a pretty incredible pool so you can’t go wrong. Try the  Virgin Hotels  just where they have 3 pools, a spa, and a beach club!

Don’t miss the spectacular shows in Las Vegas. There are a number of  cirque du soleil shows , like Ka at the MGM Grand, O at the Bellagio, and even the Beatles LOVE show at the Mirage. Alternatively, check out the many  magic shows . My favorite is Mac King, which is a comedy magic show at the Harrah’s. Tickets might seem expensive, but there are  ways to save in Vegas  that can reduce the cost significantly!

In addition to shows, Las Vegas hosts lots of  concerts, exhibitions, and events  throughout the year that are over the top in the best way.

Not to mention the food and restaurants in Las Vegas are some of the best in the country with over the top delights, hidden speakeasies, and simple classics.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to venture outside of the Strip for other fun activities like visiting  Red Rock Canyon  and the  Seven Magic Mountains  art exhibit.

Budget $60-70 per day, assuming you stay at a hotel on the Strip and assuming you share lodging with friends.

Recommended by me! Alanna from Periodic Adventures

International destinations are so appealing as a college student (and just in general), but there are incredible natural wonders at home in the USA.  Arizona  is full of them and makes for a great travel destination for some epic weekend getaways that will easily fit into your student schedule.

First, visit  Page in Northern Arizona  to see  Horseshoe Bend , a natural curve in the Colorado River that lies deep in a canyon, which is an extension of the Grand Canyon. If you are looking to see the Grand Canyon, but don’t want to pay the National Park entry fee of $30, Horseshoe Bend is a good free alternative!

Also in Page is  Antelope Canyon , a slot canyon with beautiful sweeping curved red rocks. Antelope Canyon lies on the Navajo Reservation so tours are required and generally cost $70 per person. While not the cheapest thing to do in Arizona, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you can do it, then do it!

Moving South,  Flagstaff, Arizona  is a college town with snowy mountains in the winter, stunning  fall foliage in autumn , and lovely parks in the summer. Hike Humphrey’s Peak, visit Buffalo Park for stargazing , or learn about the discovery of Pluto (which happened from Flagstaff) at Lowell Observatory.

Next,  Sedona  has lots of incredible hiking and spas, which make it a great destination for adventurers who also need a little relaxation. Visit Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Slide Rock State Park.

Last but not least,  Montezuma’s Castle and Well  isn’t entirely a natural wonder since they feature Native American crafted cliff dwellings. But they are a sight to see!

Arizona is very affordable, so spending only $50 a day is doable, especially if you opt for camping instead of staying in a fancy resort.

5. South Padre Island, Texas

Recommended by Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips

Located 2 miles off the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island welcomes thousands of college students every year. With pristine beaches, fun resorts, and exciting attractions, South Padre Island is known as one of the most  affordable spring break spots in Texas .

South Padre Island is home to over 30 miles of sandy beaches along the warm, blue waters on the Gulf of Mexico. Hop in your favorite swimsuit and grab a towel to relax along the sandy beaches after a long and tough semester. Another great spot to relax is along the  Laguna Madre Nature Trail . This boardwalk path, located on the bayside of the island, is a great place to spot the local wildlife on a peaceful stroll.

If you prefer to get on the water, rent a paddleboard to explore  South Padre’s canals  and  Laguna Madre . Others may enjoy a  scenic horseback ride  along the beach—a great morning activity to start your day.

At night, head to one of the area’s popular bars like Louie’s Backyard and Wanna Wanna Beach Bar to let loose and have fun. You will find countless college students at these bars just looking to party and have a good time.

The average cost of a trip to South Padre Island for a solo traveler is around $120 per day. However, if you are traveling with your friends or family, this cost will significantly decrease with shared  accommodations  and group rates.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Recommended by Jori from  The Tejana Abroad

New Orleans is a great destination for anyone, but especially college students. The city is young and lively, with endless events and great nightlife.

NOLA is filled with history, which you can see by simply walking around the French Quarter. There are many museums, such as the  WWII Museum ,  Jazz Museum , or  Museum of Art , and if you have a car or take a tour, you can also visit some old  Southern Plantation Homes .

New Orleans is known for its  Mardi Gras festival  in the spring, where the streets are filled with people in masks and constant parades.  Halloween  is also an adventure in the city, as the gothic architecture provides a great backdrop for spooky activities. And of course, don’t skip the unforgettable experience of bar hopping on  Bourbon Street .

Since New Orleans is home to a few universities, the town has a very friendly, young and outgoing population. The city also has one of the best hostels in the US: Auberge NOLA Hostel , which organizes all kinds of events and bar crawls for younger people. New Orleans is great for students because there’s so  much to do , it’s easy to get around, and the nightlife is amazing.

New Orleans  accommodatio n  costs around $150 for a hotel room or $20 for a  bed in a hostel . Food prices average at $15 per meal, and transportation costs are minimal if you stay in the downtown area (French Quarter).

7. Panama City Beach, Florida

Recommended by Dan from Layer Culture

If you’re a college student in the US and looking for the best places to visit then Panama City Beach (PCB) in  Florida  is a must! Are you the type of person the likes wet and wild adventures? Here you can experience some of the  best spring break parties  there are. With 27 miles of white sand and beaches dedicated to  beach parties , what are you waiting for? There are areas where you can chill and relax, but also things like  live concerts ,  celebrity appearances , and  free giveaways  to contend with.

It can get super crowded on the beach so try not to carry anything too valuable with you, a  travel neck wallet  or the equivalent is recommended if you want to avoid losing anything precious.

Still, the closer to the beach you are the better. You can expect to pay around $150 per night for a family room which you can share with friends. Many restaurants and party bars, such as  Harpoon Harry’s  are located right on the beachfront. There you can connect yourself with one of their famous seafood buckets.

Spending $100 per day is a breeze in PCB when eating in restaurants and buying drinks in the bars. However, there is a Walmart in town so you can save money by carrying drinks to the beach.

Most of the hotels are equipped with kitchens so  you should be able to rustle up a few meals during your stay, which will help you save a considerable amount of money. All in all, Panama City Beach is a must-visit place if you are a student looking to get the most of your vacations.

8. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia is an underrated city with lots of activities, amazing restaurants, fun events, and vibrant nightlife if you want it! When in  Georgia , make sure you try  classic Southern food  at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Buttermilk Kitchen, or the Flying Biscuit. Staples to sample are grits, biscuits, fried okra, BBQ, fried chicken, mac & cheese, fried green tomatoes, black eyed peas, or collard greens.

Ponce City Market  or  Krog Street Market  have multiple restaurants and vendors in one place so you can take your pick. I recommend these if you only have  one day in Atlanta , to save time traveling from one destination to the next.

For activities, some of the best things to do are the  Georgia Aquarium , the largest in the world, the  Atlanta Botanical Gardens , which feature huge topiary sculptures themed like Alice in Wonderland currently, and  MLK Jr. Historic Park  to learn about Atlanta’s rich history.

An iconic stay is the  Marriot Marquis in downtown Atlanta , which has been featured in numerous movies. It costs $110 on average per night, so this is a good option if you’re splitting costs by sharing the room. If not, there are plenty of Airbnb’s in Atlanta that can be as cheap as $30/night for a private room in a shared house or apartment.

Typical food costs $12 on average and drinks are about the same. Hit up happy hours and cook some of your own meals to reduce this cost.

If you wanted to hit two places on this list, you could easily take a  bus between Washington DC and Atlanta  for only $60!

9. Savannah, Georgia

Recommended by Brittany from Travel by Brit

Savannah, Georgia, is the perfect place for college students to travel during a long weekend. There are tons of  budget-friendly things to do , and the entire city is walkable, so you won’t need to rent a car or spend any money on public transportation.

Another unique attribute of Savannah that makes the city perfect for college students is the  open container policy —you can purchase a drink at one of Savannah’s excellent restaurants or bars and take it with you as you explore the city!

During a three-day weekend in Savannah, you can expect to spend $500 on  accommodations , $50 on activities, and $200 on food and drinks during a long weekend in Savannah—so roughly $750 for a long weekend, plus transportation costs.

While you’re in Savannah, you can’t miss the chance to go on a  spooky ghost tour  or stroll through  Forsyth Park  (one of Savannah’s 22 historic squares!).  City Market  is fun to walk around, and you can stop at the  Georgia Tasting Room  for a $3 wine tasting. You can also take a  day trip to Tybee Island  for some relaxing time at the beach.

Enjoy brunch at the Collins Quarter or a liege-style waffle from Mirabelle Savannah! And don’t forget to stop by Huey’s to order some warm, delicious beignets.

Finally, the DeSoto Savannah is the perfect place to stay. It’s located just a short walking distance from everything in the city (and for the rooftop pool!).

Related read >> 100 epic things to do in Georgia

10. Asheville, North Carolina

Recommended by Julia from The Cure for Curiosity

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the perfect destination for college students. Not only is it a college town itself – home to UNC Asheville, but it also offers plenty of adventures at a low cost. Whether you are spending one  perfect weekend in Asheville  or have all summer to get to know the area, your first visit will not be your last.

Spend your days driving the famous  Blue Ridge Parkway  (free) or hiking to stunning natural wonders (mostly free). There are plenty of trails ranging from beginner to long distance, like the  Appalachian Trail . Some of the more popular  hiking destinations  are Craggy Gardens, Chimney Rock ($17), and Dupont State Forest. You’ll also find dozens of  picturesque waterfalls , like Looking Glass Falls, Catawba Falls, and Triple Falls, scattered throughout the area.

After exhausting yourself in the mountains, head back into the city to spend your afternoons and evenings exploring the art galleries and murals in the  River Arts District  (free) and then trying all the craft beer you can stomach.

With over  30 breweries  in Asheville and 48 in the greater Asheville area, you will not go thirsty! Don’t miss the ever-popular Burial Beer Co., which offers delicious beer with a well themed taproom, or The Funkatorium by Wicked Weed for sour and funky beers. Whatever your favorite style of beer, you’re sure to find it in Asheville.

11. Wilmington, North Carolina

Recommended by MacKenzie from Rainbow Travel Life

Wilmington, NC may seem like an odd choice for college student travel – college students want to go to a college town? Absolutely! Wilmington has everything a student might want, including outdoor adventures, nightlife, inexpensive activities, plus the ultimate attraction to a stressed college student:  beach access .

There are three wonderful beaches all within 20 minutes of Wilmington:  Wrightsville ,  Carolina , and  Kure . Kure Beach is the most cost-effective choice because parking is free! While in Kure Beach, you can also go on a few nature walks; Basin Trail leads to an observation deck overlooking the area. Kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing are all popular activities too.

Another one of the many  things to do in Wilmington, NC  for college students is downtown. During happy hours, there are tons of specials and plenty of bars and restaurants open late into the evening. No matter what time you head downtown (parking starts at $1/hour), make sure to  walk the Riverwalk . It’s a 1.75-mile boardwalk along the Cape Fear River with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a bit of history. Prices will of course vary based on what you find in the shops!  Student tip : pop into Island’s for some extremely cheap but satisfying food.

Cost wise, Wilmington is probably the best location for students within driving distance. Avoiding a flight and rental car (as cars are imperative for getting around), saves a lot. For  accomm odation , budget hotels are typically $50-60; however, camping at Carolina Beach State Park is the cheapest option at $20-30/night.

12. Madison, Wisconsin

Recommended by Elisa from Flitter Fever

Mostly thanks to Playboy who named the University of Wisconsin #1 US Party School several times, Madison, Wisconsin has the reputation of a  party city  for college students. That’s convincing to study there for a while, right?

Since about a quarter of Madison’s inhabitants are students, who keep the city alive, there is always something fun going on.

There are two annual student parties that attract tens of thousands of young people to party in Madison. The  Halloween Party on State Street , and the  Mifflin Street Block Party , usually held on the last Saturday of April. Try a local Spotted Cow, a specialty unfiltered brew.

Besides the great party and music scene, the  Badgers’ games  always attract a young, infectiously enthusiastic crowd. The hub for college students is the University of Wisconsin (UW), an internationally renowned state school that welcomes many international students for a  study abroad experience in Madison . There are lots of amazing people to meet and socialize with.

State Street Brats  and the  Ratskeller  are popular student-friendly bars where you can get food, like a brat basket for only $3.50. These places pretty much sum up Madison; friendly people, bratwurst, and micro-brewed beer. Don’t miss  Stock Exchange Night , with cocktails as cheap as $1.25.

If you can’t find a UW student that will allow you to crash their couch, Airbnb rooms cost $80 per night on average with shared bathroom. The most inexpensive motel starts at $37 per night.

13. Washington DC

Recommended by by Claire from ClairePins Travel

Washington DC  is a surprisingly affordable destination for first-time travelers and students on a budget who are interested in art, culture and history!

There is no other city in America that is home to as many  free, high quality attractions  as Washington DC. All of the monuments, memorials, government buildings and branches of the Smithsonian museum (which includes several galleries) are free of charge and typically also offer free tours. The most challenging part of your visit might be choosing where to go first!

And even if you have only a couple days in Washington DC , you can see a lot!

Washington DC is home to several universities and has a large student population. If you want to experience the local nightlife, try the  Adams Morgan neighbourhood ,  Dupont Circle , or the  Georgetown  area, which is popular with local college students.

Keep an eye out for the many  street art murals  around the city if you want to get some unique photos from your visit.

You can get around the city using the  affordable, reliable Metro System , which also connects to the airport, and many of the main sights are within easy walking distance. The city is also well connected by rail and bus service to other major cities in the USA, if you are looking to avoid an expensive flight.

You can visit Washington DC for $75-200 per day by staying in a hostel dorm for a  solo traveler  or sharing a budget hotel room if you have a travel partner, and choosing grocery store and café food, using metro tickets and walking for transportation, and taking advantage of free museums and attractions.

14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Recommended by Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting

One of the most fun cities in America is the east coast gem of Philadelphia. It offers historical attractions, some of the nation’s best museums, and a  delicious food scene . On top of all that, the nightlife and affordability make it the perfect place for college students to visit.

The best areas to stay for nightlife are the  Gayborhood/Midtown  and  Old City  neighborhoods. It’s also easy to find an affordable   Philadelphia Airbnb  to stay in these areas and have the best of the city at your doorstep. Depending on the season, group houses can be about $50 per person at a nightly rate.

Bars like  Drinker’s  and  Lucy’s Hat Shop  are popular for students as well as the bars in University City. There’s a cheap drink special that you can get anywhere in the city of Philadelphia. It’s called  the “citywide”  and it’s a can of Pabst Blueribbon and a shot of Jim Beam whisky. The original venue to serve it was Bob & Barbara’s, a hip dive bar with live jazz and drag performances and it quickly spread across the city.

Philadelphia is also full of must-eat foods like the popular cheesesteak and local favorites tomato pie and soft pretzels. One of the best places to try local food flavors is  Reading Terminal Market . It’s an open-air market with rows of food stalls and a seating area for dining.

The city is also home to some of the country’s most treasured historical attractions and many are free to visit. The  Liberty Bell  and  Independence Hall  are both free to visit including a guided tour of Independence Hall that can be booked online. Other museums in the city offer student discounts for entry, so there will be plenty to do while in the city.

15. Boston, Massachusetts

Recommended by Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

Boston would be a great destination for your college spring break. It is a beautiful walking city – all of the cool restaurants, historic sites, and shopping areas are near each other and one of the best ways to enjoy them is to  walk to them . However, if you don’t like walking, Boston has an  excellent transit system , both within the city and between the suburbs. This means that not only can you easily access different parts of Boston, but if you need cheaper accommodation, you can stay outside of the city, and take one of the trains in. The trains run regularly and are inexpensive.

An example of inexpensive accommodation outside of Boston but along one of the train lines is The Lodge at Brandeis University.

A great activity in Boston to consider is a food tour – like the  Boston Secret Food Tour . You explore Boston all the while eating lots of delicious food. At first blush, the tour itself might seem expensive. However, if you take the tour early afternoon, you could skip lunch before and dinner afterwards.

As for one of the best evening activities, check out the  Improv Asylum in Little Italy . There are multiple showtimes and seat prices at some very budget friendly. Afterwards, walk a couple stores down to  Mike’s Pastry  where you can try one of the best cannolis in the city. Bring cash and prepare to wait in line.

With the food tour, this day would likely cost you $180 ( accommodation  based upon a sole occupant with food included). However, if you exclude the food tour, it would likely be closer to $100.

Related read >> Places to visit in the USA in summer (Boston is on the list!)

16. New York City, New York

Recommended by Carolin from Happy When Abroad

New York City , the city that never sleeps, is the ideal place for a student getaway. Even though it is a big, loud, and popular place, New York City is not necessarily expensive. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly hostels ($40 – $50 / night average), restaurants, and attractions for college students.

Since the city is so incredibly diverse, you can freely decide how you would like to spend your time there. Whether you prefer to experience wild party nights, go on big shopping and sightseeing tours, or relax in the park, New York City has it all. No matter how you want to plan your stay, make sure to not miss out on some of the  must-see attractions in New York City , which are some of the most famous icons in America ! These include walking across the  Brooklyn Bridge , enjoying the view from  Top of the Rock , taking photos at  Times Square , and visiting the  Flatiron Building .

Completely free attractions for students include a ride on the  Staten Island Ferry , an entrance to the  Museum of Modern Art , a relaxing afternoon in  Central Park , or a tour in the  New York Public Library . Besides walking, the fastest and cheapest way to get around in the metropolis is the metro ($33 ​​for a 7-day-ticket). Are you ready to explore the impressive and inspiring city with the world-famous skyline, yellow taxis, and film locations? Let’s go!

17. Acadia National Park, Maine

Recommended by James Ian from Parks Collecting

Acadia National Park  is a great place to travel for college students looking for an outdoor adventure. There are plenty of cheap  campsites  in and around the park, a free shuttle bus throughout the park, and the park is right next to  Bar Harbor , where there are restaurants and bars for those looking for more comfort and social activity.

Most of the main activities are free or cheap.  The park has  incredible hikes , including two of the most adventurous hikes in the country. The  Beehive  and the  Precipice trails  require climbing up iron ladders on sheer rock faces and walking along narrow ledges, so they are not great for those with a fear of heights, but perfect for college students looking for an adventure.

There are also miles of former carriage roads that are  great for cycling . Bring your own bike or rent one cheaply in Bar Harbor. The shuttle buses have bike racks.

The park is surrounded by islands and you can take a ferry out to the  Cranberry Islands  for $32 round trip, where you can visit remote fishing villages and walk along the rocky shoreline. For a splurge, this is one of the cheapest places in the country to  eat fresh lobster . There are lobster shacks right by the water’s edge that serve fresh lobster on no-frills picnic tables in the sunshine.

A campsite typically costs between $30 and $55 per night. You can get a pizza in a restaurant for about $10. Self-catering is cheaper, of course. With the park shuttle, transportation is basically free. So, Acadia National Park is a great option for college students on a budget looking for an active outdoors vacation.

International Places to Travel for Students

The Americas

Recommended by Julien from Cultures Traveled

What do you think of when you close your eyes and dream of traveling to Mexico? Perhaps you envision lounging on a  white sand beach  with glistening turquoise water. Or maybe you wish to discover the food and artisans of  Oaxaca City ? Or is it possible that you aspire to explore all the ancient  Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan  while also uncovering cenotes along the way?

At nearly three times the size of Texas, some say  Mexico has it all . Landscapes include beaches, mountains, active volcanos, deserts, and canyons with lots of cultural explorations in between. You could spend weeks in Mexico and barely scratch the surface. But its affordability and proximity to the United States mean you won’t go broke doing so.

Traveling around Mexico by bus or plane is relatively inexpensive and safe. The ADO buses are incredibly comfortable with plush seats, bathrooms onboard, an extremely cold air conditioner, and movies playing for entertainment. You can expect to pay about $20 for a seven-hour ride from Mexico City to Oaxaca, or about $10 for shorter travel within the  Yucatan Peninsula .

