If you are looking for the best student travel destinations, we have compared some of the best here! Students generally want places that are budget-friendly and have plenty of cheap activities for young people, parties, other young people/students, and adventurous things to do. So these holiday destinations for students combine a bit of all the above.
You might have heard a variant of the saying, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” The essence of exploring other countries and cultures, especially for researchers, could not have been worded better. In fact, according to a WYSE survey, 86% of people claimed that student vacation trips in their younger years developed their curiosity in and out of the classroom.
I couldn’t agree more – my time traveling as a college student truly changed my life and streamlined my path to being a full-time travel blogger today by not only teaching me more about the world but introducing to me a new lifelong passion. Traveling or studying abroad is one of the most important things you can do while studying!
This article informs you about the secrets to combining journeys to top international travel destinations with schooling with some of the best cheap places to travel for students. But before that, how beneficial are trips for students?
Help for College Students While Traveling
One fear for students who want to travel is combining hectic schoolwork and educational travel hours. It’s hard to make sure to get your work done while on the road, trying to experience different cultures firsthand.
One fear for students who want to travel is combining hectic schoolwork and educational travel hours. It’s hard to make sure to get your work done while on the road, trying to experience different cultures firsthand. That’s when you start thinking “It might be time to write my paper with EssayPro help” to deal with the load.
Luckily, these days, there are several companies offering an essay writer service that can help students to get any paper in time for their deadline. An experienced writer is assigned to provide professional academic writing to college students needing writing assistance. This is the perfect crutch to have while traveling and studying at the same time – and keep grades up!
There are also tons of helpful travel apps to help students know about the best things to do in each destination, know where to stay, or meet other travelers. Having apps to plan itineraries, meet travelers, or keep track of expenses is another way to help students save time.
How Traveling Enhances Students’ Educational Experiences
The importance of an educational trip for students cannot be overemphasized. Apart from the lifelong memories and fun, traveling is one of the best steps toward holistic character development. Learn about some life lessons you learn from staying in hostels, and how moving abroad can teach you more than any class possibly could (from my own experience)!
It also:
Promotes Individual Responsibility
When away from home, it becomes up to a pupil to abide by personal convictions on right and wrong. Without a familiar support system to fall back on, they become aware of what they can achieve alone. This allows the student to take note of areas that can and should be improved, and learn to be comfortable alone (which is huge).
Helps Embrace Diversity
Many of the best student travel destinations involve foreign countries. Wandering makes learners more welcoming of diversity in ideas, practices, philosophies and understanding of different belief systems. It helps them appreciate the world as an integral whole rather than a small, solitary segment.
Enhances Language Learning
It’s always a bit of a shock traveling to an area of a different language for the first time, especially when you cannot communicate with everyone. There will always be the need to learn new vocabulary and, at least, be able to engage in basic communication in another language.
A study by the Annals of Neurology reveals that bilingual individuals have better focus and higher general intelligence than their unilingual counterparts. Traveling as a student can jump-start the process!
Improves Social Skills
One often ignored aspect of how traveling is amazing for students is the way it improves tact. Student travelers stand a better chance of thriving in the real world through social intelligence than through mere book smarts. The ability to read social cues, understand people’s emotions, and manage relationships is TRULY as important as good grades.
Builds Confidence
As a by-effect of its several other benefits, traveling the world also boosts pupils’ confidence. Handling unexpected situations, improvising through dilemmas, and increasing self-awareness and people skills, especially in a foreign country, will make anyone comfortable in their skin. Confidence can then be transferred to other aspects of the student’s life, guaranteeing academic excellence.
Anyway – I think I made my point. Here are some of the best options for student travel destinations these days.
12 Top Student Travel Destinations
So here are the domestic AND international student travel destinations I recommend for a trip while studying. These are all cheap holiday destinations for students and also offer more than that!
Spain
Spain is one of the fantastic all-around student holiday destinations that is cheap, beautiful, and full of culture and amazing landscapes (and parties).
Barcelona is a massive student city which is also one of my favorite cities in the world. Barcelona mixes incredible culture and history with beach life, outdoor activities, cheap bars, clubs, and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s also a great place to teach English if you want a side hustle. Barcelona is also an awesome and popular place to study abroad.
But we also have Madrid, which is cheaper with great nightlife and food. Ibiza and Majorca are favorite islands destinations in the Mediterranean, with great beaches and parties. Andalucia is known to be the cheapest area of Spain with a deep Spanich culture – prepare for tapas, wine, and late nights especially in the capital Seville. Spain is an all-around great student travel destination!
Thailand
Thailand is one of the best student travel destinations for many reasons, and a fantastic jumping-off point for affordable and simple travel in Asia. Thailand is one of the most-visited Southeast Asian countries where English is widely spoken, and transportation is well-worn and easy to figure out – all of which are great for young students.
Thailand is one of the cheapest places to travel as a student and is full of backpackers traveling on a shoestring, making the most of their budget, exploring, and partying. It has a vibrant culture, delicious food, and some of the most incredible and diverse landscapes around.
