During the school year, most college students are low on cash and buried by textbooks. If you have wanderlust and can’t wait until spring break or summer to plan a trip, now might be a good time to skip the all-nighters and dining hall meals.
You can do this in exchange for a little real-life education and a party scene outside of the frat house.
Fortunately, there are some incredible cheap places to travel all around the world that you may find interesting and adventurous. There’s no better time to start traveling solo or with a company than during your college years, thanks to budget-friendly accommodations.
Today, we made a list of some of the best places for college students to travel in the USA and some parts of the world. Sit back and enjoy!
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Is Travelling Good For College Students?
Traveling, particularly as a college student, is one of the best ways to learn about different cultures. It can help people reduce stress and become more self-sufficient and happier.
Traveling throughout college is more manageable than traveling after graduation because many students have summers off and the financial means to do so.
Traveling during spring break is an excellent method to test the waters of travel because it is only a week long. Also, it can help people figure out what they want to visit during big summer excursions.
Traveling at college is an enjoyable experience because of the memories that can be made, and it can be less costly than traveling later in life. It is an excellent method to broaden your horizons.
College-aged travelers might travel in a variety of ways, including studying abroad and working in return for housing and food.
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How Can College Students Go On Vacation?
They travel when they have the opportunity
Don’t believe that a trip has to be long to be worthwhile. Weekend getaways are an amazing opportunity to see nearby (and not-so-nearby) attractions and cities without spending a lot of interrupting your schedule.
Look for strategies to travel more efficiently
Make the most of your weekends, holidays, school breaks, and other spare time. Add a day of travel to a long weekend to reduce your travel time while missing as little class or work as possible.
Traveling during vacations and school breaks are excellent option to extend your trip. Take advantage of long breaks such as winter and summer vacations while you can because they won’t be available when you graduate!
Travel during the off-season
Take advantage of college breaks to travel, especially if it’s during the off-season for the destination. For example, while everyone goes to the beach during spring break, it can be a perfect time to travel to Europe or somewhere cooler. Off-season places offer the added benefit of being less expensive and less congested than peak-season destinations.
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Make use of your free time
This is one of the few times in your life when you will have complete control over your schedule. How you schedule your studies, work, and summer activities can all help you make more time for travel.
It may appear that you don’t have much time to travel, but the truth is that a student schedule provides far more freedom than a 9-5 and a defined number of vacation days.
Stay with your friends
As a college student, you will most likely encounter people from all over the world. Traveling to your friends’ hometowns is an excellent way to see new locations, spend time with your pals, and save money.
How To Plan A Trip As A College Student
Even while there are cheap places to travel and spend time, college students should always make plans on how their trip should go. Below is some points college students can use while planning their trips.
Take Charge of Your Learning
Leave your apologies at home. You have more influence over your education and life experiences than you think. You can choose how and where you learn.
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Speak with someone who has traveled during college before
If you’re not sure what to anticipate or simply want some insider information, contact someone who has spent time abroad.
Most study-abroad departments at colleges are eager to connect students with previous participants. Another option is to contact friends of friends or family members who have visited your location or taken a similar trip.
While everyone’s experience will be unique, speaking with someone who has been through it before can be quite reassuring.
Make Friends with the Locals there
It’s best to be nice to other American students when traveling in a group or to a major tourist area. Also, when it comes to learning more about a place, its culture, and religion and picking up language skills, mixing with the locals has a lot of usefulness.
Speak with Your Bank
It’s scary enough to step off a plane for the first time in a new nation without the ATM devouring your debit card. Before you leave, contact your bank and let them know where and when you’ll be traveling.
This is also an excellent opportunity to learn about overseas commissions and what to do if you lose your card while traveling.
Get an ID
Everyone understands that a passport is required for foreign travel. It’s self-evident. What about your student identification? It turns out you might want it as well due to the reductions.
It’s crucial to know that your Home University’s ID may not be deemed “official” in other countries, so you’re better off with an ISIC student ID.
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15 Best Places For College Students To Travel
If you’re looking for the best places for college students to travel in the USA or around the world, then check out this list of some of the cheap places to travel and explore below:
#1 Ecuador
Ecuador may not be every student’s first choice when it comes to the best places for college students to travel in the USA. It’s a good option for broke students. This country offers some lovely beaches and places to see, and it’s a perfect place to practice your Spanish skills from class.
Tourist-targeted crime has decreased substantially, and as long as you travel wisely, you should be safe. Of course, one of the main draws here is the Galapagos Islands, which are well worth a visit if time allows.
#2 San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the best places for college students to travel in the USA. It’s an easy trip for American students because flights are usually not too long or expensive. You won’t need a passport if you’re a citizen of the US.
There are lots of student-friendly hostels with nightly prices as low as $15. You’ll get the opportunity to meet other students and tourists from all over the world, as well as experience a vibrant party atmosphere with local rum-packed mojitos.
It’s a great place to taste Puerto Rican food, people-watch, and get happy-hour drink specials.
#3 Arenal Area, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of several fantastic cheap places to travel for college students due to its low cost of living and abundance of adventure options. There are some incredibly cheap hostels and low-key B&Bs here, and some even give free breakfast every morning.