Accommodation s  in Mexico can also be very affordable with lots of shared hostel rooms under $15 and many under $10 in large cities. And perhaps the best bang for your buck will be the food. You can eat tacos for 50¢ each or a meal in a modest restaurant for about $5.

Whether you are in need of a few days soaking up the sun at the beach after exams or you’re anxious to continue learning about ancient cultures, Mexico is a great destination for college students looking for an affordable travel experience.

19. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Recommended by Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog

Punta Cana is a perfect destination for college students, especially for those who require some sun, Caribbean vibes, and exciting excursions. Of course, you won’t miss out on the party either, especially when choosing popular entertainment all-inclusive resorts such as RIU República, Be Live Collection Punta Cana or Royalton CHIC (choose one of the first two if you are traveling on a budget), but there are also a lot of other  amazing things-to-do in Punta Cana , even if you don’t like to party. How about joining a  catamaran cruise  to one of the most paradisical islands in the Caribbean (Isla Saona), exploring the  highest waterfall  in the Dominican Republic (Salto de la Jalda) or having fun while cruising with some  dune buggies  through the countryside?

If you are  traveling on a budget , you can also head on inexpensive hiking trips, explore the fantastic beaches for free or join the locals on a round of Domino. If you want to explore the nightlife, drinks are also cheap in the Dominican Republic, so be prepared for some of your  best Cuba Libres  you have had in your life.

In general, a vacation in Punta Cana is not meant to be expensive. The cheapest all-inclusive resorts are already starting at $60 per person per night with all food and drinks (incl. booze!) included, and excursions can be priced as low as $40 per person. And if you want to experience Punta Cana even cheaper, just skip on excursions and enjoy some of the free stuff to do in Punta Cana.

Recommended by Becky from Becksplore Travel

Panama is a great place for any college student, as it is super diverse and you can find anything from beautiful beaches to the big city life to the most stunning nature and wildlife. The locals are incredibly friendly and Panama is also  one of the safest countries  in Latin America.

Panama is rather small so you can easily travel across the country and see a lot in just a short amount of time. One place that should be included in any  Panama itinerary  is Panama City.  Panama City  isn’t only home to the famous Panama canal, but also an incredible city with great nightlife and a beautiful old town. 

Other places that you just have to visit are Boquete and Bocas del Toro.  Boquete  is surrounded by beautiful nature and popular things to do are going on a coffee tour or hiking up to the  volcano Barú . Whereas, in  Bocas del Toro  you can spend your time scuba diving, surfing, taking boat tours or just hanging out by the surrounding beaches.

It certainly isn’t the cheapest country in Latin America but still affordable for college students as  hostel accommodatio n  is super cheap, usually around $10 a night. However, tours can be a little pricey at times. So if you are planning on going on some tours, sometimes taking a shuttle bus instead of public transportation and go out for some drinks every now and then, it might sum up to around $60 a day.

21. Colombia

Recommended by Emily from Wander-lush

Visiting South America has long been a rite of passage for college students – and as one of the most accessible destinations on the continent, Colombia understandably draws many young visitors. Extremely affordable and easy to get around using public transport, it’s a dream budget-travel destination with something for every preference (literally) – from the bustling cities of Bogota and Medellin, to the northern coastline and lush interior.

If hiking is your scene, don’t miss the  Lost City Trek , which is often dubbed the best hike in South America. A  bean-to-cup tour of the Coffee Triangle  will give you a new appreciation for your daily cup of joe. Here’s where you’ll also find gorgeous colourful  pueblos  such as  Jerico in Antioquia region . Horse riding, paragliding and white water sports – and on the coast, snorkelling and diving – are all available.

Colombia’s cities are packed with history and culture. Join a  salsa class  before hitting the clubs to show off your skills. Other popular hands-on activities include  cooking classes  and  language immersion courses , so you can come back from Colombia with a few new life skills – including how to make the best  empanadas  – under your belt!

The hostel scene is well-developed in Colombia, and things like food, alcohol and transport are very affordable as well. It’s recommended to budget around $50 per person per day – but you can cut that down considerably by travelling with friends and splitting some costs.

22. Ecuador

Recommended by Deb from The Visa Project

Ecuador is a traveler’s paradise, no matter which kind of travel you are into. Said to be one of the most ecologically diverse countries, it is packed with volcanos, beaches, quaint little towns, the amazon and a lot more.

Feeling adventurous? Then head to  Baños  to hike to its waterfalls, do some mountain biking or water sports, and then relax in the hot springs. Or go to  Tena , to indulge in jungle excursions in the Amazon. And if hiking to a volcano is your idea of adventure,  Cotopaxi National Park  is a must.

Want a beach vacation?  Salinas , called the Miami of Ecuador is a popular choice. Or just take the bus on the coastal route from Salinas until Esmeraldas, and explore all the small beach towns and villages on the way. Stop at  Montañita  for sure to experience crazy parties and nightlife.

If you are a college student and on a budget, Ecuador can be an amazing place to start out, considering how cheap it is. A basic lunchtime meal would cost $3 or more. A night’s stay in a decent hostel would cost upwards of $7. And long-distance buses typically cost from $1–2 per hour.

On top of that, if you are coming from the United States, you can simply spend in US Dollars since that is the currency of Ecuador. As simple as that.

And make sure to check about the entry requirements and  visas for Ecuador before you travel.

Recommended by Megs from Packing Up the Pieces

Peru is the ultimate adventurous destination for college students on a budget.

The Imperial City of Cusco is a great place to base and offers plenty of authentic experiences without a large price tag. Within the city limits, find tons of Inca ruins that have no entrance fees and see little to no tourists. There are also tons of hiking trails and lush parks that are free to explore.

Grab the best and local food from the neighborhood markets, many which are serving up a daily two course menu for under $1.50. There are a wide range of bars close to the Plaza de Armas , but save money and drink with the locals and grab a 2 liter of chicha, Peru’s favorite fermented corn beverage for less than half the price.

Adventure seekers should plan for at least one epic multi-day trek, but there are so many, it’s hard to choose. While most tourists take the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, there are many alternative routes, and almost all of them can be done for cheap and without a guide, like the 9 day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek . There’s also the world-class Ausangate, or Lares treks, both worth the climb. In the nearby Sacred Valley , there are wonderful day hikes with free Inca sites like Saywa, Inti Punku, and Perolniyoc.

With shared hostels as low as $5 a night, market meals for $1.50, regional buses for under $2, and city buses for under 50¢, it’s feasible to spend under $25 USD a day, making Peru the perfect budget destination.

24. Bolivia

Recommended by Carley Rojas Avila of Home to Havana

Known as the Salar de Uyuni, the Salt Flats in Bolivia are both an unforgettable travel experience and one perfect for college travel. Known popularly as the “world’s largest mirror” for reflecting the sky when flooded in the rainy season, the  Salt Flats  are a popular visit for college students studying abroad in South America looking for a more budget friendly adventure than Machu Picchu. Though the Salt Flats may be popular with photographers and on many travelers bucket lists, it is surprisingly inexpensive to visit.

The best way to visit the Salt Flats is by taking a  3-day or 4-day jeep tour  through southwest Bolivia, along the famous  Lagunas Route . This route includes visits to high-elevation volcanos, hot springs, and bright red and green lagoons home to numerous flamingos. This is an incredible off-the-grid experience to share with an adventurous group of friends. The  best Salar de Uyuni tour itinerary  starts from Tupiza in south Bolivia and finishes at the Salt Flats for a fantastic culmination of the trip.

These popular multi-day jeep trips are quite affordable, often working out to a cost of around just $50 per day, inclusive of all expenses. Traveling around the rest of Bolivia, backpackers and budget travelers can easily get by on around $30 a day or less, while enjoying this diverse country – think major cities, the Amazon rainforest, and incredible mountain vistas wherever you look.

25. Ireland

Recommended by Pam from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the best destinations to visit as a college student is the Emerald Island – Ireland. Rolling hills of green,  breathtaking cliffs , and friendly locals welcome visitors. From historical castles to gorgeous nature, college students will delight in the variety of  things to do in Ireland . 

From kissing the  Blarney Stone  to exploring  Fairy Forts , Ireland is truly a unique destination. Travelers will relish in the historical castles looming over the countryside. After a full day of exploring, head to a local pub to unwind. Drinking beer is not a requirement, but enjoying  local food  – like colcannon and shrimp – is! Great conversation over delicious food is what Ireland is known for!

While the official language of Ireland is Irish, most of the population also speaks English. It makes it easier to get around and talk with locals to find hidden gems. A budget friendly way to travel around the country is renting a car. You can drive from coast to coast in a few hours, but honestly taking your time is a better option. With proper planning, a trip around Ireland can cost around $75 per day.

Ireland’s rich personality makes it one of the best destinations for college students.

26. Portugal

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Portugal is a fantastic country to visit for anyone looking for a laid back lifestyle, beautiful scenery and fun nightlife. As one of the more affordable countries in Europe, this is a great place for students on a budget who want to experience without spending too much.

Portugal is not a large country and it’s the perfect place for a road trip where you can easily city-hop. Camping is very popular and probably the most affordable way of exploring the area. Even larger cities like  Porto  or  Lisbon  are actually not as expensive as you might expect them to be. And of course, the nightlife is fantastic. Whether you are having drinks in Lisbon’s  Bairro Alto , partying the night away with university students in Porto or dancing on the beach in the  Algarve , there is something for everyone.

You could easily spend less than $300 per week in Portugal if you are smart about saving. You could find a campsite for around $18 per night for two people and if you cook for yourself and avoid eating out you won’t be spending much on food either. Since alcohol taxes in Portugal are quite low, even a few drinks in a bar won’t break the bank.

You’ll fall in love with this incredible country and find yourself wanting to come back as soon as possible.

Related read >> How to spend 1 day in Lisbon

27. Andalucia, Spain

Recommended by Linn from Andalucia Hiking

Andalucia is the perfect destination for college students. There are many adventure activities to be had all over the region.

Start with Sierra Nevada and a  Mulhacen hiking  adventure that can be done in a day or several days to cross the highest peak of the entire Iberian Peninsula off your bucket list.

Go on a road trip to see the best white villages, like the hillside village,  Frigiliana , with astounding coastal views,  Antequera , which just happens to be next to the most unique karst landscape in Europe,  El Torcal , which invites for another exceptional day out in nature.

Explore the dramatic white village of  Arcos de la Frontera  or the village of love,  Vejer de la Frontera . Wander in the melting pot of Andalusian culture in its capital city,  Seville . Learn how to salsa and have tapas and drinks with the locals.

The sand blown coast of  Cadiz  is just the place to go to save money. This is where you can party with the locals in  Los Caños de Meca  or go windsurfing in  Tarifa .

There are endless things to do in Andalucia and it doesn’t have to cost an arm to do so. Budget $70 per day, but there are great hostels in the cities where you can save money, meet other travelers, and cook your dinner at home. You can get by pretty cheap by traveling by bus or train too and tapas are cheap. You can easily get a beer for $2 at local places. The most expensive area in Andalucia is Costa del Sol, so try focus on Seville and Cadiz if you need to save money.

28. Paris, France

Recommended by Elisa from World in Paris

Paris is an excellent destination for college students. The French capital is a lively and cultural city with many cool things to do for people of all ages! To get the most out of the city, we recommend spending a minimum of  4 days i n Paris , although you can still do a lot with just 1 day in Paris .

Many people believe that Paris is an expensive city. This is true only if visitors decide to stay in Paris’s most central areas and eat and drink close to the main attractions.

On the other hand, Paris has many cool things to do for free and many beautiful parks and picturesque neighborhoods to hang around without spending anything. Besides, there are many  advantages for students under 25 , from significant discounts to free entrance, especially for students from the EU countries.

College students will appreciate the nightlife in Paris. There are many cool areas in Paris to hang around at night, being  Canal Saint-Martin ,  La Villette , or  Belleville  some of the favorites, places where a beer can cost half of the price or less than in the fancy bars around the Champs Elysées.

Another fun thing to do in Paris at night is the  apéro-dinatoires  – evening drinks that turn into casual dinners with patés, cheese, and cold cuts.

Finally, for those who want to see something other than the French capital, there are transportation discounts for students for a day trip out of the city to places like Versailles, Normandy, or Lille. A good daily budget is $90 per day, but this cost can be reduced significantly by staying in Paris’ extensive hostel system, cooking your own meals, or even having inexpensive sandwiches for some meals from cafés.

29. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Recommended by Sam from Sam Sees World

There are so many amazing places in Europe to visit for college students but few are as amazing as Amsterdam. A city known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning canals, and young atmosphere, Amsterdam is the perfect travel destination for college students of all kinds. Whether you like partying, history, culture, or learning about new traditions, Amsterdam has something for you.

Many college students are drawn to Amsterdam for the nightlife. There are  over 1,100 bars and clubs  in Amsterdam, which is enough to keep you very busy. The best areas to visit for bars and clubs are  Rembrandtplein  and  Leidseplein , here you will find rows of bars and clubs making the options endless. Spending a  night out in Amsterdam  promises an amazing time, even if drinking and partying isn’t your speed. Visitors can also enjoy the  canals by night , go on evening cruises, and check out  live music , and more.

Luckily for college students flights to Amsterdam can be really cheap. You can easily find flights from other cities in Europe for 40 euros and from New York for $300 round trip! Plus, there are plenty of hostels around Amsterdam that offer low-cost accommodations in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

30. Berlin, Germany

Recommended by Matt from Wheatless Wanderlust

Berlin is one of the most affordable capital cities in Western Europe, which makes it a perfect destination for traveling college students. It has a diverse range of things to do and see, ranging from free to relatively inexpensive, and a food and drink scene full of  cheap-yet-delicious eats  like döner kebab and currywurst.

Plus, it is widely regarded as one of the  best nightlife scenes  in Europe, with clubs pumping out dance music well into the early (and not-so-early) hours of the morning.

Some of the best things to do in Berlin, like walking through the  Brandenburg Gate , climbing to the top of the dome of the  Reichstag , and admiring the vibrant street art of the  Eastside Gallery , are all free.

Things that aren’t free, like the awe-inspiring  Pergamon Museum  and the other museums on  Museum Island , offer hefty  discounts for students .

One of the best parts about Berlin, particularly in the summertime, is the green spaces. And there are  no open container laws  in Berlin, which means you can enjoy a picnic in the park complete with a bottle of wine or some local beer. Head to the Tiergarten or Tempelhofer Feld, the former airport that has been transformed into the biggest park in Berlin.

If you’re wondering  where to stay in Berlin   on a budget, the answer is  Fredrichschain , which is also where you’ll find the best nightlife in the city. There, you’ll find a range of affordable hotels and  hoste ls , and you’ll be within walking distance of both the Eastside Gallery and the coolest neighborhood in Berlin – Kreuzberg.

You can easily live in Berlin on $50 a day by either staying in a hostel dorm room or splitting a private room with a friend, taking advantage of all the great free attractions in the city, and eating breakfast at your accommodation.

31. Munich, Germany

Recommended by Devin of  Deventuretime.com

Munich is a great destination for college students as it’s a budget-friendly city, easy to travel around, and has plenty of exciting things to do. It is a city that is frequented by many backpackers, so there are plenty of hostel accommodations throughout the city that are perfect for making new friends!

Munich is known for its incredible beer gardens and beer halls throughout the city. Not to mention, the famous  Oktoberfest beer celebration ! One of the most famous taverns in the world,  Hofbräuhaus , is located within the city. Here, you sit along tables and order giant steins of beer to enjoy with friends. Beer in the city is quite cheap, with full liter steins costing around $13.

Aside from beer halls, the city is full of fascinating history and beautiful architecture.  Marienplatz  is a beautiful square to visit, lined with shops and stunning gothic buildings. It is home to  Rathaus-Glockenspiel , which is an interesting, automated show built into the side of New Town Hall. It attracts many locals and tourists daily to enjoy the show!

When traveling to Munich, you can budget daily for as low as $60. To keep costs low, opt to  stay in a hoste l , buy food from markets, and buy beer from shops. Costs rise as you shop, eat at restaurants, or stay at more glamourous accommodations.

32. Prague, Czech Republic

Recommended by Charu from Travel With CG

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a beautiful destination to visit in Europe. Home to medieval buildings, charming castles, and gothic cathedrals; it is a fascinating yet affordable place to travel internationally. With a picturesque  Old Town  full of colorful buildings and orange topped roofs,  Prague  is also an ideal city to explore on foot.

If you like going on  walking tours , please note that multiple free ones start from the city’s astronomical clock every day. You can either walk the cobbled streets of Prague from your accommodation to reach there or hop on a tram and get yourself an inexpensive ride. A 3-day tram pass for students visiting Prague only costs 310 CZK ($15) and can be bought from nearly every tram stop or online.

The nightlife in Prague is enjoyable too. Whether you like  multiple story clubs  that play different music,  beer gardens , or  vibrant cocktail bars ; it is that one city in central Europe that you will find has got it all. Live music is big there as well, so you might even come across artists playing at famous touristic sights such as the  John Lennon Wall  when visiting.

Like any other big city, Prague is also home to a variety of  budget accommodation s . Apartments with multiple rooms, for instance, can even be found for as low as $25 per person per night.

33. Budapest, Hungary

Recommended by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Budapest is an Eastern European city with an energetic nightlife and culture. The historic spa capital is inexpensive compared to other European cities and a great way to discover Europe’s fascinating history and impressive architecture. There are many fun things to add to your  Budapest itinerary , from relaxing in thermal baths to partying in ruin bars with your friends.

During the daytime, unwind from your studies in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths.  Szechenyi Baths  is the largest thermal bath in Budapest and has a stunning neo-Baroque architecture. Weekday entrance fees are cheaper than weekend prices. Budget 3,500 HUF (~ $12 USD) for the weekday or 3,900 HUF (~ $13.50 USD) for the weekend.

Just before sunset, walk to the top of  Castle Hill  to admire views of the  Danube River  and the city’s most prominent buildings, such as the  Hungarian Parliament building .

Budapest has one of the best party scenes in Europe. Have a unique night out in their eclectic and bohemian  ruin bars , known to have cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere.  Szimpla Kert  was the first ever ruin bar, built in an abandoned factory in 2002.

It’s easy and inexpensive to get around with the city’s  excellent transportation system . A one-way fare costs 350 HUF (~ $1.19 USD). There are many  places to stay in Budapest , so budget $28 USD per day for  accommodation , plus $20 USD per day for food and $20 USD per day for activities/alcohol.

34. Slovenia

Recommended by Simona from  Slovenians Travel

Slovenia is a small country in the heart of Europe. It is still quite undiscovered and compared to its neighbors and still affordable. With a short coastline, beautiful mountains and lakes, and charming medieval cities it offers a great variety for different tastes.

Public transport works well and is cheap (choose between bus or train),  accommodation  can be found almost everywhere, and the prices range from $30, camping and hostels are even cheaper.

Slovenia has a  wide variety of food  as it has influences from the Italian, Austrian, Mediterranean and Hungarian cuisine. During the week many restaurants offer set lunch menus for $10-18 for a 3-course meal, and mains are about the same price. There are fast food stalls and food markets, where a kebab is around $3-5, burek (Balkan meat or cottage cheese pastry) is from $2, burgers from $5. Vegetarians and vegans also won’t be hungry. 😉

You should definitely visit  Lake Bled , the most famous sight in the country. Unfortunately, everything is much more expensive there, so maybe think about a  day trip from Ljubljana . Ljubljana, the capital, is a good base as it offers a lot of accommodation, restaurants, bars and clubs. For a little more off the beaten track and a bit cheaper city, choose  Maribor , the second biggest city in Slovenia. Both are university cities, so many young party people live there and like to have a good time in all the bars and clubs.

You can get a big beer for about $3-4, cocktails from $7, not to forget the prices in supermarkets, where a big beer is around $1 and a bottle of wine from $4. The prices are a bit higher on the coast – Piran, Portorož, Izola and Koper are the biggest cities on the coast,  Piran  surely the most charming.