From the mountains of Chiang Pai to the backpacker vibes of Pai, to the incredible bustle of Bangkok, to the stunningly scenic southern islands… Thailand is a must!
Albania
Albania is a great student travel destination because it has beaches that rival those of Croatia and Italy for a fraction of the price. Albania is regularly mentioned as one of the most scenic countries in Europe, with picturesque coasts and coves, and dramatic mountains. Come here to experience delicious food traditional villages, and relaxation on the beach.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an awesome option for student holiday destinations that aren’t a continent away (for American students). You dont need a passport to visit Puerto Rico from the USA, but this beautiful island offers a completely different culture, language, and architecture from a lot of America.
Puerto Rico is fairly affordable and offers cheap hostels for students and travelers from all over the world, and you can enjoy that Caribbean sun after only a short flight!
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a fantastic domestic student travel destination because you can experience a rich culture without even leaving the country! There’s TONS to do in New Orleans, from the many museums to the French Quarter to drinking a bit too much on Bourbon Street.
There are a few universities here, so the vibe is young and outgoing. Mardi Gras and Halloween are epic times to be in NOLA, although it’s tons of fun year-round. There are also some affordable hostels that won’t break the bank as much as hotels here will.
Australia
Australia might be far away from it all, but it offers a whole range of awesome perks for student travelers. Australia is by far the best place to have a working holiday or even solo travel in Australia.
If you get a working holiday visa (available to those under 30-35, depending on country of origin), you can live and work in Australia and make some of the best wages in the world! It’s also a great place to study abroad, where the culture is similar yet distinctly different.
The country is massive and diverse in landscape. Many young people like to rent or buy a car to road trip around the country and visit hotspots like Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, Adelaide, Uluru + Northern Territory (Outback), Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Fraser Island, Byron Bay, and more.
Ireland
Ireland is a great student travel destination or first-time travel destination for those who want a familiar language but plenty of culture and scenery. Ireland is a small and easily traveled country full of incredible landscapes, such as the cliffs of Moher.
Party in Dublin’s Temple Bar with a pint of Guinness, or do a road trip to smaller charming towns like Cork, Killarney, and Limerick to learn some of the ancient (and not so ancient) history of the area and taste local meals. Many students even end studying abroad or even living in Ireland.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the safest Central American countries that offers an absolute abundance of adventure activities. Costa Rica is not the cheapest, but it makes up for it in the sheer amount of awesome things to do (and affordable flights from the USA).
Costa Rica has an affordable and social hostel scene full of young people to meet from around the world. It is bordered by the Caribbean and the Pacific (and popular for surfing), with beautiful jungles, hikes, and volcanoes in the center. There are some unique things to do and even some top-notch music festivals like Envision.
India
India can be one of the most relaxing of most intense travel experiences of your life depending on where you go! In Delhi and Mumbai, it is indeed overwhelmingly busy, but you will get a high dose of culture quickly. In places like Goa and Kerala, you can relax on the beach and live a slow pace of life.
One thing that is constant in India, however, is just how affordable it is. India is one of the best student travel destinations because the cost of living is extremely cheap compared to the US and it has one of the most historic and beautiful cultures in the whole world.
Panama City Beach, Florida
I couldn’t leave Panama City Beach off of this list, as it’s known as the spring break capital of the world! With miles of beautiful beaches and lots of EPIC parties just for students, this is a perfect student travel destination where you can experience tropical beaches without leaving the country.
Budapest, Hungary
For one of the cheapest student travel destinations in Europe, Budapest is a clear standout. Hungary is an incredible country with a deep history and culture, and Budapest puts it all on show. With the ‘Buda’ and ‘Pest’ sides of the river, students can learn all about European history and marvel at palaces, cathedrals, museums and viewpoints while exploring.
Budapest also has one of the best and cheapest party scenes in Europe, with some famous party hostels for a few euros a night to their iconic ruin bars. Sziget Festival is also one of the best in the world. This is a great place for students to travel, have a great time, and definitely not break the bank.
Peru
For those itching for a South American adventure, Peru is a great option for culture, budget-friendliness, and landscapes. Peru is also a diverse country stretching from the jungles of the Amazon to the deserts of Lima to the archaeological wonder and mountains of Cuzco (and Machu Picchu).
There are so many different landscapes to experience here, and they’re well-connected by busses. Hostels and meals are extremely cheap in Peru, making it easy to budget less than $20-$30 a day here.
Final Tips Visiting These Student Travel Destinations
With tons of options, it’s time to make some plans! But here are some final tips for traveling as a student, especially if it’s your first time.
- Set a realistic budget that covers all aspects of your trip.
- Book flights and accommodation in advance to save money.
- Strive to be a responsible traveler by prioritizing environmental sustainability.
- Don’t wear flashy jewelry or carry expensive items in the open
- Look into group trips to make friends while you travel
- Drink responsibly.
- Keep digital copies of all important documents.
- Chat to locals and get their perspectives.
- Immerse yourself into the culture and learn as much as you can!
- Learn to be comfortable being alone.
- Have fun!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.