Traveling from the United States has been rather inexpensive, and the currency rate makes this vacation a steal. Because this is a touristy region, spend some time getting to know the local businesses so you can detect and avoid tourist traps.
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#4 Bolivia
Despite its growing popularity among vacationers, Bolivia remains one of the best places for college students to travel. It’s an affordable location for college students.
The plane ticket may be expensive depending on where you’re coming from, but once you arrive, you’ll discover that you can afford a lot of things on a low budget. If you are frugal and plan ahead of time, you can afford transportation, food, alcohol, and lodging for around $20 each day.
#5 Albania
It’s no secret that traveling to Europe isn’t cheap in general, but Albania is an exception when it comes to the best places for college students to travel. Albania’s cost of living is substantially lower than that of the rest of Europe, which benefits budget travelers as well.
If you’re searching for sunlight and leisure, this gorgeous Mediterranean country has some fantastic beaches to visit, and the traditional gastronomy here is nothing short of amazing. Hope you consider this place as one of the cheap places to travel and have fun.
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#6 Panama City, Florida
No doubt that Florida is one of the best places for college students to travel in the USA. It has always been a popular spring break destination for college students, so why not travel during the off-season for lower pricing and fewer crowds?
Consider going to Panama City in the fall, perhaps in September or October. The weather is pleasant, the sun is shining brightly, the beaches are less crowded, and airline and hotel fees are relatively inexpensive.
#7 Niagara Falls, New York/Canada
If you want to see spectacular natural beauty close to home, consider visiting Niagara Falls, which straddles the boundary between New York and Ontario. There are several inexpensive motels in the Buffalo area, especially if you avoid the hectic summer tourist season. Walk across to the Canadian side from the US side for a fantastic evening atmosphere.
#8 New Orleans, Louisiana
Another place we considered suitable to be on this list of the best places for college students to travel in the USA is New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is a fantastic spot to celebrate all year. It’s a very American city with rich history, intriguing culture, nice food, and a continually booming nightlife environment that encourages martini to-go cups.
There are a couple of hostels in and around the French Quarter that provides affordable student housing. Hotels in New Orleans may be fairly pricey, so look into these hostel options well in advance to avoid disappointment. Instead of driving and paying hefty parking fees, take the streetcar or simply walk.
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#9 Thailand
Thailand has always been a favorite among college travelers due to its extensive number of enticing destinations. This is a terrific area to visit in the winter to get some warmth and sunshine, and there are many adventure sports activities here, like kayaking, rafting, and other outdoor excursions.
While traveling in Thailand, consider staying in a hostel with shared rooms and toilets to save money. A lot of college students already have Thailand on their list as one of the best places for college students to travel.
#10 Vietnam
Vietnam is another Asian country where you may travel for under $20 per day if you play your cards well. Vietnam’s tourism has recently increased, yet it remains one of the cheap places to travel.
It has a highly affordable location with several student-friendly backpacking choices. Con Dao Island and National Park are excellent places in Vietnam to watch sea turtles and other animals while hiking.
#11 Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is another state in the United States to be on this list of the best places for college students to travel in the USA.
It may sound like a destination for your parent’s anniversary, but it’s a really pleasant town to roam about, view the sites, and transport yourself to another time and place. Savannah is another southern city that encourages “to-go cup culture,” so you may tour this southern treasure while sipping your favorite cocktail or brew.
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#12 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Spring break excursion ideas demonstrated that it was time for college students to unwind after a long semester. Myrtle Beach is frequently regarded as one of the best places for college students to travel during spring breaks. It has spring break options for budget-conscious college students.
Myrtle Beach is a city on the east coast of the United States, halfway between the beginning and finish of The Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beachfront that runs down the northern coast of South Carolina.
#13 Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios, which translates to Eight Rivers, was formerly a small fishing community but has since become a popular spring break resort for Jamaicans. Ocho Rio is often regarded as the ideal location for a spring break holiday in Jamaica.
Spring breakers and vacationers alike can take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit neighboring Columbus Park, which claims to be the site where Christopher Columbus first set foot on land. The park features a plethora of Colonial Spanish structures, as well as relevant maritime items to examine.
#14 Nassau, Bahamas
Spring break in Nassau, Bahamas is quickly becoming the pinnacle of all Caribbean spring break possibilities. The best of both worlds can be found in Nassau, Bahamas. A Bahamas spring break offers uninterrupted action and partying from dawn to dusk for those spring breakers who want to party and play every day.
Those looking for serenity and peace after a rough semester can find unique spots to relax in the tropical paradise known as Nassau, Bahamas.
#15 Cancun, Mexico
Cancun, Mexico sits on the Yucatan Peninsula, which is bordered by the Caribbean Sea. The Riviera Maya – one of Mexico’s most eastern points – hosts a Cancun Spring Break. When examining everything Cancun has to offer college students that are ready to play, spring break getaway ideas come to a stop.
Consider visiting adjacent Mayan sites in the Hotel Zone if you want to soak up some history during your stay. Spring breakers that enjoy the beach can attend great beach parties or participate in a range of water activities. Nighttime revelers should visit one of the many popular nightclubs nearby, or take a Booze Cruise, for which Cancun is famous.