Slovenia is still an affordable destination, which offers so much on such a small area. That’s why it’s perfect for budget travelers.

35. Rome, Italy

Recommended by Claudia from Strictly Rome

With all its art, history, and culture, Rome is bound to be a fantastic destination for college students who can join one of the many short and long term university and college programs offered in the Eternal City. The city is intense but undeniably charming and beautiful and a great place to get acquainted with the Italian lifestyle. There are any great places to visit, delicious food, and incredible nightlife (especially in Trastevere).

Among the places to visit there is the  Colosseum  and the nearby  Arch of Constantine ,  Roman Forum  and  Palatine Hill . A combined ticket for the 3 sites is $20.  St. Peter’s Basilica  is another must see – it’s free, and with a small fee you can access the Dome. The  Vatican Museums  and the  Sistine Chapel  require pre-bookings, but they are a must see for art students.

If you are looking for free places to visit, a walk around the historic center will take you to the beautiful  Altare della Patria  in Piazza Venezia;  Largo di Torre Argentina , a nearby archeological site home to a cat sanctuary; the  Spanish Steps ,  Fontana di Trevi , the  Pantheon,  and  Piazza Navona .

One important  thing to know before visiting Rome  is that the city is not cheap. The best budget hostels are in Esquilino – for nicer places look around St. John in the Lateran Church, which is safe and very central. Trattorie and street food are your best budget options for food. Calculate a daily budget of at least $65 USD per day.

36. Ios Island, Greece

Recommended by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate

From the end of June until late August,  Ios  becomes a giant party for college students from around the globe. Daytimes are spent on the beach and nights spent dancing, against a backdrop of one of the most beautiful  Greek islands . Ios is a  seven-hour ferry journey from Athens , but the big draw is that it is cheap and friendly.

There are several great beaches including  Koumbara  and  Manganari , which can be reached by bus or boat.  Milopotas beach  is the main draw. This beach is long, sandy and one of the best in Greece. Sunbathers share the beach with coffee shops and restaurants where they can meet loads of people and there are water sports too. Scuba diving and windsurfing are popular and jet skis and banana boats are fun.

There are rooms to rent, but these need to be booked well in advance and there are several  campsites including Far Out , with a 24-hour bar, two swimming pools, and volleyball. Ios is a fantastic place to forge new friendships with people of all nationalities.

A one-way ferry ticket from Athens to Ios can cost between $30-43 depending on the ferry company. While  accommodatio n  can be anything from $30-36 euros per night for a double room or a bit cheaper on the camping. Food in a taverna can be from $13 upwards depending on what you order but there are many street food options available like  souvlaki . Drinks can be bought either from the kiosk and enjoyed at the beach or you can take advantage of the happy hours if you are on a budget.

If you have long said goodbye to your college days, Ios is still a gorgeous island to visit during the spring and autumn when it is peaceful by comparison!

37. Istanbul, Turkiye

Recommended by Roxanne from Faraway Worlds

At the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Istanbul is the perfect city for college students who want a glimpse of the wider world. A large, vibrant city, Istanbul offers a peek into other cultures and ways of life. While it can be a bit overwhelming at times, Istanbul is also exotic and exciting, and, with a  well-developed tourist industry , it’s relatively accessible to Westerners.

Istanbul is also an affordable city. It’s  easy to get around  with public transport and, if you watch your budget, you should be able to get by on around $30 a day. This should cover a dorm bed, groceries, beer, and entrance fees for tourist attractions. If you want to eat out, there’s a wide range of delicious and affordable food on the streets of Istanbul from donor kebabs and mussels, to freshly-squeezed juices and stretchy ice cream.

If you’re wondering  where to stay in Istanbul ,  Taksim  or  Galata  are good options for students. Both are conveniently located, with cafes, bars and street food close by. These areas are also renowned for their  nightlife , and you’ll see a good mix of locals and tourists out and about late into the night. During the day, you can wander through the ancient streets, see the big-ticket tourist attractions like the  Blue Mosque  and the  Hagia Sofia , and relax in one of the city’s beautiful parks.

Middle East

Recommended by Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad

Iran is definitely one of the most underrated travel destinations for college students, especially for those who enjoy history and culture. Filled with gorgeous architecture, calming nature, and delicious food, Iran is an amazing place to relax in after a busy semester. Contrary to popular belief, Iran is also incredibly safe and the locals are very friendly (yes, even to Americans!). Many travelers deem this destination safer than Europe.

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to see  Iran’s most beautiful places . Start your journey in  Shiraz , home to the famous  Pink Mosque  which will take your breath away. Not far from Shiraz lies  Persepolis , an incredible UNESCO site where you can learn about the history of the Achaemenid Empire. Next, move on to  Yazd , a stunning desert city home to the spectacular  Sar Yazd Castle .

No trip to Iran would be complete without spending a few days in  Isfahan , where you can see two of the most magnificent mosques in the country:  Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque  and  Shah Mosque . While you’re there, make sure to eat at the nearby  Naghshe Jahan Restaurant . Don’t leave Iran without stopping by  Kashan , one of the friendliest cities in the country!

Iran is a great budget destination; you can stay in very decent hostels for $7-20 a night. You’ll typically spend about $6.50 on meals per day, and each VIP bus ticket to get you between cities is around $6. It’s worth noting that it’s incredibly easy to get around Iran on your own, and the buses are super comfortable too!

Recommended by Sasha Naslin from  The Alternative Travel Guide  

Egypt is the ideal destination for history and adventure lovers. Only in the hot deserts of Egypt, can you visit 40-centuries old monuments, the guardians of the history of mankind.

The  Pyramid of Cheops  is one of the world wonders that has survived to this day. Apart from the Chinese Wall, this is the largest structure ever erected by man. The Egyptian pyramids are a miracle that you should definitely see once in life if you have the opportunity.

In addition, Egypt is suitable for student travelers who love diving, snorkeling, and other adventurous activities. The  Red Sea  is one of the most ecologically clean seas in the world! The crystal clear water allows you to admire the indescribably beautiful coral reefs and the Red Sea fauna, diverse in colors, shapes, and sizes. You can see all this beauty already a few meters from the shore, but if you use fins and a mask, you will discover the fabulously beautiful underwater world.

And another important factor for students, Egypt is a fairly cheap country. A week in  Hurghada  in an all-inclusive hotel costs $200-300, depending on the season and the hotel’s level. In Cairo, you can pay for a hotel as little as $ 15 per night.

40. Don Det, Laos

Recommended by Samantha from International Detours 

One of the best places to travel for college students is  Don Det, Laos . While all of Laos is beautiful, Don Det is a  small river island that just exudes relaxation . 

It’s cheap, can be  explored by bicycle , and is a fantastic place to meet other travelers. This backpacking hub is filled with bungalows that sit right over the edge of the  Mekong River , and there’s really not much better than being able to watch an epic sunrise right outside your door. And Don Det’s sunsets are truly extraordinary.

The island is also filled with delicious cafes and bars, making it an ideal place to meet other young people as there’s always something to do both during the day and after dark.

The affordability of Don Det is what really makes it a winning spot for those on a budget: for food, drinks, bicycle rental and miscellaneous extras, you can easily spend $20 per day or less. If you split costs, this value will decrease.

With zero cars, little noise besides the crowing of roosters, and no light pollution, Don Det is the absolute perfect  hippie haven  to truly forget about college and the world. And despite being as amazing as it is, the island is far less popular than some other spots in Southeast Asia, meaning you won’t get that overtouristed feel either.

41. Thailand

Recommended by Luke from  Wild About BC

Thailand has long been a favorite destination for new travelers looking to dip their toes into the wonderful world of international travel. It is the ideal destination for college students to visit as it is so  easy to plan a trip here . One of the reasons Thailand first became so popular is that it is stunningly beautiful. There are endless islands to visit, all full of amazing beaches.

There are plenty of beautiful places out there but Thailand is such an easy pick for numerous reasons. It’s great for planning a trip on a budget as food,  accommodatio n  and transport are all very cheap here. You can expect to pay around $10 per night here for a decent hostel with air conditioning and meals are just a couple of dollars each and the food is delicious.

As Thailand has been popular for a while it also means that there is  lots of infrastructure  to help you easily get around. There are plenty of transport companies and tour operators making planning your trip much easier. Booking busses, boats and tours online is easy and there is a wealth of information out there to help you plan.

The local people are used to having tourists here and  English is widely spoken  which also helps if you get stuck and need to ask for help. Thailand is also renowned for the vibrant nightlife. If you are looking to party and blow off some steam then there are few places better. Cities like  Bangkok  have their own party districts or you can go to  Koh Phangan  to enjoy the world-famous  full moon party  on the beach.

This is an awesome place to visit and the beauty, budget friendliness, infrastructure and nightlife all combine to make it an epic trip for college students.

42. Vietnam

Recommended by Trisha from Try Wandering More

Vietnam is a fantastic place to visit as a college student because it has a bit of everything – natural beauty, quaint towns, unique culture, interesting history, delicious cuisine, and eccentric nightlife. The most inviting aspect is that it is inexpensive, so you can have an incredible time without burning a hole in your pocket.

This country has so much to offer that it is a struggle to choose among the  best places to visit in Vietnam . At least 10-14 days are required to get a good flavour of the country, though a fast-paced trip through the main places can be managed in a week.

Vietnam’s Capital city of  Hanoi  is an ideal city to begin exploring. Further, it would be best to travel along the country’s length ending in the south at  Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) , Vietnam’s most modern city.

Popular places to see include the picturesque  Ha Long Bay  near Hanoi, the quaint town of  Hoi An  near Da Nang, and the fascinating  Mekong Delta  near Saigon.

Expect to be delighted by  mouth-watering food and drinks  with steaming bowls of Pho, local beers like Bia Hoi, and Vietnamese Coffee.

Vietnam is a backpacker’s paradise with per day costs being about $5-$10 for accommodation, $8 for local food, $2 for beer, $5 for transportation and $3 for attractions. So, about $20-30 a day is enough to get by if traveling cheaply or about $40 per day for a super comfortable trip. If traveling in a group, consider staying at  hotels and motels , as opposed to only hostels, as these can come out to be inexpensive too when divided per person.

43. Philippines

Recommended by Sharon from  Dive Into Philippines

One of the best places to travel for college students is definitely the Philippines. One of the great budget travel destinations in the world, the Philippines can feel very adventurous while being a relatively easy place to travel. Many  people speak English , it’s fun to get around and there are gorgeous beaches seemingly everywhere.

One of the big plusses of the Philippines is that you can easily find yourself at a beach where you can feel like you have escaped the world. Or if partying is more your holiday style, there are plenty of places you can do that.

A great place to start your trip is in  Cebu City , the Philippines’ second largest city and home to its second busiest airport. On this island, there are many great beaches and you can choose backpacker favorite  Moalboal , swim with whale sharks at  Oslob  or get away from it all in many places. Close by is  Bohol Island  where you can also experience great beaches and diving on  Panglao , visit the  Chocolate Hills , meet a cute tarsier, or go jungle trekking. It’s a great spot and you can take it as easy or active as you like.

A huge benefit of traveling the Philippines is how cheap it can be – it’s possible to travel here on $20 a day. You don’t have to spend much more to feel like you are doing it in style too. Food, transport,  accommodatio n  is all cheap. In fact, booking ahead on domestic budget airline can even make travelling from one side of the country to the other quite affordable.

The Philippines really is the ultimate destination for college students where you want peace and quiet, partying or adventure.

44. East Java, Indonesia

Recommended by Kaylini from The Curated Travelist 

If you’re in search of adventure, then look no further than East Java in Indonesia. For college students seeking refuge from city life and in need of fresh air, scenic landscapes and cultural enrichment, this can be found in abundance in this region. Apart from it being a great escape, it’s equally prudent on the pocket. With the currency of Indonesia being significantly weaker than that of the dollar, you’ll get plenty of  value for money  here.

Your East Java itinerary  will begin in the city of  Yogyakarta . Embrace your zen when visiting  Borobudur  the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Take a train from Yogyakarta to  Surabaya  for the bucket list worthy experience of visiting the active volcano of  Mount Bromo . The Bromo volcano at sunrise is a truly breathtaking moment and summiting to the crater rim and peering into a volcano is few most can boast of.

Just a short drive away you’ll find the magnificent  Tumpak Sewu Waterfall , a giant panoramic curtain of showers. Heading further East of Java you’ll find the mystical  Kawah Ijen crater .  Mount Ijen  is another active volcano, however, this volcano has the largest acidic crater lake in the world and allows you to experience the phenomenon of blue-flamed fire! This phenomenon can only be seen in several places around the globe and truly something not to be missed.

Will bucket list items like these, one would think you’d be paying an arm and a leg. However, with transport costs less than $20 using buses and trains and accommodation  at hostels costing $10, it’s very budget-friendly. Plus, local cuisines are an absolute steal at $2-3. This adventure destination is life-changing for most and definitely worth adding to your bucket list!

45. Bali, Indonesia

Recommended by Margherita from The Crowded Planet

Bali is definitely a great destination for those traveling for the first time, making it perfect for college students heading out of the US for the first time. The  Island of Gods  has so much to offer, that even diverse groups of friends will all have something to do.

To give you an idea, Bali offers lots of  adventurous activities  like volcano hiking, walks and bike rides around rice terraces, surf lessons, and scuba diving courses. At the same time, it’s easy to plan  spiritual or cultural experiences  like yoga, meditation, cooking classes, and temple visits with local guides. It’s very easy to arrange activities – Bali has been a tourist destination for many decades, and it’s well set up with local travel agencies allowing you to book activities even with short notice.

Let’s not forget nightlife – in places like  Canggu  and  Seminyak  you’ll find plenty of  beach clubs  where you can relax by the pool during the day, and party at night!

Speaking about costs, Bali is also a budget-friendly destination. The main expense will probably be the flight –  accommodatio n  is affordable, with some dorm beds going for less that $10, and eating out is also really cheap, especially if you go for street food! The easiest and cheapest way to get around is hiring a motorbike for about $5 a day, but make sure your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents. Alternatively, you can opt for hiring a driver for a day for a price of about $30 to be shared between 4 people.

Looking for more student travel resources?

• How to save money in college for traveling
• 10 ways to travel in college
• Easy guide to trip planning
• How to plan a trip budget in Excel (step-by-step walkthrough)
• Best study abroad destinations around the world
• Contiki review: Group trips for college students
• How to travel alone for the first time

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

Save to Pinterest

previous post

Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

Related Posts

27 Best Science Museums in the US

11 Marvelous Things to Do in the Columbia River Gorge

Roamstead Review: the Best Glamping in the Smokies

I think that most of the countries in Eastern Europe are great for students because they’re relatively cheap. I travelled to Poland while at university and came back home with half of my budget!

Agreed! I haven’t been to any yet, but they all seem very budget-friendly perfect for college students!

Elena Pappalardo

Although I’m no longer a college student, I definitely want to hit up some of these places when I can! Great round-up.

Thanks Elena! They definitely are great for any budget traveler.

Pingback: The Best Dublin Vegan Guide: Restaurants, Sights, & More 2023 - Veggies Abroad

Post a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Protect Your Trip »

8 Tricks to Cheap Student Travel

As the days grow longer and the weather warmer, a tremor of excitement passes through college campuses: Summer vacation is on its way. Soon, students will be swapping books for plane tickets and getting ready to explore outside the classroom. However, as all you parents know, a summertime getaway can cost a pretty penny.

With help from Clem Bason, president of the Hotwire Group , U.S. News Travel has come up with some clever ways for students to go big on a small budget.

Students may think they're free of homework for the next few months, but the key to staying on budget is diligent research. Before reaching the booking stage, students should have a general idea of how much they can expect to pay for flights and hotel rooms. That way, they'll be able to recognize a great deal when they see one. Many tools, like Hotwire's Trip Watcher , help travelers save money by tracking travel trends and notifying users of price changes. Students should also sign up for travel deal newsletters like those circulated by Travel-Ticker and Travelzoo . According to Bason, these deal sites "distribute exclusives and flash-sale opportunities directly to your inbox, making it easy for the on-the-go student to save big." Just make sure to check your email regularly, since these deals tend to go quickly. Students can also nab discounts on the fly by following deal-oriented companies on Twitter or Facebook.

There are thousands of websites out there touting the lowest rates around, but only a few cater specifically to students. STA Travel and Student Universe are renowned for delivering fantastic experiences for very little coin. Both sites offer package deals and discounts on all aspects of travel—from airfare to tours—exclusively to students who can verify their university enrollment. These resources are also jam-packed with money-saving tips and advice from fellow student globe-trotters.

Students with looser travel plans are more likely to score lower rates on airfare and hotels than those with plans set in stone. Rather than choosing a specific destination right off the bat, Bason suggests that students focus on the type of vacation they want, like a beach getaway or a city trip. And by not committing to specific dates at the initial research stage, students open themselves up to a wider selection of travel deals. "Even a day or two's worth of shifting on your departure or arrival dates can make a big difference on price," he says.

Airfare has skyrocketed over the past few years, and it doesn't show any signs of dropping (at least not in time for summer). For students who prefer to fly, discount airlines, such as Southwest and Europe's RyanAir, offer cheap airline tickets, but note that they can nickel-and-dime you with additional fees. Travelers sticking to a strict budget should also consider bus and train travel. Bus companies—like Megabus, Boltbus, RedCoach, and Lux Bus America—provide inexpensive and efficient service to many major cities throughout the United States. Train travel is also picking up speed among students and other frugal travelers. This mode of transit is a common (and affordable) way to get around popular regions, such as Europe, Asia, and even here in the States. In fact, "Traveling by train from point A to B is one of the quickest and safest ways to see the United States, especially if you are looking to travel across several states," explains Sarah Munley, director of sales and marketing for the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad .

Discounts for student travelers abound in almost every country, with thousands of museums, parks, and historical sites offering reduced admission rates for the young and learning. But as those who pay attention to Trick 1 will learn, student-oriented travel sites are also a great resource for deals on guided tours, hostels, and eateries. Also, the purchase of an International Student Identity Card will help students nab discounts even without the help of the Internet. International Student IDs are widely recognized in 120 countries throughout the world, granting holders access to a wide variety of discounts at hotels, restaurants, tours, and individual attractions. Any full-time student age 12 or older can obtain an International Student ID. Meanwhile, the International Youth Travel Card —which offers similar perks—is available to anyone under age 26, student or not.

Parents, you can now frame your support for the buddy system in a new light: It's a cheaper way to travel. Aside from splitting the cost of a hotel room, students who bring friends along for the ride can save big by booking group travel. Travel sites, like STATravel.com and StudentUniverse.com, offer massive discounts on flights, hotels, and tours to students traveling in a group of 10 to 12 or more. Using the handy planning tools found on these sites, students can get a general idea of how much the entire trip is going to cost, which facilitates better budgeting.

Hotel stays can eat up a large chunk of a travel budget, but the advantage that students generally have over seasoned travelers is their ability to sleep just about anywhere. If that's the case, opting for a shared hostel room is a great way to conserve cash and meet fellow explorers. Despite the seedy reputation that hostels carry with older, better-funded travelers, hostels are generally clean and safe (but it's always a good idea to check the reviews on sites like TripAdvisor , Hostels.com , or HostelWorld before booking.) If staying in a hostel doesn't sound appealing, couch-surfing is another way to go. International websites such as CouchSurfing and AirBnB connect budget-minded travelers with locals who are willing to lend their spare bedrooms (and couches) to passers-through. These gracious hosts can also act as a great resource for information about the destination.

According to Bason, some student-oriented travel sites (including STATravel.com) offer scholarships to fund trips. But this isn't the only way to pad otherwise lacking funds. Applying to one of these programs could add a few hundred or several thousand dollars to the budget, but students will have to prove that their trip has educational merit. Other organizations—including the Smithsonian Institution , the Student Youth Travel Association , and National Geographic —also provide financial support to poor, ambitious voyagers-to-be.

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 7 best key west snorkeling tours.

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

The Best Scotland Tours

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

15 Best Travel Destinations for College Students on a Budget

If you’re a student traveling on a college budget, forget expensive and cliche destinations like Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Instead, consider far-off places like Cambodia, Poland, or Peru — all of which can provide more culture and far more value. Sound good? Keep scrolling for the 15 best travel destinations for college students on a budget.

Italy and Greece may top many a bucket list, but both countries are far too expensive for the average college student on a budget. Instead, those on a college budget who are interested in the remains of ancient empires should consider Albania. This great alternative is full of inexpensive hostels and hotels. Even food, transportation, and activities are cheaper than in most other European countries. Visitors to Albania will want to experience the many interesting museums dedicated to the country’s shared history with Rome, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire. Just as interesting are the many beaches, especially those in the southern part of the country collectively known as the Albanian Riviera.

Amsterdam, Holland

Western Europe is notoriously expensive, but one merciful exception to that is Holland. Known also as The Netherlands, this small and fascinating country has tons to offer the budget traveler. Right off the bat, flight deals into the capital city of Amsterdam come around quite frequently thanks to the fact that the main airport, Schiphol, is a major European hub. Once you’ve landed, check out the city’s long list of free and cheap attractions and activities, including:

• walking tours
• canal cruises

Hostels in Amsterdam are plentiful, so even finding clean and safe accommodation is friendly on the wallet.

Even with the popularity of countries like Thailand and Vietnam, Asia is still considered a budget-friendly destination. And what’s one of the best Asian countries for college students on a budget? That would be Cambodia. This enchanting country offers visitors starred hotels for much lower prices than other destinations around the world. Food and transportation costs are also low here, as are entrance fees to places like Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even better is the fact that many of Cambodia’s most beloved sites are completely free, as is the case with Monkey Island, said to be the real-life inspiration behind the story of King Kong.

Flight deals and travel packages are quite common for China, making this powerhouse country a great budget destination for college students. The big cities of Shanghai and Beijing are great additions to any itinerary. Both places offer plenty of safe, no-frills accommodation options averaging $10 per night. Street food or popular chain restaurants can cost as little as $1. Even day trips to such iconic sights as the Great Wall of China can be extremely affordable, with plenty of options to choose from.

Colombia is experiencing a Renaissance. With local businesses, tour companies, and even the government desperate to attract visitors and prove themselves a worthy destination, Colombia is extremely budget friendly. The capital city of Bogota has plenty to see and do, as does the charming city of Cartagena, an historic walled city chock full of colonial-era architecture and cobblestoned streets just inviting you to explore. In both cities, large hotels can be booked for less than $100 a night, though we recommend finding something unique like an eco-friendly coffee farm, where you can stay for a mere $30 a night.

Dominican Republic

College students on a budget, but desperate for beaches, would do well to consider a trip to the Dominican Republic. Extremely affordable four- and five-star resorts are easily available from online travel agencies like Groupon and Expedia. Once in the DR, activities are also budget friendly, and range from kayaking Los Haitises National Park ($3 for the rental) to lounging on the world-class, white-sand beaches (free!).

As the tourism industry improves in India, so too do the budget friendly options. Travelers can do well throughout India with a budget of just $50 per day. This includes affordable, yet safe and healthy, meals, accommodations, and transportation. While flights from the United States to India can cost a pretty penny, flights around India can be affordable enough to make seeing everything from the beaches of Goa to the hustle and bustle of Mumbai possible.

Indonesia — and especially its island of Bali — is currently one of the most popular travel destinations, and for good reason: it’s cheap! From lush rainforests to postcard-perfect beaches, Indonesia is a great destination for those who love adventure, but are on a budget. Whether you choose to visit Bali, Sumatra, or one of Indonesia’s other islands (there are more than 1,000!), you’re likely to find:

• clean accommodations
• activities like snorkeling and beach yoga
• delicious delicacies that won’t set you back more than a few dollars each.

Latvia recently did a stint as the European Union’s chosen European Capital of Culture. That did a lot to highlight this beautiful, underrated, and totally budget-friendly country. Latvia’s capital city, Riga, is perfect for college students on a limited budget. Some of the city’s best features are architectural, and experiencing these UNESCO World Heritage Sites is as easy as joining a free or cheap walking tour. Riga Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church, both hailing from medieval times, are also free to enter. Food, transportation, and accommodation options are plentiful, and very inexpensive compared to so many other European countries.

Malaysia is yet another budget-friendly country in Asia that is just perfect for college students. This large country offers a variety of experiences:

• cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur
• the remote culinary mecca of Penang
• the island of Borneo with its lush rainforests and population of orangutans

If you’re looking for beaches and classy resorts, Malaysia has plenty, very few of which are likely to cost as much as those found on more “traditional” college-kid itineraries.

Sure, Peru can get expensive. But this vibrant South American country can also be done on a college-student budget. Hostels, or even a private room in a guesthouse, are likely to cost about $30, while full meals can be found outside of the fanciest restaurants for $5-10. If a guided tour to Machu Picchu is out of your budget, there’s no need to worry. Peru offers the budget-conscious traveler plenty to see and do for less. These budget-friendly options include:

• sailing down the Amazon
• enjoying the white-sand beaches of Mancora
• touring lesser known Inca ruins like Choquequirao.

The often overlooked Eastern European country of Poland is a hidden gem, especially for college-aged travelers on a budget. The fairy tale-like town of Krakow features a cobblestoned main square and a McDonalds that just happens to double as a fascinating archaeological site. Meanwhile, Warsaw is chock full of history that even art majors are sure to appreciate. Both cities offer visitors free or inexpensive activities, including:

• outdoor concerts
• ornate gardens
• good, old-fashioned exploring on foot.

Want to experience Europe without the insanely high prices? Then head to Portugal! This beautiful country is often overlooked by tourists, but that’s a mistake. The capital city of Lisbon is a great destination for historical and cultural sites, while the coastal towns of the Algarve are ideal for relaxing on the beach. And because Portugal’s overall cost of living is 30% less than the rest of Western Europe, its costs of accommodation, food, and transportation are all much less too. Must-do activities include:

• lazing on the beach
• visiting castles
• trying fresh seafood from cafes.

College students who travel all the way to Eastern Europe will be thrilled with all that Romania has to offer. Surviving day-to-day in this budget-friendly country can often mean $40 a day for sit-down meals, clean accommodations, and public transportation. Romania’s best offerings — its historic architecture, welcoming charm, and interesting culture — are all free.

Quito, Ecuador

If you’re okay saving the expensive Galapagos Islands for another time, then Ecuador is a near perfect travel destination for college students on a budget. This is especially true for Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Over the last 10 years, Quito has spent upwards of $250 million to make itself more appealing to tourists. Today, it’s a bustling city with an impressive number of historic hotels, cozy AirBnBs, and restaurants you’ll want to write home about. Wandering Quito’s maze-like streets, arguably the city’s best adventure activity, is especially easy on the wallet, as are the myriad plazas, cathedrals, and street foods you’ll find along the way.

• Travel on a College Student’s Budget

It's a proven cliche that most college students don't have two pennies to rub together - but that shouldn't stop you from traveling and traveling well. You're young and experiencing the world is a must. Here's how you can save money and still see the sites, relax on the beach, and eat better than that plate of ramen waiting for you back in the dorm.

1. Research the cheapest mode of transportation.

There are cities and airlines around the U.S. that are crying out for fliers by plummeting prices. For example, United airlines is currently offering a one-way trip from Chicago to Boston for $80 while a trip from Phoenix to San Francisco is $58 from Frontier, and a trip to Miami from either Atlanta or Philadelphia is less than $100. However, many options are still too expensive for most on a budget so your choices include traveling by car, bus, or train.

Road trips with friends can be great fun but, if your objective is to get to a specific destination, it can eat into your touring time. But, road trips are also a great vacation in themselves. Instead of touring a major city, think about spending time with a few good friends knocking about the U.S. and seeing some of the best national parks, roadside attractions , and colorful small towns that aren't on any tourism lists. Check out this blog on U.S. alternatives to international travel to find cities like Hermann, Missouri that look and feel like rural Germany and more.

Depending on your proximity to your destination, buses can be a lot cheaper. You don't have to pay for gas, you don't have to drive, and you can sleep in the back. But...unless you're within a few hours distance, bus travel can be very lengthy with all of their stops.

Trains , on the other hand, are great for long distance, discount travel and many like Amtrak have offers for tourists and students. Amtrak has discounts (25% off and more) for downtown-to-downtown trips in the northeast. This will also cut down on public transportation within the city as the trains take you directly to the action. For example, a trip from New York City to Philadelphia will cost you $41, less than a tank of gas, while New York to Boston or Baltimore runs at $52. Amtrak also offers vacation packages to New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and more. Better yet, the train criss-crosses all over the country and you can practically hop on board one from anywhere.

2. Be flexible about when you go, where you go, where you stay, eat, etc. Focus not on a specific destination but on the type of vacation you want to have. Do you want to lie on the beach or hike the Grand Canyon? Do you want to tour Fifth Avenue or take a trip to Walt Disney World ? There are great times to visit each from a budget, and crowd, standpoint. The off-season - winter months for most destinations - often saves you a big chunk of change. If you can swing it with your schedule, many hotels and attractions offer special deals in addition to their discounted prices in attempt to bring in tourists.

Being flexible about your hotel is also a money saver. We all want down feather pillows and ocean views but sometimes it means choosing between a good hotel and good sightseeing. You don't have to stay in a pit, though. Research cheaper hotels outside the city center or in neighboring suburbs and commute to the attractions. Airport hotels may be loud but they're much cheaper, as are roadside highway hotels like Super 8 and Motel 6.

Some cities are, of course, more expensive than others. Seattle was recently named by TripAdvisor as the most expensive city to visit while Hotels.com stated that New York City, Manhattan held the prize for most expensive hotel prices. If these are your dream cities, there are ways around the high prices - all it takes is a little finness and a lot of research. Check out this blog on how to save money in Seattle with a suggested three day itinerary and budget tips.

3. Spend money to save money.

Touring can be ridiculously expensive, especially when you're in a big city like NYC. A single day's touring of, let's say three attractions, can set you back around $60 not counting food, lodging, or souvenirs. Large cities like this have ways around it with tourism passes that can save you up to 60% in admission costs. NYC, for example, offers the New York Pass which gives you free entry to 80+ attractions like the MoMA and the Statue of Liberty plus dining, shopping, and entertainment discounts like 10% off Broadway show tickets. CityPass is another nationwide company that has passes in 11 U.S. cities and regions including Chicago, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, and Seattle with comparable offers. The cards go for around $60-$80 for adults and depending on the city, they can give you up to two weeks of touring offers.

4. Travel with friends.

It's common sense to say that traveling with friends is cheaper overall than traveling alone or with one other person. If you road trip, share the gas bill. When you're eating out, get an appetizer and an entree and split to save a few bucks. Hotels are also a big money saver with a large group as you can reduce your individual costs by splitting the difference up to 4-5 ways. If you stay in, say, Dallas where the average hotel cost is $65, splitting it with three other people means you only spend $16.25. That's a ridiculously low price, even lower than most hostel prices. Plus, traveling with friends is perhaps the most fun way to travel as you can share experiences, memories, and stories for years after.

5. Destinations and Ideas

• Denver - average hotel cost per night $52
• Charlotte, NC - average hotel cost per night $67
• Phoenix, AZ - hotel costs during the summer months are driven down by the extravagant heat index and averages out at $67 a night.
• Reno, NV - Stay in Reno where hotels average at $83 a night and visit Lake Tahoe or drive 2 hours to Sacramento.
• Road trip to national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, and Grand Teton - many parks require either one-time entrance fees or, at parks like Yellowstone, they offer 7 day passes for $30 per car entrance and $15 by foot. There are also free entrance days for many parks on particular holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, and Veterans Day.
• Road trip to small towns along the coasts for beautiful scenery and small town prices. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the U.S. and leads through small, gorgeous towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, California.

Written by Josh Hettinger

View all posts by: Josh Hettinger

Related Posts

Are you looking for an affordable, customized group trip?

*Privacy Policy

HappyLuxe Blog

Traveling On A College Budget – Tips For Students

Best overall travel pillow, tranquil ease travel pillow, journey in comfort.

Tranquil Ease Travel Pillow – Tailored for Restful Travels, Hypoallergenic Material, Easily Portable – Experience Blissful Relaxation On-the-Go

Are you a college student dreaming of exploring the world, but worried about your limited budget? Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from embarking on incredible travel adventures!

In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and tricks on how to travel on a college budget.

Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to creating a travel budget. By researching affordable destinations and taking advantage of student discounts, you can stretch your dollars further. We’ll also show you how to find cheap flights and explore alternative accommodation options that won’t break the bank.

But why not turn your journey into an opportunity for personal growth? Discover work or volunteer opportunities abroad that can help offset costs while allowing you to immerse yourself in different cultures.

To make the most of your funds, we’ll introduce you to various travel apps and websites offering deals and discounts. Additionally, we’ll share essential tips on staying safe and traveling responsibly.

Lastly, learn how documenting and sharing your travel experiences can not only enrich your memories but also inspire others. Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures without compromising your college budget!

Planning Ahead: Creating a Travel Budget

Now, it’s time for you to buckle down and create a travel budget that will allow you to explore the world without breaking the bank.

As a college student, saving money is essential, and there are several ways you can do this when planning your trip.

First, take advantage of student discounts. Many attractions, museums, and transportation services offer discounted rates for college students.

Additionally, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or renting out a room through websites like Airbnb. This can significantly reduce your lodging expenses.

When it comes to travel expenses, be on the lookout for deals and discounts on flights. Websites like Skyscanner or Kayak offer tools that help find the cheapest flight prices available.

Lastly, don’t forget to allocate enough spending money for food costs while traveling.

By following these tips and creating a solid travel budget based on your student budget, you’ll be able to enjoy your adventures without worrying about overspending.

Researching Affordable Destinations

First, start by exploring destinations that won’t break the bank. As a broke college student, it’s important to find affordable options for your travels.

Consider visiting destinations during the off-season when prices are generally lower. Research countries where the cost of living is relatively low and public transportation is readily available.

Look into volunteer programs that offer opportunities to travel on a tight budget in exchange for your services. Take advantage of student discounts by showing your student ID at attractions and museums.

Another way to save money is by cooking your own meals instead of eating out every day. By researching affordable destinations and utilizing these tips, you can embark on an international trip without breaking your college budget.

Taking Advantage of Student Discounts

Don’t miss out on the incredible deals and savings you can score with student discounts while exploring new destinations! As a student, your budget may be tight, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice travel . One way to make the most of your limited funds is by taking advantage of student discounts.

From discounted airfare and accommodations to attractions and meals, there are plenty of opportunities to save money. Make sure to always carry your student ID and inquire about available discounts everywhere you go. Additionally, consider investing in travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected expenses.

Whether you’re planning shorter weekend getaways or longer trips during your college years, finding the best deal is key. Look into study abroad programs or special student travel programs that offer exclusive discounts for students like you who are ready to explore the world on a broke college budget.

Finding Cheap Flights

When you’re a college student on a budget, finding affordable flights is crucial. Start by being flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Avoid traveling during peak seasons like spring break, as prices tend to skyrocket. Look for budget airlines or use flight comparison websites to find the best deals.

Another tip is to pack light and avoid checking in luggage, as this can save you money on baggage fees. Consider booking a shared room instead of a hotel to cut down accommodation costs. To fund your trips, consider getting a part-time job or freelancing online. Follow budget-friendly travel bloggers for tips on free activities and local insights at your destination.

Studying abroad can also be an opportunity to explore nearby countries without breaking the bank. Remember, with some planning and research, you can make your travel dreams come true while staying within your college budget!

Exploring Alternative Accommodation Options

Consider branching out from traditional hotels and explore alternative accommodation options that can provide a unique and immersive experience during your travels. By thinking outside the box, you can save money while still enjoying comfortable accommodations.

Have you ever considered staying in a hostel? These budget-friendly options often offer dormitory-style rooms where you can meet fellow travelers from around the world. Not only will you spend less money on lodging, but hostels also provide communal spaces where you can socialize and exchange travel tips .

Another option is to try house-sitting or couchsurfing, which allow you to stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for taking care of their property or simply being a respectful guest. Additionally, there are websites that connect travelers with locals who are willing to rent out spare rooms at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.

With these alternative accommodation options, you can have an enriching experience without spending more money than necessary – it’s a win-win situation!

Packing Light and Smart

Packing light and smart can make your journey stress-free and liberating, allowing you to fully embrace the freedom of exploration.

When traveling on a college budget, it’s important to pack efficiently in order to save money on baggage fees and have more room for souvenirs.

Start by choosing versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched easily. Opt for lightweight fabrics that are easy to wash and quick to dry.

Don’t forget essentials like a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a travel-sized toiletry kit.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space in your suitcase. Consider using packing cubes or compression bags to further optimize storage.

Finally, make sure to pack any necessary electronics or chargers securely in your carry-on bag so they’re easily accessible during the journey.

With these tips, you’ll be ready for an amazing adventure without being weighed down by unnecessary belongings!

Utilizing Public Transportation

Hop on the local bus or subway to effortlessly navigate through bustling city streets and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of your destination. Public transportation isn’t just cost-effective, it also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the authentic charm of a place.

With well-connected routes and frequent schedules, you can easily explore various attractions without worrying about parking or getting lost. Grab a map or use a navigation app to plan your route beforehand, ensuring that you make the most of your time and money.

Take advantage of student discounts, which are often available for public transportation passes. So, leave behind expensive taxis and embrace the adventure of riding buses or subways like a true local while saving those precious dollars for other exciting experiences on your college budget!

Trying Local Street Food

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of local street food and let your taste buds dance with joy as you savor every bite. One of the best ways to experience a new culture while traveling on a college budget is by trying the delicious street food that locals enjoy.

Not only is it affordable, but it also gives you an authentic taste of the region’s culinary traditions. From savory kebabs to steaming bowls of noodles, each dish tells its own unique story.

Wander through bustling markets and follow the enticing aromas that fill the air. Engage with friendly vendors who’re more than happy to recommend their specialties.

Whether you’re in Asia, Europe, or South America, exploring local street food is an adventure for your senses that’ll leave you craving for more.

Embracing Free or Low-Cost Activities

Explore the vibrant markets, where you can find unique handicrafts and taste traditional snacks without breaking the bank.

Take a leisurely stroll through the city’s parks and gardens, enjoying the beauty of nature while people-watching.

Many museums offer discounted or free admission for students, so take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the history and art of your chosen location.

Attend local festivals or events, where you can experience live music, dance performances, and delicious street food at a fraction of the cost compared to touristy venues.

By engaging in these affordable activities, you not only save money but also create lasting memories and forge connections with locals who share their passions with you.

Connecting with Locals for Insider Tips

Make a genuine effort to connect with locals during your trip, as they can provide valuable insider tips and recommendations for hidden gems that you won’t find in guidebooks or tourist websites.

Locals have the inside scoop on the best local restaurants, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and unique experiences that are often free or low-cost.

Strike up conversations with people you meet at coffee shops, parks, or public transportation. Ask them about their favorite spots in town or any upcoming events.

Not only will you get great recommendations, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and make new friends along the way.

Connecting with locals not only enhances your travel experience but also helps support the community by spending money at local businesses instead of just sticking to popular tourist areas.

Joining Student Travel Groups or Programs

Joining student travel groups or programs allows you to experience the adventure of exploring new places and cultures with like-minded individuals, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

These groups offer an incredible opportunity for students to travel on a budget while still having amazing experiences. By joining these programs, you gain access to discounted rates for accommodations, transportation, and activities.

You also have the chance to meet other students from around the world who share your passion for exploration. The group dynamic creates a supportive environment where everyone is excited about discovering new destinations together.

Additionally, many student travel programs provide expert guides who can offer valuable insights and insider tips about the places you visit. So not only do you get to see incredible sights, but you also learn more about the history, culture, and hidden gems of each location.

Joining a student travel group or program is an excellent way to make your college budget stretch further while embarking on unforgettable adventures.