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How Can College Students Spend Less While Travelling?
The best places for college students to travel are usually spots that have budget-friendly accommodations and help students save more while spending less. College students can further help make their vacations cheap if they:
Make a savings account
As obvious as it may appear, many college students only have one bank account: their checking account. Transferring money from a savings account to a checking account needs very little effort, but it is enough and good for students to avoid headaches.
This permits you to save rather than spend on useless items.
Look into Groupon
Contrary to popular perception, if you do your homework under the “Getaways” area, you will not be scammed! While some of the offers may appear to be too good to be true, many vacations are offered during off-seasons and are booked in bulk. This results in a lower ticket for us travel junkies.
Travel with a close friend
While traveling alone is an experience we’d want to have, we’re on a strict budget! A hostel is an excellent choice for lone travelers, but most travel bargains are based on double occupancy.
If you are ready to pay an additional lone traveler cost for the same hotel, same attractions, and more, then go for it. If not, find a companion.
Make a reasonable daily budget and stick to it
This is something to do whether or not you are traveling. For example, if you’re going to Europe, set aside 50 euros per day.
This may appear modest, but it is manageable if you have already paid for your hotel, breakfast, and transportation. If you spend 60 euros one day, you should only spend 40 the following.
Keep an eye out for flash sales
Various websites, agencies, and other organizations provide flash discounts. Flying with JetBlue frequently puts you on their email list, which alerts you when they have 24-hour flight bargains.
As previously stated, Groupon is mostly comprised of (longer-term) flash sales. To tour the world, you don’t have to be a millionaire! Using these money-saving strategies can get you out of Rochester, or even to a different nation!
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How Can College Students Travel For Free?
Although there are cheap places to travel around the world, most students prefer traveling for free. Traveling for free is possible for college students and here’s a list of what might make this workout.
Schemes for cultural exchange and study
Every year, a restricted number of undergraduates are funded by [British] government departments. They do this to help them participate in three-week cultural exchange programs such as Study China and Study India.
The programs cover all accommodation, transportation within the country, and subsistence costs, and home universities frequently subsidize flights, visas, and vaccines.
Teach English at a camp or school in another country
Teaching allows you to go practically anywhere in the world and is unquestionably one of the most rewarding options for student travelers.
In addition to learning about a culture from the inside and meeting a lot of like-minded people, most of your expenses will be covered, and many institutions will pay you on top of that. The English Experience, LEOlingo, and Camp America are a few famous enterprises.
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Look for travel grants
Some organizations exist solely to sponsor travel, believe it or not. To capitalize on this generosity, you must offer a well-thought-out plan and persuade a board of people that your journey is important.
Many organizations place a premium on trips that promote personal or cultural development, but each has its own set of requirements and objectives. The SPRET educational charity caters to students in specific areas, but UNESCO and the UN both provide more general funding to travelers.
Take part in contests
While this isn’t a surefire way to fund your adventures, competitions can provide some quite enticing prizes. Our travel department at The Telegraph hosts a weekly writing competition with a £200 prize in the winner’s preferred currency.
Gapyear.com and World Nomads are two other websites to keep an eye on; both host frequent competitions for writers, bloggers, photographers, and film or documentary-makers.
Studying in another country
Some degree programs automatically incorporate a term or year abroad, but any student can spend time abroad as part of their education. Almost all UK universities participate in the ERASMUS exchange program with other European colleges.
Grants, scholarships, and other types of financial support are all available if you are accepted in addition to your usual grant or loan.
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Conclusion
One of the most significant issues that college students face is a limited financial budget. Tuition fees and exorbitant book prices leave students with a restricted amount of money to spend on trips if any at all.
But, ideally, with our list of the best places for college students to travel, you’ll be able to see the world and notice some cheap places to travel while still saving money. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Places For College Students To Travel
Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for seniors and college students alike to honor an important event and make new memories! Myrtle Beach has miles of sandy beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and a variety of activities.
Traveling, especially as a college student, is one of the finest opportunities to meet new people and learn about other cultures.
If you can be flexible about when you fly, January is the cheapest month of the year for domestic flights (it’s 10% less expensive than June). Surprisingly, August is now the cheapest month for foreign airfares (20% less than December).
Daytona Beach, Sanibel Island, and South Beach are all popular vacation destinations.
It’s a cheap way to travel while still focusing on your studies and gaining valuable experience that can open doors for your future profession. You’re having a good time. You’ll have a lot of duties in college, but not quite as many as you will after graduation.
Taking a gap year before college will allow you to travel and experience everything the world has to offer. There is a lot in the world for you to experience, including new people, new places, and new meals.
References
- tripstodiscover.com – 11 Affordable Travel Destinations for Broke College Students
- wildcat.arizona.edu – OPINION: Traveling as a college student is worth it
- studentuniverse.com – Everything You Need to Know about Traveling as a College Student
- rit.edu – 11 Ways to Travel with the Budget of a College Student
- airtreks.com – 8 Tips for Students Who Want To Travel
- businessinsider.com – 10 Ways Students Can Travel For Free
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