Considering Work or Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

Looking for a unique and fulfilling way to broaden your horizons? Consider exploring work or volunteer opportunities abroad, where you can contribute to meaningful projects while gaining invaluable international experience.

Working or volunteering abroad not only allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture but also offers the chance to develop new skills and make lifelong connections with people from around the world.

Whether it’s teaching English in a rural village, helping build sustainable infrastructure in developing countries, or working on wildlife conservation projects, there are countless opportunities available for students on a budget.

Many organizations offer accommodations and meals in exchange for your time and effort, making it an affordable option for college students.

So why not step out of your comfort zone and embark on a life-changing adventure while giving back to communities in need?

Using Travel Apps and Websites for Deals and Discounts

Using travel apps and websites can help you score incredible deals and discounts for your next adventure abroad. With just a few taps on your smartphone or clicks on your computer, you can unlock a world of savings.

These platforms provide a wealth of information about flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities at your destination. They compare prices from different providers, allowing you to find the best options that fit within your college budget. You can also set up price alerts or browse through last-minute deals for even more savings.

Additionally, many travel apps offer exclusive discounts and promotions for students, making it even easier to save money while exploring new places. So before you embark on your next trip, be sure to download some travel apps and bookmark useful websites – they’ll become invaluable tools in helping you make the most of your college adventures without breaking the bank.

Staying Safe and Traveling Responsibly

Now that you’ve learned how to score great deals and discounts on travel apps and websites, it’s time to focus on something equally important: staying safe and traveling responsibly.

As a student on a budget, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety while exploring new places. Before embarking on any trip, make sure to research the area you’ll be visiting and familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.

Always keep your personal belongings secure and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. It’s also essential to travel responsibly by being mindful of the environment and local communities.

Support local businesses, respect cultural norms, and be conscious of your impact as a traveler. By taking these precautions, you can have an enjoyable and responsible travel experience without breaking the bank.

Documenting and Sharing Your Travel Experiences

One way to do this is by taking photos of the places you visit, whether it’s a breathtaking landscape or a local market bustling with activity. Don’t forget to capture the small details too, like the delicious food you try or the interesting people you meet along the way.

In addition to taking photos, consider keeping a travel journal where you can write down your thoughts and reflections about each destination. This will not only help you remember specific details but also provide a space for personal growth and self-reflection.

Lastly, don’t forget to share your experiences with friends and family through social media or by creating a blog. This allows others to join in on your adventures and be inspired by your travels.

So go ahead, start documenting and sharing your travel experiences – they’re stories worth telling!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i find the best deals on flights.

To find the best flight deals, use websites like Skyscanner or Kayak that compare prices from different airlines. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons for cheaper fares.

Are there any specific student travel programs or groups I can join?

Yes, there are several student travel programs and groups you can join. They offer discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities. It’s a great way to meet other students who share your passion for travel!

What are some alternative accommodation options for budget travelers?

Looking for affordable accommodations while traveling on a budget? Consider alternatives like hostels, couchsurfing, or camping. Hostels offer cheap dormitory-style rooms, while couchsurfing allows you to stay with locals for free. Camping is another low-cost option for outdoor enthusiasts.

How can I stay safe and travel responsibly while on a college budget?

To stay safe and travel responsibly on a college budget, research your destination beforehand, avoid risky areas at night, use common sense, and be aware of local customs and laws. Carry important documents securely and keep emergency contact information handy.

What are some recommended travel apps and websites for finding deals and discounts?

Looking for travel deals on a college budget? Check out websites like Skyscanner and Kayak to find cheap flights. Use apps like HotelTonight and Hostelworld to score discounted accommodations. Happy travels!

So there you have it, fellow students! Traveling on a college budget doesn’t have to be impossible.

By planning ahead and creating a travel budget , researching affordable destinations, and taking advantage of student discounts, you can make the most out of your limited funds.

Finding cheap flights, exploring alternative accommodation options, and considering work or volunteer opportunities abroad are also great ways to save money while traveling.

Using travel apps and websites for deals and discounts, staying safe, and traveling responsibly are important factors to keep in mind.

Lastly, documenting and sharing your travel experiences will not only help you remember them but also inspire others to go out and start exploring the world!

Similar Posts

Traveling Costa Rica On A Budget: Insider Tips For Affordable Adventures

Looking for an adventure-filled vacation that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Costa Rica! With its stunning…

Traveling Africa On A Budget: Expert Tips For Affordable Adventures

Looking to embark on an unforgettable adventure through Africa, but worried about the cost? Don’t fret! We’ve got you…

Ultimate Carry On Travel Packing List: Essential Items And Tips

Are you tired of lugging around heavy suitcases and waiting at baggage claim? It’s time to master the art…

Ultimate Solo Travel Packing List For Female Adventurers

Are you a female adventurer ready to embark on a solo travel journey? Packing for such an adventure can…

Traveling To Tokyo On A Budget: Discover Affordable Adventures

Are you dreaming of exploring the vibrant streets and ancient traditions of Tokyo, but worried about breaking the bank?…

Discover The Perfect Shawl Wrap: Styles, Designs, And More

Have you ever wondered why the shawl wrap is such an enduring fashion staple? It’s not just because of…

Agent Information

← Return to Blog

6 Ways College Students Can Travel on a Budget

Travel Team | Feb 14, 2024

Share Twitter   share

Cliches are cliches for a reason. There’s usually at least a grain of truth to them. The stereotype of the broke college student exists because, well, we’re usually short of funds for those four (or more) years.

That doesn’t mean we don’t still dream big, though. If your big dreams include travel, you might need some ideas and inspiration for how you can see the world even when your wallet is looking a bit empty.

Check out our latest tips and tricks for the broke college student fulfilling their travel dreams.

6 Types of Budget-Friendly Travel for Students

“As someone who has held a passion for traveling from a young age,” said Nicolle Kain , a former college intern with Seven Corners, “I have been desperately searching for ways to see the world while working on those college loans.” Here are a few of her tactics.

1. Study abroad

As Nicolle reminds us, “Study abroad programs are designed for college students and offer a safe and inexpensive way to explore the world without putting your education on hold.”

The key to making the most of your travel dollars is choosing your study abroad destination and activities wisely. If you’re a biology major, Costa Rica or Australia might be a good fit. If you’re interested in the arts, try Italy. A good program match can make sure you’re not wasting your money.

Learn how to budget for study abroad . As much as we love travel, going deep into debt for it isn’t a smart decision.

2. Voluntouring

Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to give back to the community you’re visiting. These trips tend to be less expensive, partly because you may be visiting an area with a lower cost of living, but also because the organizations that set up a voluntour know that you’re paying for your trip partially by working. Some missions even sponsor college students, easing even more of your financial burden.

Not all international volunteer organizations are the same. Do your homework to find one that’s reputable as well as match with the right opportunity that fits your interests, skillset, and budget. Find out more about how to be a responsible voluntourist before you make any major decisions.

3. Work exchange

Like voluntouring, you’ll be flexing a bit of muscle during your trip. With a work exchange, you pay for your room and board by providing labor to an organization. You could be working on a farm or orchard, house sitting, or helping with a sustainability project or other community effort.

Don’t worry about missing the chance to actually travel. While you are somewhat tied to a single home base, you’re usually only working for part of the day, leaving the afternoons and evenings open for exploring.

You can find these unique opportunities through groups like Workaway .

4. College ambassadors

The side hustle of being an ambassador or an influencer is one way to earn money or points for travel. Nicolle held a position as an ambassador for a travel organization when she was a student and earned a free trip by recruiting other people to the organization.

5. Contests and giveaways

People win radio and Instagram contests all the time. Why not you?

“Google ‘trip giveaways,’” says Nicolle, “and you would be surprised at how many different trip sweepstakes pop up. Be warned, however, to always read the fine print.” Know what you’re signing up for before you dish out personal information or your email address.

Don’t sweat it if you never win an all-inclusive trip. Look for contests that give away travel-related items like free luggage or airline vouchers.

6. Student travel deals

If you’re someone who knows which night each local restaurant has the best happy hour deals, you have what it takes to travel on a budget. Spend some time finding the right deals instead of booking the first thing that pops up, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

For students with flexible schedules, you’ll want to take your trip during the off- or shoulder season . It’s easier to find travel deals when the destination isn’t already overrun with other tourists.

Look for flight deals , too. Sometimes that means booking on a budget airline, but sometimes you want to choose a more mainstream airline that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you to pick your seat, check or carry on a bag, get a drink, watch a movie, or borrow a pillow. It might seem more expensive when you book the flight, but you could save more money in the end without all those hidden fees .

Instead of hotels, consider booking a hostel. Hostels are well-known in the student travel world. They’re inexpensive because they’re basic and because you’ll probably share a room with two to 15 strangers.

For more privacy, rent a room in someone’s house through Airbnb or Vrbo. You’re not necessarily looking for fancy, just safe, clean, and on budget.

Travel with a backpack. You might be a backpacker on a gap year or a weekender packing light. Either way, by traveling with a smaller bag instead of massive luggage, you could save some cash.

“It’s all about prioritizing,” says Nicolle, who admits to being guilty of overpacking from time to time. “Not only is a backpack cheaper to fly with, but the limited storage helps you resist tacky souvenirs that you may regret purchasing once you land back home.”

Finally, keep an eye out for student discounts. Lots of museums, theaters, tours, public transportation, even restaurants will offer cheaper prices if you show a valid student ID. This might be the easiest way to save a few bucks.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

When you’re trying to save money on travel, why would you want to spend more money on travel insurance? You might not even need to use it. But here’s the deal. The price of not protecting your trip, health, and belongings can be much higher than what you’d pay for a travel insurance plan.

Why risk losing the money you paid for your trip if you have to cancel it? Will you be able to afford replacing your luggage if it gets lost or stolen? Travel insurance can help reduce the financial risk that comes when something bad happens during your trip.

Seven Corners offers a variety of plans designed to fit every kind of trip and budget. Consider Seven Corners Backpacker Travel Insurance , an economical plan that provides essential medical benefits, or see what other types of coverage could be right for you. Get a quick quote online at SevenCorners.com .

About the Authors

Nicolle Kain and Becky Hart contributed to this article. You can read more of their expert travel advice on the Seven Corners blog .

Travel Like a Pro with The Wayfinder

Did you enjoy this blog? Get more articles like it before anyone else when you subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Wayfinder.

• Infographics
• Study Abroad
• Testimonials
• Travel Destinations
• Travel Insurance Advice
• Travel Tips

Search Posts

Newsletter alert

Receive our monthly inspiration and travel tips from the travel insurance experts.

303 Congressional Blvd.

Carmel, Indiana 46032

Our Markets

• Consumer Insurance
• Government Solutions
• Trip Protection
• Trip Protection Annual Multi-Trip
• Trip Protection USA
• Travel Medical
• Travel Medical USA Visitor
• Cruise Insurance
• Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
• Partnerships
• 24 Hour Urgent Travel Assistance
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Developer Portal
• System Status

[email protected]

Copyright © 2024 Seven Corners Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy   |   Cookies   |   Terms of Use   |   Security

How to Travel as a Student: Creative Ways to Travel on a Student Budget

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).

Want to travel as a student, but feeling like it’s impossible? Well, it’s more attainable than you think! Keep reading to discover creative ways you can save money for travel and how you can travel as a full-time student!

As a high school or college student, it can be really hard to travel, even if you do have some financial help from your family. Not everyone can afford to travel on a student budget. However, traveling doesn’t have to be completely unattainable as a student. Students should take time outside of the classroom to learn about the world around them. As young people, it’s important to be exposed to other cultures, languages, and people. Traveling cultivates learning! We think it’s so important to travel while you’re young , so traveling as a student is one of the best ways to do it!

In this guide, we share some of the strategies we have used to travel as a student and travel on a student budget. As college or high school students, there are tons of opportunities for student travel, but you have to know where to look!

15+ Tips for Traveling as a Student and Creative Ways to Travel on a Student Budget

How to travel as a full-time student.

In this section of our how to travel as a student guide, we’re going to go over the student budget strategies we implemented while we were in college in order to make travel possible!

It seems obvious that you’ll need to save money, but it’s something you need to consciously do. Don’t save so much that you’re passing up your favorite restaurants and foods at the grocery store. Just be conscious. Use a piggy bank. Create a college student travel fund and budget. The easiest way to do this is to take a certain percent of your paycheck and save it for a travel fund.

1. Look For Student Discounts on Hotel and Flights

Student Universe offers tons of student flight discounts and deals specifically for students. Throughout the year, cheap flights for students are offers which are perfect for spring and summer break trip planning. And of course, Airbnb is very popular with young people for accommodations because some places can be so cheap, especially if you’re splitting the cost with friends!

Student Discount – Save 10% off with verified Student ID

Book Now on StudentUniverse.com for the best flight for the best prices!

2. Use Cashback Services for Online Shopping

Make easy money by online shopping by using Rakuten ! It’s easy to use a plugin on your browser that gives you cashback on your purchases. Simply install the plugin and the next time you go on an eligible shopping website, it will ask you to activate it! Simply activate and get shopping. Rakuten will then send you a check in the mail every few months with your earnings!

Ibotta is another app that lets you submit your grocery receipts for cash back too! Simply sign up and check out your local stores for eligible cashback purchases.

These apps and services are really easy ways to get money back on things that you buy all of the time!

3. Ask for Travel Related Gifts or Money as Gifts for Holidays and Birthdays

If your family does money or gifts for birthdays and holidays, consider asking for money of gifts that will cut down on student travel costs. Ask for luggage for your birthday or suggest useful travel products as gifts so that you don’t have to buy them on your own. Here’s our list of suggested gifts for student travelers !

4. Get Student Credit Card Reward Savy

Credit card rewards programs are all over the place these days. But one of the challenges for students is getting approved for a credit card! The student Discover Card and Bank of America Travel Rewards credit cards are two cards that we used throughout college. Neither of these cards has annual fees and they were very easy to get approved for as students. If you’re going to dive into the world of credit cards, always pay off your full balance at the end of the month so you don’t slide into credit card debt!

5. Find a Travel Buddy

One of the easiest ways to cut travel costs is by splitting the cost with a friend! Find out which of your friends love to travel and plan a trip together! By traveling with others, you can split costs on hotels, car rentals, and other activities!

6. Sell the Stuff You Don’t Need

As people who have recently transitioned from the “college world” to the “real world” (we hate these phrases, but they get the point across), we realized there were a lot of things that we accumulated throughout college that we didn’t need anymore. Like clothes that aren’t appropriate for the workplace, old clothes, dorm room items. Consider doing some spring cleaning and sell your gently used items on apps like Poshmark . If you use code KathrineC3 you’ll get a $10 credit at no cost to you!

7. Cut Out Hidden Costs, But Don’t Sacrifice Things You Love

With the number of memberships and monthly fees that seem to pop up out of nowhere, consider doing a recurring fee detox. Go through your memberships and subscriptions that you don’t use. Can you downgrade your iCloud Storage? Are you using your gym membership? Could you share Spotify or Netflix with a family member or close friend? With so many things requiring memberships, consider sneaky ways to cut them out without losing the things you enjoy. (We know and understand that Netflix is every college students best friend.)

Here are some hidden recurring costs that you can think about cutting!

• Gym membership
• Cloud storage
• Streaming services (music and TV)
• Cable package so you can keep streaming!

8. Drink and Eat at Home

A $9 mixed drink for only a shot of liquor? No thanks. Drinking at home can significantly cut down your expenses. Split a bottle of wine or a 12 pack with your friends for a weekend of fun instead of hitting the bars with the cover charge.

Just like drinking out, eating out can be really expensive and add up over time. Cut down on eating out by packing lunches or by cooking meals at home with your roommates and friends!

9. Study Abroad

The obvious option for students is to study abroad. Many schools offer study abroad programs all around the world where you can live for a semester and complete courses. If you want to study abroad as a student, definitely plan early in your program! Some programs and majors have very strict schedules so you can graduate on time. So make sure that studying abroad fits and is possible!

Or if you’re really interested in a life of travel, consider a major that allows for international immersion and learning experiences. Such majors include international business, foreign languages, or internationally focused humanities (European literature or history, African studies etc)

10. Travel With a Tour agency like EF Ultimate Break

EF Ultimate Break is a great option for students who want to travel abroad, but can’t take a whole semester abroad. EF Ultimate Break does trips all around the world at ranging lengths to fit your budget and interests. Read more about our experience with EF Ultimate Break here! 

11. Travel Locally

You don’t always have to travel abroad to some exotic place to travel. Think about the places near your hometown and school that might be worth visiting. You never know, there might be some interesting places nearby! Traveling locally is great for weekend getaways and affordable trips.

12. Travel During Your School Breaks

Take advantage of your school breaks as a student, because this perk will fade as you leave the student world. Try to take a trip over spring or winter break with your friends. Traveling with others will cut down on the cost and give you and your friends a chance to travel together! Read more about our suggestions for spring break as a student here ! And there are plenty of destinations in the United States that are incredibly affordable for college breaks!

13. Go on a Service Trip

Service trips are a great way to see the world while giving back to others. However, don’t do a service trip as a means to travel. The perk of traveling should be secondary to your desire to help others and sustainably alleviate poverty. Read more about our experience with service trips here! 

14. Travel with Your School

In addition, to study abroad programs, many schools offer short-term international travel experiences over spring and winter breaks. These can come in the form of trips with the courses.  Some foreign languages courses and other internationally focused courses offer these kinds of opportunities.

Group travel for ages 18-29 – explore EF Ultimate Break today!

15. Apply for International Internships

Internships don’t always have to be done within your home country! Consider doing a summer internship abroad. Interning abroad gives you international professional experience and the opportunity to visit somewhere new!

16. Take a Gap Year

Taking a gap year between moving onto your next chapter of life is becoming more and more common. Some people take gap years by joining the Peace Corp or simply traveling the world. Before you enter the workforce, it’s hard to know how busy you will be once you start working.  Some countries, like the United States, are highly focused on working and careers, so being a new employee after graduation doesn’t always bring a lot of vacation days. Taking a gap year before working gives you the chance to travel before you begin working.

17. Make your Class Student Travel Friendly

As college students, you have some flexibility in your class schedule, so why not make your schedule travel friendly? Consider leaving Fridays and Mondays without classes so you can take extended weekends! By leaving these days free, you can plan to travel to more distant places and spend more time at a destination!

Learn more about planning the perfect weekend trip in our guide !

18. Consider Nontraditional College

Completing degrees online is being increasingly popular, especially in the United States where tuition costs continue to rise. Online courses are not only more affordable, but they enable you to work from anywhere! If you really want to commit to more full-time or part-time travel, doing your degree online will give you more freedom!

Traveling as a Student is Possible!

See traveling as a student is 100% possible if you set your mind to it and think outside the box. Even on a student budget, there are creative ways to save money, take advantage of student discounts, and be travel savvy!

Subscribe to our youTube!

• South America
• North America
• Thing to Do
• Travel Tips
• Hotels & Resorts
• Travel Accessories
• Travel Shop
• Write for Us
• Destinations

10 Best Cheap Travel Destinations for College Students in the USA

Traveling with your buddies is always a fabulous idea. We understand that college budget has some restrictions when you wish to travel. However, a trip together is definitely a cherry on the cake to your friendship. Here are 10 best cheap travel destinations for college students in the USA .

These destinations are not only best but also won’t blow your budget and yet assure you the most memorable trip. Start saving and start planning your perfect itinerary. Make most of your upcoming spring break or summer vacation or the much-awaited winter break.

10 Best Budget-Friendly Traveling Destinations for College Students in the USA

• New Orleans
• Myrtle Beach
• Oklahoma City
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Tucson, Arizona
• Grand Canyon

1. New Orleans

It is the best cheap spring break vacations for college students . A must-visit is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, an event of Carnival traits. You may also consider keeping yourself up until the wee hours at the Bourbon Street clubs.

Moving around New Orleans is easy as well as economic. One day Jazzy Pass will cost you only $3 which gives you access to riding any streetcar or local bus, any number of times.

Entertainment and fun are very affordable in New Orleans. Explore by foot or hop on any streetcar, or take a riverboat cruise. Try a bite on signature dishes: crawfish, red beans, and rice, beignets, gumbo, creole dishes.

2. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is also known as the resort city. Amusement-parks and clean beaches are the main attractions. When not on the beaches, you may visit the Ripley’s Aquarium and the Broadway Grand Prix.

Myrtle is a perfect place for the students. You can have many entertainment options without spending a fortune. Save more by renting a home for your stay. Visiting the tourism board will give you access to many coupons for attractions, shopping and much more. From chained restaurants to locally owned eateries, you’ll have many options for fine dining. It thus makes Myrtle Beach one of the cheap spring break trips for college students .

Duty-free shopping, scuba diving, fishing and more than 500 islands are reasons enough to visit the Bahamas. If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to enjoy white washed shores.

Save your money and try booking an all-inclusive package. Try johnnycakes and peas n’ rice at any of the islands. The best way of getting around the Bahamas is by public buses (known as jitneys). However, this facility is not available on all islands. The crime rate in the Bahamas is high, hence be cautious and safe. Nonetheless, Bahamas is the best place to consider it for an all-inclusive vacation for college students.

Denver, the Mile High City offers you a number of free hiking and biking trails around the city. The MallRide service lets you travel around downtown for free. Even the public transportation here is safe, reliable and easy on your pocket as well.

Consider staying at hostels for as less as $19 per bed, per night. Denver has many attractions to amaze you. Breweries are the most well-known. The Coors Brewery tour is free. Follow this tour with the tour of museums, most of which are free or inexpensive. Breathtaking views await you at the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. The free access to must-visit attractions makes Denver one of the cheap vacations for college students in the US.

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is also the most populous city. It can rain anytime, so it’s a good idea to carry your umbrella always. This city is not only historically rich but also culturally rich.

There is an entire list of the attractions, such as the Guinness Store House, the Temple Bar, Dublin Castle and much more. Overlook the breathtaking views of the entire city with a pint of beer in hand from the Guinness Storehouse. Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green parks are great attractions, and you do not have to spend any money to visit the same. Relax and enjoy in one of the pubs on any night. Dublin is one of the most-preferred and cheap summer trips for college students .

6. Oklahoma City

This city offers you plenty of fun things and is one of the best places for college students to travel in the US . From funky festivals to not so boring museums, Oklahoma has many attractions. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a must-visit.

Test your fitness level at the Sandridge Sky Trail and overcome your phobia of heights. Try eating the originality of Oklahoma, the fried onion burger at the Mother Tucker.

This city is also home to world’s largest livestock market. Discover the science like never before at the CurioCity, located inside the Science Museum.

7. Jacksonville, Florida

A city with many attractions welcomes you to its downtown Riverside Arts Market. Local crafts and wares are on sale on every Saturday. Another must-visit tourist attraction is the Kingsley Plantation and entry is free as well.

Beach lovers have free access to beautiful beaches like Amelia Island, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Atlantic Beach. Jacksonville has surely something for everyone. It is the most preferred place for cheap winter break trips for college students .

Camelback mountain, a very popular tourist attraction welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Hiking and biking is definitely a must for all the enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Check out the world-famous Heard Museum and see what’s in store for you.

The new METRO Light Rail allows you to move around Phoenix for only $3.50, for an all-day pass. There are many good budget hotels for your accommodation. You may consider camping as well.

9. Tucson, Arizona

Arizona’s second largest city has sunny days around the year, and hence it is never a bad time to book your trip to Tucson. Horseback riding, museums, gardens, glass studio tours, biking, beautiful parks, hiking, balloon rides, what more one could ask for? Tucson has loads of fun activities and ample of attractions to keep you all busy.

Go for shopping at the St. Philips Farmers Market. This weekend market is one of the biggest markets in Southwestern Arizona. Lastly, take a tour of the Taste of Tucson Downtown, a cultural walking and culinary tour.

10. Grand Canyon

Make your trip grand by visiting the Grand Canyon. It has been a favorite destination for vacationing. The Grand Canyon is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than 4 million people visiting this site every year. A free shuttle bus operates from March through September, and it takes you through South Rim.

Forget hotels and 5-start stays; instead, opt to camp and save your pocket as well. Get going with your gang. It is also one of the best road trip destinations for college students .

You may also check out other travel destinations as well:

• Best Cheap Weekend Getaways for Couples in the USA
• 10 Best Places to Celebrate Your 21st, 30th and 50th Birthday

Some homework and research will let you explore many cities in the USA at a reasonable price. Now, vacationing doesn’t has to be necessarily expensive. The above comprehensive list is well crafted after consideration of various factors. Be it relaxation or adventure, the places listed won’t break your bank.

Now, fun can be affordable too!

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Birmingham on a budget: free and affordable activities for travelers, discover winter magic: a guide to switzerland’s top ski resorts, switzerland’s best scenic drives: discovering the beauty of the swiss alps, recent posts, skiing & snowboarding in new zealand: all you need to know about, 10 best valentine’s day travel gifting ideas for him and her 2021, 7 must-see & visit in mount rushmore, 8 must have road trip accessories of 2019: gadgets for a long road trip, 5 essential travel tips for beginner backpackers, editor picks, popular posts, world’s 10 best places to celebrate your 21st, 30th and 50th..., 10 best things to do and see in amalfi coast, italy, popular category.

• Destinations 42
• Thing to Do 24
• Travel Tips 22
• Travel Accessories 12
• Hotels & Resorts 3
• Privacy Policy

6 Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks for College Students

Traveling as a college student often means navigating a tight budget and looking for the most cost-effective ways to explore new places. Whether you are planning a spring break getaway, a summer adventure, or just a weekend escape , these six budget-friendly travel hacks can help you make the most out of your journeys without breaking the bank.

Take Care of Academic Tasks Before Traveling

Before setting off on your adventure, ensuring all your academic responsibilities are handled is crucial. This might mean submitting college papers early, informing professors of your travel plans, or setting up a study schedule while you’re away. Preparing academically reduces stress and allows you to enjoy your trip fully.

Utilize digital tools, apps, and Grab My Essay services to stay organized and keep track of important dates and deadlines. This proactive approach ensures you won’t return to a pile of missed work or looming deadlines, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.

As a college student , traveling can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. However, it can also put a significant strain on your budget. With these six budget-friendly travel hacks, you can explore new destinations without worrying about breaking the bank.

1. Embrace Flexibility in Your Travel Plans

One of the biggest keys to budget travel is flexibility. Being open to where and when you travel can save you significant money. For instance, flying mid-week or choosing a less popular destination can lead to cheaper flight tickets . Consider using flight comparison tools that allow you to view prices across a whole month or year. This way, you can spot the cheapest days to fly.

Being open to last-minute deals can also lead to unexpected yet affordable adventures. So, do not take academic tasks on the trip, write research papers beforehand, or outsource them to reliable essay writing services . They guarantee high-quality and on-time submissions so you can relax on the trip and be spontaneous.

2. Go Beyond Traditional Accommodations

Steer clear of expensive hotels and consider alternative accommodations. Options like hostels , guesthouses, or platforms like Airbnb often offer much lower rates. Not only do these types of accommodations save you money, but they also provide a more authentic and local experience.

You can even consider staying in an empty university dorm room during the summer, as some universities rent them at budget-friendly prices. Always read reviews before booking to ensure a safe and pleasant stay.

3. Utilize Student Discounts

Your student ID is a golden ticket to a plethora of discounts worldwide. Many places, from museums and historic sites to restaurants and shops, offer special pricing for students.

Before you travel, research if your destination has a city tourist card that includes free or discounted entry to major attractions and public transportation. Apps and websites for student travel can also help you find exclusive deals and discounts.

4. Pack Smart and Light

Excess baggage fees can quickly add up, so packing light is essential. Stick to the essentials and remember that you can often buy or borrow items at your destination. Not only does this save you money on baggage fees, but it also gives you more freedom to move around easily.

Read about more mistakes that seasonal travelers make and prepare. Bring reusable items like a water bottle and a cloth shopping bag, which are both budget-friendly and eco-friendly.

5. Plan and Prepare Your Meals

Eating out can be one of the biggest expenses while traveling. To save money, consider preparing your meals. Stay in places with a kitchen, shop at local markets, and cook your meals. This saves money and allows you to experience local cuisines and ingredients. Even packing simple snacks or a picnic lunch for day trips can drastically cut food costs.

6. Travel with Friends and Split Costs

Traveling in a group can significantly reduce individual expenses. You can split costs on accommodations, transportation, and even meals. Additionally, group travel often opens the door to bulk discounts on activities and attractions. Not only is it cost-effective, but traveling with friends enhances the overall experience, creating shared memories that last a lifetime.

Traveling on a budget as a college student doesn’t mean you have to miss out on amazing experiences. By embracing flexibility, exploring alternative accommodations, taking advantage of student discounts, packing smart, preparing your meals, and traveling with friends, you can explore the world without putting a strain on your wallet. Remember, the goal is to create memorable experiences, not to spend a fortune.

Philip Richardson is a seasoned freelance writer and travel enthusiast specializing in crafting engaging content for a younger audience, particularly college students. Philip has become a trusted voice in the travel blogging community, with a keen eye for budget-friendly travel tips and a passion for exploring diverse cultures. His articles often blend practical advice with personal travel experiences, aiming to inspire and guide students in navigating the world of travel in a budget-conscious yet fulfilling way.

DON'T MISS ANYTHING!

FOMO - do you have it?  Well there is no need to Fear On Missing Out here at Explore With Erin. Sign up to receive updates directly to your in box. I won’t spam you, but I do promise a whole lot of awesomeness. What are you waiting for? Join Me!

PS: We hate spam too, read our Privacy Policy here .

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

We are keen to partner with you! To discuss ways to advertise, sponsor or partner with us please visit our Work With Us page.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of use

Start typing and press Enter to search

YOU ARE THE BEST!

You're In! Thank you for choosing to let me into your Inbox. You won't be disappointed.

It’s not every day I get to personally say hello to you, but I am so pleased you gave me the opportunity to do so.

Thank you again for all your support and I hope you enjoy Explore With Erin.

Physical Address

#1 Shell Camp Owerri, Nigeria

15 Budget Tips for College Students (Benefits, FAQs)

• July 6, 2023

As a college student, you must live off a considerable budget to avoid running out of money.

Creating a budget plan, on the other hand, is not easy for anyone to do. However, developing the ability to plan a budget right from college is a skill that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

This post will provide several tips that will enable you to become more financially stable as a college student and avoid the trap of wastage and borrowing that can be disastrous for your future.

Table of Contents

What is Budgeting?

A budget is a set of preset financial calculations for a period, most commonly a year or a month. Making a spending plan or budget is an important financial habit.

A budget describes this set of financial guidelines. By making a budget, you can see in advance if you have enough money to cover your expenses and yet have some left over for extras.

Putting together a budget is as easy as matching your income with your outgoings.

What is Budgeting For Students?

Budgeting is an ongoing process that students engage in to plan for and achieve their short, medium, and long-term financial goals.

By maintaining a budget, students may ensure that they have the resources necessary to cover essentials like housing, food, utilities, education, and transportation.

A student budget is a roadmap to help you achieve your financial objectives. When you have a budget, you won’t be left wondering where your money went, and your finances will remain under your control.

15 Budget Tips for college students

1. use an app.

There are several budget planning apps in the world at the moment. A budget app can help you to structure your bills and guide you from spending money carelessly.

It does not even cost anything to use most of them. As a college student, try and find an excellent budget planning app for yourself and use it consistently.

2. Begin to pay off student loans

Don’t wait till you start working before you begin to pay back the student loans you collected for your education.

This is because waiting many years will only increase the interest rate, drive the total loan amount higher and make it even more challenging to pay off.

Pay the interest first if your student loan is too big to pay off while in school. Developing the culture of consistently repaying your student loan will assist you in completing the payment much quicker.

3. Take advantage of coupons

It is incomprehensible for students to be ashamed of using coupons to purchase things. Although most people look down on coupons, no one cares when you use a coupon as a student.

Almost every company offers product coupons, and you will find out if you conduct intensive research. The extra money you save as a student can go a long way in settling a need.   

4. Attend free events

Most academic institutions regularly organize free events for their students. So, it would be best to attend those events over those with gate fees.

For instance, if you love to see movies, rather than spending money to go to a local cinema, waiting right until your school organizes a film night will help you save money, especially if you are not going alone.

Additionally, campus events are an excellent opportunity to connect with new people.

The importance of having a bit of savings as a student cannot be overestimated. This is one of the most important budget tips for college students.

If you have some savings, you can tackle any financial challenge on rainy days or unforeseen expenditures.

Even if you don’t have huge finances as a student, start by saving 10% of the total cash that enters your hands. You can increase the percentage of your saving as your finances get better.

6. Don’t always have cash at hand

Having too much cash on you every time will motivate you to spend money carelessly. To avoid this, minimize how much cash you have and put all your money in the bank.

Only withdraw enough cash if you go out for a social event or have fun.

7. Leverage your student ID or student email

Most companies offer discounts to students . However, you can only leverage this discount when purchasing their goods or services if you have your student ID card.

If you are shopping online, use a valid student email to place your orders and always have a scanned copy of your student ID on your device, which may be required to access most online discounts.

Purchasing goods and services at discounted rates will also help you to cut costs.

8. Double or triple your credit card payments

One of the worst things that can happen to any student is having both a high credit card debt and a student loan at the same time.

If you have accumulated an enormous credit card debt, one of the best acts you can do is to pay off the high-interest debt first.

However, this is difficult, and you may have to double or triple your payments simultaneously.

9. Don’t overspend at a shop

Wasting food as a college student living off a tight budget is a budget crime. To avoid living a wasteful life, purchase just the stuff you need from the store and avoid reckless spending.

Always have a weekly grocery budget and don’t exceed it no matter what. Developing the discipline to abide by this budget rule will help you throughout college.

10. Enrol in a community college

Enrolling in a program at a community college first before transitioning to a four-year college is another money-saving hack highly recommended for college students.

Since you can complete a transfer to a university with an associate degree, attending a community college first would be best to avoid spending money on the massive cost of freshmen education that is obtainable at any university.

11. Reduce borrowing to the minimum

If you must leverage student loans to cover your academic costs, reduce them to the minimum. Whether you declare bankruptcy or not, repaying a student loan debt is the only way to resolve it.

So, make sure you develop the right plan that will assist you in tackling any student loan. This is one of the most important budget tips for college students.

12. Obtain a cash-back credit card

Obtaining a cash-back credit card is an excellent financial step if you are accountable with credit cards. A cash-back credit card will enable you to make money even as you buy goods daily.

However, the benefits of using this card type differ from one financial establishment to the other. So, choose the one whose incentives best align with your financial plan.

13. Maintain an excellent academic result

One of the best ways to make money as a student is through scholarships. However, most of the best-paying scholarships are offered to students with excellent academic standing .

Besides scholarships, some companies offer mind-blowing discounts to students with good grades.

You can earn excellent grades in school if you attend classes consistently, study intensively every day, complete your assignments and hand them in before the deadline and use practice tests to prepare for exams and tests.

14. Purchase goods at the dollar store

Honestly, no one prefers to buy stuff at the dollar store. However, it does not change the fact that they offer goods at cheap rates.

To save a few bucks, buy stuff you will discard at your local dollar stores, such as trash bags, paper towels, and others.

15. Cook your meals

Cooking your meals as a student is another fantastic money-saving hack. Besides the fact that you will only have to pay for what you want to consume in your food, home-cooked meals are healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Budget Tips for College Students

You can create a budget as a college student by evaluating your net income, trailing your expenditure, having achievable targets, creating a plan, modifying your expenditure to remain on a budget, and reassessing your budget consistently.

You can manage money effectively by creating a personal budget, saving for retirement, trailing your expenditure, saving for unforeseen issues, establishing a debt payment plan, and cultivating impressive credit card practices.

You must define the following elements to create a reasonable budget; income, fixed, variable, and unplanned expenses.

A budget helps you to trail when and how you make and spend money. It is necessary for personal success.

Creating a spending plan is a difficult task for anyone. Nevertheless, as a student, you must stick to a reasonable budget so that you don’t end up in a financial bind.

Knowing how to budget is a lifelong asset, and it’s one you can start cultivating in college.

In addition to the tips above, working, avoiding cable, and abstaining from smoking are other budget tips you should practice as a college student.  

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

Editor’s Recommendations:

• Top 5 Free Mood Board Software Options for Creatives on a Budget
• 4 Hacks You Need Before Traveling Across Europe on a Student Budget
• 100% Creative ways to save money on a tight budget
• Solo Travel for College Students: Embracing Independence and Self-Discovery
• 7 Financial Facts of Life That Needs To Be Taught In Schools

If you find this article good, please share it with a friend.

Abasiofon Fidelis

Abasiofon Fidelis is a professional writer who loves to write about college life and college applications. He has been writing articles for over 3 years. He is the Content Manager at School and Travel.

Related Posts

5 Tips for Preparing for Your Child’s High School Graduation

• April 10, 2024

7 Conditioning Tips for Running Your First Marathon

• April 8, 2024

The Ultimate Guide For Adult Students Juggling Work and Studies

• April 1, 2024

Everything You Need to Know about Traveling as a College Student

Published by rachel bicha on august 8, 2021 august 8, 2021.

Traveling as a college student can be super exciting, but it can also present a lot of new challenges—especially if you’re not used to being the one who plans the vacations. When do you go? How can you afford to travel when you’re eating ramen noodles for dinner every night? How is your phone going to work abroad? We’ve got answers to all those questions and more. Keep scrolling for 23 of our best tips on traveling as a college student.

Travel when you can. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a trip has to be long to be worth it— weekend trips are a great way to see nearby (and not-so-nearby) places and cities without spending a ton of money or disrupting your schedule too much.

Flexibility and free time are your friends . This is one of the rare periods of your life where you will have a lot of control over your schedule. How you schedule your classes, your work/jobs and summer plans can all help you make more room in your schedule for traveling. It may feel like you don’t have much time to travel, but the truth is you have way more flexibility with a student schedule than with a 9-5 and a set amount of vacation days.

Find ways to travel efficiently. Use your weekends, holidays, school breaks and other free time well. Add a day of traveling onto a long weekend so you can spend the most time traveling without missing much class or work. Traveling during holidays and school breaks is a great way to take longer trips. Take advantage of long breaks like winter and summer vacations while you have them—they won’t exist once you graduate!

Travel during off-season times. Take advantage of college breaks to travel—especially if it’s during an off-peak time for the place you’re going. For example, since everyone tends to head to the beach for spring break, it can be a great time to head to Europe or anywhere cooler (ski trip, anyone?). Off-season destinations have the double advantage of being cheaper than in peak season and less crowded.

Ballin’ on a budget

One of the toughest parts of traveling as a college student is traveling on a student budget . Some things to help with that too—all the student discounts, travel during off-season, etc. 

Make a budget —and stick to it before and after your trip! Plan ahead to figure out about how much things will cost, how much you can afford to spend and then stick to what you’ve planned. Need a budget guide? Check out our study abroad budget guide or our ultimate travel budget guide .

Get student discounts. Bring your student ID everywhere: it’ll score you discounts on everything from train tickets to museum passes around the world. And if you’re not sure if a place offers a student discount, just ask! The worst someone can say is no.

Buy tickets in advance when you can. You get your semester calendar in advance so use it well! Figure out when you think you can travel, check it against your class syllabi and buy your tickets asap. (Pro tip: 2-3 months out is usually the sweet spot, no need to purchase tickets a year in advance!) 

Be creative with ways to save. You can travel on the cheap without missing out on your dream destinations, you just need to get creative! Traveling with friends and splitting costs is always a good way to save money. Take public transportation when you can. Consider budget destinations or accommodations—working with your budget may mean your trip looks different than you thought it might, but it’s a good chance to stretch yourself and try things you may not have thought of otherwise.

Watch for sales. Airlines, hotels, and etc. do sales all the time—we do too! Don’t pay full price when you don’t have to. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to purchase a few plane tickets for the upcoming year if you have trips planned already. If you want to get notified about our sales and upcoming deals all year long, just hop on our email list and we’ll keep you updated. 

Making plans

Double-check on your money . If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll want to check in with your bank before you go. Make sure you’re familiar with any international debit/credit card fees. Plan to take out cash in the local currency when you arrive (or order them in advance from your bank) if you’re going for a long time or if you have high international fees on your cards. Cash will also be useful at local shops and restaurants. You can also have your bank put a travel notice on your account so your purchases aren’t accidentally marked as fraud.

Double-check on your phone. If you’re traveling internationally, your regular phone plan may not work either. International data and roaming charges can add up SUPER fast, so make sure you call your phone company and see what options they have for travels abroad. You can also consider getting a local SIM card for the country you’ll be in if you’re staying for an extended period of time.

Find out the travel requirements for visas and Covid-19, if applicable. Covid-19 travel requirements are still apt to change, but you can find a list of everywhere that’s open to US travelers and requirements for entry on our blog . Don’t forget that ALL travelers (even if you’re a citizen, even if you’re vaccinated) returning to the US from an international destination need to have a negative Covid-19 test taken within 3 days prior to entry. If you need a visa for your destination, be sure to apply well in advance of your trip. Keep in mind that any transit destinations (i.e. places where you have layovers) may require visas and/or Covid-19 testing as well, even if you’re not leaving the airport. Always double check documentation requirements!

Pack smart. When you’re flying, make sure you pack any essentials (medicines, essential toiletries, money, etc.) and a change of clothes or two in your carry-on bags. In the rare and unfortunate situation that your bags get lost or delayed, this will make your life a lot easier. And pack lightly, too. It’ll save your wallet (on baggage fees) and your back.

Do your research. Research the destination you’re traveling to before you actually go. Of course you’ll want to figure out where to go and what to see, but you might also want to learn a bit about the local customs and culture, too. Customs are different around the world, so if you can learn a bit before you can go, it’ll help a lot! Learn a few phrases in the local language, find out about local foods you can try while you’re there and understand some of the local customs and manners.

Finding somewhere to stay

Stay with friends. As a college student, you’ll probably meet people from tons of different places at school. Planning travels to your friends’ hometowns is a great way to see new places, hang out with your friends, and save money all at once! 

Give hostels a chance! They’re not as common in the US so they may feel unfamiliar or weird or straight-up sketchy, but in many places, they can be awesome and a great way to save money. If you’re traveling in Europe or Southeast Asia, give hostels a try for sure! If you’re looking for a hotel, check out our student discounts on hotels.

Look at reviews. Whether it’s for Airbnb, hostels, restaurants or pretty much anything—reviews will take your trip from zero to hero really fast. Reading a few reviews will help you find the best places to stay (and eat!). Keep in mind that no matter how amazing the place is, everywhere has *some* bad reviews. Just look for places that have mostly positive reviews—that’s usually a great sign. 

The more you know

Take advantage of the chance to study abroad. Arguably the best travel opportunity as a student is studying abroad. When else are you going to have the chance to take several months to just go live, study and explore another country? If there’s a place you’ve always wanted to go, chances are good you can study abroad there. If not, talk to the study abroad office at your school and see what programs are available for your major or what programs are most popular. Australia , Italy and the UK are some of the most popular study abroad destinations, but you can study abroad almost anywhere! Wherever you go, make sure you take the chance to do it!

Stay safe . Traveling is really safe, but it definitely pays off to be prepared! Travel with friends and use the buddy system or, if you’re traveling solo, check in at regular times with friends at home so they’ll know you’re safe. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your phone charged in case you get lost or need it for anything. 

Don’t be shy! There are college students and young people around the world, so don’t be afraid to make new friends when you’re traveling. Some of the best friends are the ones you meet during a trip. Some easy ways to meet people while you’re away: stay in hostels where you’ll meet other young travelers, join free walking tours of the city or go on a group tour to explore a new city with new people.

Red eye flights are your friend. Red-eyes will save you money (they’re usually a lot cheaper) and time, since you’ll be traveling when you’d usually just be sleeping anyways. And more money again, since you won’t have to pay for a hotel room when you spend the night on a plane. Triple win. 

Early bird gets the ‘gram. The secret to the perfect insta ? Early mornings. Get out early if you want to get pics of really instagrammable spots without a ton of crowds in them. 

Beat the jetlag. Fight through the jetlag as much as possible so you can explore as much as you can. Resist the urge to nap too much throughout the day, as it’ll only make the jetlag worse. Try to adjust yourself to sleeping and eating in time with your new time zone as soon as you arrive. Even if the first few days are rough, it’ll help in the long run!

Read the fine print when you’re booking travel . Whether it’s flights, hotels, activities or something else, travel purchases usually come with fine print. Make sure you know the details of your travel. Are your flights are refundable or not? Do you have to use your train tickets for a certain time only and are they flexible? Do your reservations have additional fees you’ll have to pay at checkout?

Want more travel deals and advice on traveling as a college student? Jump on our email list and we’ll send you everything straight to your inbox.

Related Posts

Before You Go

How to get free wifi on your next flight.

Don't be disconnected for hours or pay outrageous fees just for wifi access. See our list of which airlines offer free wifi to you.

Destinations

15 best summer adventures in the us you need to experience.

Ready to get outside this summer and have an unforgettable adventure? From West Coast to East, we've got 15 incredible summer adventures in the US to try this summer.

21 Best Weekend Getaways in the US

Looking for a change of scenery? Check out these 21 incredible destinations, perfect for a weekend getaways.

11 Affordable Travel Destinations for Broke College Students

Traveling the world is a dream for many, but for college students, the reality of tight budgets often stands in the way. However, the world is vast, and there are countless destinations that are both affordable and breathtaking. In this guide, we'll introduce you to 11 places where you can travel without breaking the bank. From beach getaways to cultural tours, these spots offer a unique place to explore without stretching your student budget too thin. If you've been daydreaming about  https://www.davestravelcorner.com/mini-post/best-places-for-college-students-to-travel/ new landscapes and adventures, but feel held back by finances, this article is for you. Get ready to take notes and plan your next affordable trip!

Book Flights with the Best Value

The first step in any travel journey is securing transportation. Air travel is often the most expensive part, but knowing where to look can save you lots. Booking flights during off-peak seasons and utilizing student discounts can lead to huge savings. Always compare rates across multiple sites and consider traveling during weekdays when flights might be cheaper. Remember, flexible dates often yield the best deals!

How Much Does the Average College Student Spend on Travel?

On average, college students spend between $500 to $1500 on travel during breaks. However, this amount can be significantly reduced when targeting budget-friendly destinations. Opting for hostels over hotels, enjoying local food over fancy restaurants, and leveraging student discounts can bring your expenses to as low as $20 per day in some of the top travel destinations we're about to discuss.

Discover Affordable Destinations

The key to affordable travel is picking the right destinations. While Paris or Tokyo might be on your bucket list, there are other great places to explore that won't cost a fortune. Whether it's a beach in Southeast Asia or a historic city in Eastern Europe, there's a unique place waiting for you that fits within your budget.

Consider Alternative Accommodations

Hotels can eat up a significant portion of your travel budget. Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or even trying out couchsurfing. Not only are these options more affordable, but they also offer a chance to meet other travelers and locals, enriching your travel experience.

Maximize Your Days

Once you're at your destination, plan to get the most out of each day. Research the top sights to see and activities to do. Prioritize free and low-cost attractions, and remember to factor in some downtime. After all, sometimes the best experiences come from simply wandering around a new place and discovering hidden gems.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture is through its food. Skip the touristy restaurants and head to where the locals eat. Street food, local markets, and small family-owned eateries often offer amazing meals at a fraction of the price you'd pay in more tourist-centric areas.

Dos and Don'ts for Affordable College Travel

• Research in advance
• Travel with a group to split costs
• Utilize student discounts
• Travel during off-peak times
• Stay in budget-friendly accommodations
• Spend all your money in one place
• Ignore local advice
• Limit yourself to only touristy areas
• Forget to budget for unexpected expenses

1. How can I find the cheapest flights? A: Use flight comparison websites, be flexible with your travel dates, and consider flying into a nearby airport and then taking local transport to your final destination. 2. Are hostels safe for students? A: While most hostels are safe, always read reviews, choose reputable places, and keep your belongings secure. 3. How can I get around once I'm at my destination? A: Public transport is often the cheapest option. Alternatively, consider walking, renting a bike, or sharing rides with fellow travelers. 4. How much should I budget for daily expenses? A: This depends on the destination, but aiming for $20-50 per day in budget-friendly locations is a good starting point.

Final Thoughts

Travel is an enriching experience, and even on a college budget, it's entirely possible to explore new destinations. By being savvy with your choices and planning ahead, the world truly can be your oyster. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, or all of the above, there's an affordable place out there waiting for you. So pack your bags, book that ticket, and embark on a journey that might just change your life.

Useful Resources:  https://www.universenewsnetwork.com/2023/09/15/how-to-improve-english-writing-skills-at-home/

–  394 E. Main Street, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93001  –  Pacific’s Hours

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Complete Guide to Student Flight Deals

Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet.

Meghan Coyle started as a web producer and writer at NerdWallet in 2018. She covers travel rewards, including industry news, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. She is based in Los Angeles.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Air Canada Student Flight Pass

Cathay pacific student discount flights, air france student flight discounts, iberia student flight discounts, lufthansa student flight discounts, turkish airlines student flight discounts, emirates student flight discounts, singapore airlines student flight discounts, sas youth tickets, qatar airways student club, student discount flights recapped.

Going off to college or university can be an exciting time of life, with many new experiences to be had and new places to explore.

For those who plan to travel during school — be it for a study abroad program, an alternative spring break, a fun trip with friends or just to head home during school breaks — the cost of flying can be prohibitive. However, a number of airlines offer special deals on student flights to make travel more accessible.

Here is a list of airlines that offer student flight discounts for young people traveling around North America and beyond.

Instead of offering discounts on individual tickets, Air Canada offers a Student Flight Pass for students traveling frequently within the Americas. It also offers an International Student Flight Pass for those planning to travel frequently with more distant destinations.

You can either buy a pass outright or pay it off over nine months (with interest). The pass, coupled with your Aeroplan frequent flyer account number, scores you four to six flight credits (depending on the destination) to use over a specified amount of time, usually 12-15 months. You will have to choose a specific zone in which to fly (like the Western U.S., Alberta or Brazil).

One credit is valid for one one-way flight.

Make sure the pass covers travel to and from your preferred destinations. You will need to plan to fly with Air Canada at least as many times as your pass is good for or the investment won’t be worth it.

» Learn more: The points collector’s guide to Air Canada Aeroplan

You have to be a student in one of the airline’s participating regions (which includes the U.S. and Canada) and traveling out of specific airports to take advantage of Cathay Pacific’s student flight discounts.

Eligible student travelers will:

Get access to exclusive fares to some destinations and select fare categories.

An extra baggage allowance.

Free flight changes for Flex fare classes.

Exclusive rates for Light and Essential classes.

The discount is good for one-way and round-trip flights to specific destinations, plus it can be used to book a seat in economy, economy plus or business class.

Just remember to include your Cathay number on your booking, use the relevant discount code listed online and bring a valid form of student ID when you check in at the airport or you won’t get the discount.

There are limited booking windows for flight discounts for students on Cathay Pacific (for example, in 2024, you must book by April 4 for travel through April 2025 if flying out of the U.S. or Canada).

Before you book, check the website for more details and keep an eye out for future dates.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Air France works a little differently when it comes to cheap flights for students. You’ll still have to prove that you’re a student with a valid student card, proof of enrollment or an admission letter at check-in, but you’ll mostly search for flights on the website as usual — except under “passengers,” make sure to select “student.”

When flight results appear, the student rate, if it’s available, will be in the first column. Prices will vary, but on the upside, the student rate always gets two free checked bags, and you’ll be able to change your flight for no additional fee.

Many eligible trips have to be at least 21 days long; however, there are a few flight options from France to specific destinations that have to be only seven days long.

» Learn more: What to expect from Air France seats and fare classes

Unlike with most airlines, the discount offered by Iberia is open to anyone under 30, even if you’re not a student (with additional benefits for those studying abroad).

If that’s you, check to see if Iberia Joven, the discount program for students, offers flights to where you’re headed. If it does, you may be able to score a 10% discount on certain flights and an extra free checked bag if you’re studying abroad.

Just make sure you book on the Iberia Joven site specifically, and know that not all routes are included and the discount is only for the lowest economy fares.

» Learn more: How to make the most of Iberia economy class

Lufthansa also offers flight discounts for students who book on the airline website. The discounts are valid only for certain flights from select countries, but in addition to fare savings on travel that qualifies, students get more checked baggage allowances and flexible booking.

To take advantage of these fares, you have to be at least 16 and enrolled in some sort of higher education. You'll have to verify your status as a student on the airline website. Then, when you search for fares, just remember to select “Student” to see any applicable discounts.

» Learn more: Best uses of Lufthansa miles

If you’re a student flying on Turkish Airlines, whether or not you’re a Turkish citizen, you can get up to a 20% discount on domestic flights within Turkey and 15% on international flights.

Students also enjoy a 40-kilogram baggage allowance (about 88 pounds) on flights that charge by weight and two 23-kilogram (about 50-pound) bags on flights that charge by piece. Students get free one-time flight changes for international flights, plus 25% more miles credited to your Miles&Smiles account when you fly before the end of 2024.

To get the discount, verify that you’re a student in the “Discount Types” section on the “My Personal Information” page in your Miles&Smiles loyalty account. Then just select the “Student” passenger option when searching for and booking flights.

Students flying to Emirates’ 250 destinations can score up to a 10% discount on economy and business class fares, plus an extra 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) or an extra piece of luggage (except when flying to the U.S. or Canada).

Use code STUDENT in the promotional code box to book, then make sure you bring proof that you’re a student to check in.

This special is available only to students ages 16 to 31, and as of this writing, you have to book by March 31, 2024. Act fast and keep an eye on the airline for future deals if you’re a student planning travel to one of Emirates’ destinations.

» Learn more: How much are Emirates Skywards miles worth?

Students flying on Singapore Airlines can enjoy a 10% discount on Lite, Value or Standard fares in economy class or premium economy class. They also get an extra luggage allowance, which is based on destination, and waived change fees the first time they need to alter their flight.

To enjoy these perks, first join the airline’s KrisFlyer loyalty program . Then you’ll be asked to verify that you’re a student, which you’ll need to do once a year. Then, when it’s time to search for flights, log in and do so on the airline’s dedicated student page. If you are younger than 16, you will not be able to verify your student status online.

SAS offers discounts not just for students, but youth in general, which includes individuals ages 12 to 25. The availability of these discounted fares on any particular flight is limited, and it’s reserved for SAS Go (standard economy) bookings for specific fare classes.

While no student ID is required, travelers will need to prove their age, so make sure to bring along a valid ID. Keep in mind that unaccompanied minors cannot book an SAS Youth Ticket.

There aren’t a lot of extra perks that accompany a Youth Ticket, and SAS doesn’t state how much you can save, but it’s worth searching to find out.

If you’re a student enrolled in higher education ages 18 to 30 and planning travel to any of Qatar Airways’ many destinations, it’s likely worth it to join the airline’s Student Club.

You’ll have to enroll online and share passport and university details, but once you do, you’ll be provided with a unique code to use during booking that will net you a discount.

That code will score you a 10% discount on your first flight, after which you’ll receive a new code for a 15% discount on your second booking and 25% off your third.

Students also get an additional baggage allowance, one complimentary date change for a booked flight and free Super Wi-Fi when you book on the airline website.

You can even fast-track your elite status once you graduate if you fly with Qatar at least once a year. The codes are valid only for Qatar-operated flights.

» Learn more: Qatar Airways — what travelers need to know

If you’re a college student, about to be a college student or — in the case of a few airlines — just qualify as a “youth,” you may be able to score some rich discounts and other benefits from a number of airlines.

Just make sure to take note of any special requirements from your preferred airline, sign up for loyalty programs in advance if necessary and enjoy the savings (plus a bit of extra baggage in many cases).

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Pruvo – Saving Money After Booking

How to travel as a college student on a budget through volunteering.

Independent travel becomes a formative experience for college students eager to explore the world. By weaving volunteer opportunities into your travel plans, you can discover new cultures, make a positive impact, and keep your expenses low.

While planning your journey, you might also be juggling coursework and deadlines. If it’s difficult for you to keep up, consider contacting essayhub.com , an argumentative essay writing service. It can help you manage your academic workload, allowing you more time and mental space to focus on making the most of your travel experiences. It’s a smart way to ensure your essays are in good hands while you’re out changing the world!

What is Volunteer Travel?

Volunteer travel, often known as “voluntourism,” merges the thrill of exploring new places with the fulfillment of giving back. As a college student, you’ll find this travel method particularly appealing—not only does it cost less, but it also enriches your resume and life skills. Imagine helping to build a school by day and learning to cook local dishes by night. This kind of travel isn’t just about seeing places; it’s about becoming part of them.

Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunities

Criteria for selecting suitable programs.

• Relevance to Your Studies: Look for programs that complement your academic pursuits or career aspirations.
• Personal Growth: Choose opportunities that challenge you and promise significant personal development.
• Safety and Support: Ensure the program has a solid support system in place, especially for international destinations.

Resources for Finding Volunteer Opportunities

• Online Platforms: Websites like GoAbroad and Idealist are treasure troves of volunteer listings.
• University Programs: Check if your school offers study abroad or volunteer programs.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Reputable NGOs often have well-structured volunteer programs needing energetic students.

Tips for Vetting and Choosing Credible Organizations

• Read Reviews: See what previous volunteers have to say about their experiences.
• Check Credentials: Ensure the organization is well-established and transparent about where your contributions go.
• Connect with Past Volunteers: Many organizations will connect you with alumni volunteers who can offer insights and advice.

Planning Your Volunteer Travel Experience

Planning is crucial to ensure your volunteer travel is both rewarding and smooth. Start by understanding the visa requirements and any necessary vaccinations. This preparation prevents any last-minute hitches that could derail your plans. Next, create a budget considering all potential expenses—flights, accommodation, meals, and even leisure activities for your downtime.

Pack versatile clothing suitable for work and leisure, and don’t forget essentials like a first aid kit, a sturdy pair of shoes, and any specific tools or materials your volunteer program might require.

Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Costs

Volunteering while traveling isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about making the most of every experience and every dollar. It’s smart to tap into all available resources to ensure you’re stretching your budget without sacrificing the quality of your travels. Here is how to travel as a college student for cheap:

• Leverage Student Discounts: Always carry your student ID. Many places offer discounts on entry fees, transportation, and even meals.
• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid the tourist rush by traveling during the off-season. You’ll find cheaper flights and accommodations.
• Use Public Transport: Embrace buses, trains, and other public transport options over taxis or rental cars to significantly cut costs.
• Choose Accommodations Wisely: Consider staying in hostels or using platforms like Workaway for room and board in exchange for work.
• Cook Your Meals: Buying groceries and preparing your own food will save you a fortune compared to eating out every meal.
• Pack Smart: Avoid extra charges by packing lightly and wisely, ensuring you only bring what you truly need.
• Free Entertainment: Explore free activities in the area. Many museums, parks, and hikes offer incredible experiences at no cost.
• Stay Connected for Less: Use free Wi-Fi hotspots and communication apps like WhatsApp or Skype to stay in touch without hefty roaming charges.
• Volunteer Group Travel: Joining a volunteer group can often lead to group discounts on travel and accommodations.

Challenges and Considerations

While volunteer travel is incredibly fulfilling, it’s not without its hurdles. Cultural shock and homesickness can be real hurdles. To navigate these, try to engage deeply with the local culture—learn the language, participate in local traditions, and interact with the community.

Also, keep in mind that volunteer work can be both physically and emotionally draining. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re signing up for regarding the workload. Make sure to carve out time for adequate rest and relaxation to stay energized and engaged.

It’s also wise to stay flexible and patient. Travel plans may change, and adapting with a positive attitude can turn potential problems into new opportunities. Keep communication open with your volunteer coordinators and fellow volunteers to foster a supportive environment.

Setting out on a volunteer travel journey as a college student opens up a world of enrichment. It’s an opportunity to expand your perspectives and gain a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. By following the tips outlined, you can make your travel experience both affordable and transformative. Remember, the key to successful volunteer travel lies in preparation, flexibility, and a willingness to immerse yourself in new experiences.

How to Travel as a College Student

I adore taking trips. I've often said that my travels serve as my "anti-drug." That's the actual state of affairs. There is nothing more enjoyable than traveling to a new location and getting to know a new city. I made a commitment to travel whenever I could when I entered college after high school.

Looking back at my college years, I successfully did that. As an undergrad, I visited several cities, such as  Miami , NYC, Las Vegas, and Nashville. People would ask me, "Aren't college students supposed to be broke?" In today's post, I discuss different ways to travel as a college student. It's going to be easier than you thought. Participating in illegal activities was not one of them! Cheap student travel can happen.

Stay With Friends or Family

The 1st way to travel as a college student was to stay with family or friends. On some of the trips that I went on, I stayed with friends. I was there if they had an extra couch or decent floor space. I easily saved a couple of hundred dollars by doing that. It took the stress out of trying to find a hotel or other lodging place.

Use Some of Your Student Refund

We're up to number three on the list of how to travel as a college student. I will be the first to say I never purchased a car or expensive clothes with my student refund. However, I did use some of my refund for a few trips. There may be better decisions than this, especially if your refund is student loan money. You will eventually have to pay back. Just keeping it real, some of my refund was from  student loans . I don't regret using it to travel at all. It allowed me to see other cities besides Atlanta and  Savannah . My comfort zone expanded because of that. I'm sure the same will happen to you. Just spend your refund sparingly.

Work a PT Job

I worked a part-time job during the majority of my college days. At one of my jobs, I was a busser at a restaurant. I made GREAT money there. After I had paid a couple of bills I had each month, I saved a decent amount for travel. A couple of road trips and fraternity conferences were paid for with that money. The crazy thing was that I didn't get a car until the summer before my senior year. I found several ways to get to that job before then.

Travel as a Group

The most common way I saved money was to travel with a group. There were numerous road trips where 4-5 of us would pile into someone's car and split the gas and hotel charges. If we knew someone that lived in the city that we were visiting, we would save even more money by just having to pay for gas. Numerous road trips cost less than $60 per person because of this strategy.

If you're going to do group travel, make sure that you and the people you're traveling with are on one accord. Out of all the group trips I've been on, I only had one that started badly. To keep it short, I will say that I had to book a room at another hotel to keep people from potentially fighting. Most of the group came with me, while three stayed at the original hotel. Once we separated from them, the trip turned out great.

Study Abroad Program

 Studying abroad is an excellent way for college students to gain new experiences, meet new people, and travel the world. By participating in a study abroad program, you can earn a global perspective on your studies in college, experience new cultures and lifestyles, and develop valuable skills that will help you in your career.

The way it works is that you apply for a study abroad program through your college or university. The application may be required to include letters of recommendation from faculty members, an essay describing why you want to participate in the program, and a statement of financial resources. Once accepted into the program, you will typically work with a study abroad advisor who will help you with your travel details, such as the logistics of flights and accommodations.

Backpacking your way through another country is a great way to see the sights and experience new cultures firsthand. One of the benefits is that you will have more freedom to explore on your own and decide where to go and what to do, depending on your interests and preferences. There are many ways to backpack – from backpacking across Europe using the Eurail pass to taking a tour of national parks in the United States to trekking through a remote country on foot.

Remember that you will need to be flexible and adaptable to travel on a backpacker's budget . You may need to stay in inexpensive hostels or guesthouses or camp outdoors in a tent. If you plan to go backpacking on your own, you should have some basic survival skills, such as knowing how to read a map, set up camp, and find your way in the wilderness.

Hostels are another popular way for college students to travel affordably. These accommodations typically offer rooms where you share a bathroom with other guests or dorm-style accommodations with bunk beds. There are common areas where you can hang out, meet fellow travelers, or even work on your laptop.

Although there are many benefits to staying in hostels, such as low cost and social opportunities, it is essential to research before you book a room. For example, consider the hostel's location and whether it is safe for women travelers. Also, find out what amenities are offered – for example, many hostels will have a shared kitchen where you can cook your own meals.

Exchange Progam

Another popular way for college students to travel is through an exchange program. This program allows you to study at a foreign university while paying your regular tuition at your home university. There are typically exchange programs through student organizations or universities themselves.

If you decide to participate in an exchange program, you will need to work with your college or university to get approved for the program. You will typically need to pass a test of your language skills, provide a statement of financial resources, and meet other requirements depending on the program.

Volunteer Abroad

If you have a strong interest in volunteering abroad, many organizations can help you find volunteer opportunities. These types of programs may take place in foreign countries for periods of a week or longer.

When you volunteer abroad, you typically work with local organizations and communities to help with various projects. For example, you may help to construct houses, teach English in schools, mentor children, or work on agricultural projects.

While participating in a volunteer program can be very rewarding, it is essential to do research before signing up for one. Consider what type of project you would like to work on and ensure that your skills match the program's needs. Also, find out what training or support will be offered and what steps you need to take to get started.

This article was published on My Money Chronicles .

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

3 Ways To Travel Rich on a Middle-Class Budget

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology .

20 Years Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed by Experts

Trusted by Millions of Readers

For many people, the word “ budget ” can be a downer when it comes to traveling and vacation. It can feel like putting restrictions in place before you even leave the house.

But creating a budget for your vacation can be easy and fast — and even fun if you make it. Along with creating a budget, here are some other ways to travel rich on a middle-class budget.

1. Make Budgeting Fun

According to Chase , “Setting your budget early lets you align destinations, activities and accommodations with what you’re comfortable spending.”

You probably know common steps to creating a travel budget, like figuring out fixed costs and then having a vacation emergency fund ready to help when things come up. Here’s something that can make the budget creation process more fun — prioritize where you feel secure spending more and where you might be open to cutting back.

2. Live Like a Local

You may not have thought of this while traveling — but try to live like a local when on vacation. According to PNC , “If you’re on a budget, immerse yourself in your new locale to get an authentic experience and save some cash.”

Even if you’re not much of an extrovert, try to talk to the local people and find out about off-the-beaten-path spots or hidden gems that visitors may overlook. While you’re at it, find out if they have any tips for saving money and free things to do in town.

3. Explore Accommodation Options

If you want to travel rich on a modest budget, carefully consider your accommodations. Sure, you can plan ahead and find deals on lodging, including short-term vacation rentals of someone else’s home. This also can help cut down on food costs if you cook in the rented house.

But that’s not your only option when it comes to accommodations. If you have cut back on your spending in other ways on vacation, you could consider splurging on a nicer hotel. Not only can you find deals, some hotels offer things like free food, happy hours and events. What’s better than free for your budget?

More From GOBankingRates

• 10 Fastest-Cooling Housing Markets in the U.S. - 6 Are in Florida
• 7 Best Items To Buy at Five Below This Fourth of July
• 3 Things to Do This Week If You Have Debt
• 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Share This Article:

Related Content

12 Fun and Cheap Things To Do in Hawaii This Summer -- And How Much They Cost

June 18, 2024

Uncategorized

6 Reliable Car Brands If You're Renting a Car This Summer

June 14, 2024

I'm a Retiree: 5 Ways I Travel on Just a Social Security Budget

June 13, 2024

5 Luxury Travel Destinations That Aren't Worth Saving For If You're Middle Class

10 Travel Destinations in the US That Are Just Like Europe but Way Cheaper

June 15, 2024

Avoid These "Bargain" Travel Destinations: More Costly Than You Think

June 11, 2024

6 Southern Zip Codes That are Just as Cheap as Mexico, Portugal and Costa Rica

5 Tips for Saving Money on Airfare This Summer

10 States Where It Costs the Most Just To Drive Through Them

Top 5 Vacation Hot Spots You Can Still Book Right Now -- And How Much They Cost

I'm a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Things I Always Splurge On During Vacations

I'm a Travel Expert: 7 Trips Frugal Travelers Are Booking for the Rest of 2024

6 Car Brands To Avoid If You're Getting a Rental During Summer Travel -- Even If They're Cheap

I'm a World Traveler: 7 Affordable Big Cities To Live In

6 Incredible Money-Saving Perks You Can Access With Elite Airline Status

June 12, 2024

5 Cheap and Fun Things To Do in Las Vegas This Summer

• How To Save Money Fast
• How To Save $10,000 in 3 Months
• How To Save $10,000 in a Year

Best Ways To Save Your Money

• Best Ways To Save Money
• Best Clever Ways To Save Money
• Best Ideas To Save Money Each Month
• Best Frugal Living Tips To Help You Save Money
• Best Tips and Tricks for Saving Money
• Best Money-Saving Challenges
• Best Budgeting Apps

Make your money work for you

Get the latest news on investing, money, and more with our free newsletter.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Unsubscribe at any time.

You're Subscribed!

Check your inbox for more details.

BEFORE YOU GO

See today's best banking offers.

Sending you timely financial stories that you can bank on.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here .

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Estimate your college cost

Online tools and calculators can help you estimate how much a specific college will cost. Knowing that helps you compare schools more accurately and choose the best one for you.

Know what college costs include

Start by understanding what is included in the total cost of college . Look at the costs for the specific schools you are considering and identify:

• Other expenses to plan for
• Ways to cut costs
• How to compare costs of colleges

Use tools to help you find schools 

These tools from the Department of Education can help you find the best colleges for your budget.

• College Navigator - Search schools for those that meet your academic and financial needs. 
• College Scorecard - Compare schools by price, field of study, and other criteria.
• Net Price Calculator Center - Learn the estimated price you will pay to attend a certain school. It factors in scholarships and grants the school might award you.

List the schools you are interested in on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . The schools will be notified and may make financial aid offers.

Calculate costs after receiving financial aid offers

Once you receive a financial aid offer, learn how to calculate the school's actual net cost to you. This is the amount you will pay, minus financial aid and any savings you have for your education.

If you get more than one offer, compare them using Your Financial Path to Graduation . This tool from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau helps you understand each offer. It shows how much in costs you will have to cover, and if you can afford the school.

Get more tips to help with the new responsibilities of adulthood.

Transitioning to adulthood

LAST UPDATED: February 27, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

America's Education News Source

Copyright 2024 The 74 Media, Inc

• Hope Rises in Pine Bluff
• Brown v Board @ 70
• absenteeism
• Future of High School
• Artificial Intelligence
• science of reading

Cornell College Instructors Injured During China Visit Return to Family, Travel

The instructors were teaching at beihua university as part of a partnership with cornell college..

Untangle Your Mind!

Sign up for our free newsletter and start your day with clear-headed reporting on the latest topics in education.

74 Million Reasons to Give

Support The 74’s year-end campaign with a tax-exempt donation and invest in our future.

Most Popular

South carolina budget to ban cellphones in k-12 schools, new curriculum sparks texas-sized controversy over christianity in the classroom, study: kids receive up to two years more school depending on where they live, hundreds of high schools wrongfully refused entry to older, immigrant student, rethinking the definition of high-quality instructional materials for math.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

Each of the Cornell College instructors injured in a stabbing during their teaching trip to Jilin City, China are back with family or moving forward from the incident, the college said in a statement Tuesday.

Cornell College President Jonathan Brand said in the update to campus that all four of the instructors have either been reunited with family members or are continuing with their summer travel plans after being injured in a “serious incident” in a public park in the city last week.

People and organizations both in the U.S. and China aided in getting the instructors the care they needed, Brand said. He said he has been reminded through this time about how the “extended Cornell College community” cares for each other.

“We appreciate the support from our colleagues at Beihua University, and we have thanked our state and federal legislators as well as the Department of State for their efforts to assist our instructors and their families,” Brand said in the statement.

The instructors were teaching at Beihua University as part of a partnership with Cornell College. The June 10 incident occurred while the instructors were visiting a park near the university, accompanied by a colleague from Beihua. A man bumped into one of them, according to Jilin City police. The suspect, who police apprehended and identified as a 55-year-old with the surname Ciu, then allegedly stabbed that individual and the three other instructors.

One of the instructors involved in the incident was David Zabner, state Rep. Adam Zabner’s brother. A Ph.D. candidate at Tufts University, David Zabner was in Jilin City as part of the partnership between Beihua University and Cornell College when he was wounded in the arm during the incident. The names of the other instructors have not been released.

According to Adam Zabner’s social media , his brother returned to Iowa late last week. The representative said in a statement that the U.S. State Department and U.S. Consulate in Shenyang were helpful during David Zabner’s treatment and in efforts to bring him home, as well as the offices of Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Cornell College has partnered with Beihua University since 2018 to bring instructors from Mount Vernon to Jilin City to teach at the university for two-week periods.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: [email protected] . Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and X .

Articles by Brooklyn Draisey

• Beihua University
• higher education
• study abroad

We want our stories to be shared as widely as possible — for free.

Please view The 74's republishing terms.

By Brooklyn Draisey

This story first appeared at The 74 , a nonprofit news site covering education. Sign up for free newsletters from The 74 to get more like this in your inbox.

On The 74 Today

Election latest: Starmer makes 'Swift pit stop'... at the Eras Tour

The Labour leader has taken a break from general election campaigning tonight - to shake it off at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Listen to the latest Electoral Dysfunction as you scroll.

Friday 21 June 2024 23:00, UK

• General Election 2024
• Starmer makes 'Swift pit stop'... at the Eras Tour
• Tories raised less than £300,000 in donations in second week of campaign - Labour received £4.4m
• Sunak asked if he's confident no more Tory candidates will be caught up in betting scandal
• Electoral Dysfunction: What are odds betting scandal sinks Tories?
• 'Own it': Corbyn responds to latest Starmer comments
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

We'll be back from 6am with all the latest from the general election campaign, with a little under two weeks to go until polling day.

You can scroll back through the page to catch up on what you've missed, or check out our 10pm round-up for a brief look at the day.

Join us on Saturday for another day of live updates.

Slashing red tape for Britain's pubs, restaurants and music venues would be the focus of a review launched within the first 100 days of a Tory government, the party has said.

Ministers would look into ways to "crack down" on councils imposing "disproportionate conditions" and restrictions on licences as part of a bid to boost the UK night-time economy, the Conservatives say.

It comes as Rishi Sunak seeks to shift the focus of the campaign away from the betting scandal that has thrown his party into fresh turmoil in recent days.

The Tories used the announcement to attack Labour's record on nightlife in London and Wales, as polls continue to put the opposition party on course for a historic victory on 4 July.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: "The night-time economy is a vibrant sector that's vital to our economy and our society as a whole.

"We've always supported our night-time economy, with business rates reliefs, economic support during the pandemic - but wherever Labour have been responsible for the sector, it's suffered.

"We'll continue to back our night-time economy - Labour would cripple it further with higher taxes and more burdensome regulation."

It's 10pm - time for your evening election update.

The general election takes place in under two weeks, and political parties from across the House of Commons are busy on the campaign trail.

Here's what you might have missed today:

• Rishi Sunak has reiterated he was "incredibly angry" when he learned about allegations that his own parliamentary aid Craig Williams, who is a Tory candidate, had placed a bet on the election;
• Laura Saunders, the candidate for Bristol North West, and her husband, director of campaigns Tony Lee, are also being investigated by the Gambling Commission;
• David TC Davies , the Welsh secretary, told Sky News this morning that he "certainly" did not bet on the date of the general election;
• And the Conservatives got less than £300,000 in party donations between 7 and 12 June - far behind the £4.3m handed to Labour;
• But a Tory candidate told Sky News tonight that the Conservatives have a "sizable war chest" to run a "decent campaign" this year;
• Mr Sunak's favourability is now at an all time low, with three quarters of Britons having an unfavourable view of him - less even than Mr Johnson's lowest polling;
• The Welsh Conservatives have launched their manifesto today.
• Over with Labour , who - as we just mentioned - have come top of the list for party donations for the second week of the general election campaign.
• And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer today said he would not enter negotiations with the Scottish government on an independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority of Scottish seats at the 4 July election;
• Sir Keir has also admitted today that the choice the public faced in the 2019 general election - Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn - "wasn't a good one";
• But he opted to have a night off - at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in London;
•  And Welsh Labour has launched its manifesto today,  with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves detailing the "simple choice" voters have to face on 4 July.
• Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey today criticised Rishi Sunak's response to his party's betting scandal as "not good enough"; 
• And Plaid Cymru has claimed Welsh Labour's manifesto lacks ambition and undermines devolution. The party said that Labour is imposing further austerity on Wales with £1.8bn worth of cuts to public services.

While you're here, check out more of our election coverage below:

By Rob Powell , political correspondent

The architect of the government's delayed reforms to social care has told Sky News politicians need to "grow up" and tackle the crisis in the sector.

Amid a bitter election row over public spending, Sir Andrew Dilnot said he believed the two main parties were reluctant to discuss care reform for fear of being accused of plotting future tax hikes.

Sir Andrew - whose 2011 report laid out several key measures adopted by the government - described social care as the "biggest risk that isn't managed" that the country faces.

He said: "Four out of five people are going to need  social care  before they die, we should grow up and face it."

"I think politicians are reluctant to talk about it firstly because they're worried about anything that means an increase in public spending and therefore possible taxation," he added.

You can read more below:

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has taken a break from general election campaigning tonight - to shake it off at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Sir Keir and his wife Victoria joined thousands of Swifties at the first of three Eras Tour shows at Wembley Stadium - which will be followed up by five more in August.

Government borrowing was less than expected in May, new figures have revealed.

Net borrowing - the difference between public sector spending and income - was £15bn, an increase of £0.8bn on the same time last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on Friday.

The amount is below the £15.7bn forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and less than expected by economists.

However, it was still the highest amount for the month of May since the  COVID-19 pandemic .

The ONS also said that public sector net debt, excluding public sector banks, was provisionally estimated at 99.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in May - the highest level since March 1961.

The figure is also 3.7 percentage points higher than during the same period last year.

Economists said it showed that whoever wins the  upcoming general election  will face a string of potential financial challenges.

Nigel Farage has stood by his comment describing Andrew Tate as an "important voice" for men as he greeted supporters in Clacton-on-Sea.

The Reform UK leader had praised Tate while speaking on the Strike It Big podcast in February for defending "male culture" and said the "jury is out" on investigations into the influencer, The Guardian reported.

Since December 2022, Tate has faced charges in Romania of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women, which he denies.

Asked whether Tate was an "important voice" for men as he was leaving a meeting with supporters, Mr Farage said: "He's got a massive following and that shows you how big the gap is.

"I mean, clearly he's facing some serious allegations and has said some things that are difficult to level with, but the fact that he's got the following shows you how big the gap is."

Mr Farage did not specify what "gap" he was referring to.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It currently shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

The Politics Hub is live on Sky News every night at 7pm throughout the general election campaign.

But stick with us online - we'll have updates throughout the evening.

Norman Phillips and his wife Ros - who lives with multiple sclerosis and dementia - are the human faces of the social care crisis.

Initially Norman was able to combine work with his caring responsibilities, but as Ros's condition worsened, he took early retirement.

The couple found help hard to come by and after Norman suffered an injury, they were forced to sell their home to settle care-related debts.

Ros is now subject to an NHS continuing healthcare plan after Norman suffered a breakdown earlier this year and authorities decided he was unable to carry on caring for his wife.

This includes around the clock care for Ros - something Norman said would not have been needed if a lower level of help had been made available earlier.

He said: "They've got six million of us unpaid carers. If they… help us, we can help the system.

"But what's happened to me, you know, is the system just kept backing away and backing away until I cracked."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free