Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:40 pm
Being a student is sometimes bitter-sweet. You have all the freedom in the world with very little responsibility, but you have next to no means to explore the freedom that you have!
Traveling is nearly impossible on a student’s budget unless you know where to go. If you are a British student and have a traveling itch that needs to be scratched, here are the top ten cheap travel destinations for students to plan your next getaway.
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My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023
These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.
Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing
Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.
Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.
For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.
For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.
Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.
For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon.
Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).
For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.
Cheap Travel Destinations for Students
Here are the best cheap getaways for students, in no particular order…
East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
If you have ever wanted to go to Bali but couldn’t afford it, these islands are awaiting your arrival. Their pristine beaches will keep you coming back for more. The crowds are much less dense than those found to the west, which makes this one of the best travel destinations for groups of friends. However, if you come here solo, here are some ideas for making friends during your trip.
Budapest, Hungary
If you are looking for a historic overload, mixed with a bit of modern flair, then Budapest should be your next destination. The city has something to offer for everyone. Visit the historical sites that comprise Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site or go bask in one of the thermal baths while sipping on a glass of wine. Whatever you do, make sure to visit the Ruin bars and experience Budapest’s café culture supreme.
West Bengal, India
If an African safari is a bit out of your price range, you should consider India. Although you might not see a lion, you could be treated to a sighting of one of the biggest cats of them all, the Bengal Tiger. The nature is exquisite and the food is beyond comparison. So, buy a ticket and don’t forget to brush up on your Bollywood!
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Home to one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, Sri Lanka deserves to be on anyone’s bucket list. However, coming in at spending just over £68 a day on meals, Colombo is as pocket-friendly as they come.
In Colombo, you have the best of both worlds. You can spend one day at the beach and the next exploring the city on a shopping spree.
Sound expensive? There are lots of ways that students can travel and make money, from running travel websites like this one to writing essays on EduBirdie, a popular essay writing service. All you need is an internet connection and some spare time while you’re on your travels.
Mombasa, Kenya
There is just something about Africa that gets the blood pumping and the inspiration flowing. Mombasa offers a chance for to experience a great city on the edge of the water. Kenyans have a long seafaring tradition with beautiful coastlines. Here you can scuba dive one day and go out on a safari the next!
Cape Winelands, South Africa
If there is one thing that the Cape does well, it is wine! Another African gem, the Cape Winelands are home to some of the world’s best wineries. The best part of it all is that it is super affordable. If going for tastings is your thing, then you can choose from everything from wine to chocolate, coffee, beer, and even olive oil.
Athens, Greece
If you’ve been following me on my travels, you know I’m obsessed with Greece! The country offers a wealth of history and gorgeous views, like a view of the Parthenon from Mount Lycabettus, yet it’s much less expensive than other Western-oriented European cities!
If you want to plan a trip to Greece, save money on your trip by choosing hostels, eating Greek street food, and visiting over a national holiday when most museums and the Parthenon are free to enter.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is one of those countries that screams adventure. The excitement is palpable as you travel by ferry from mainland Tanzania to the island. Zanzibar is home to some of the world’s most majestic sunsets. Maybe it’s because it sets the tone for the magical nightlife. Move over the Caribbean, there’s a new island king in town!
Minsk, Belarus
Since the lift of the costly tourist visas, people all over the world are discovering the wonders of Belarus. The former Soviet Republic should be on your Red Tourism bucket list, but more importantly, the city of Minsk. The architecture is divine and blends flawlessly with the surrounding nature.
Vietnam
Whenever Vietnam is mentioned, most people think of the war. The truth is that Vietnam is one of the most culturally rich and picturesque countries in the world. You will struggle to find a destination that can offer you the quality that this Asian gem can at the insanely low price of around £20 a day.
You can visit the stunning Ha Long Bay, explore the vibrant city of Hanoi, go shopping for Vietnamese souvenirs in Hoi An, and, of course, stuff your face on amazing Vietnamese cuisine!
Travel Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank!
If you want to travel, then there are more than enough options to explore. If you do a bit of searching, you’ll be able to find something that will suit your potentially meager budget. You might even discover a gem that can become your next favorite destination.
More Student Travel Resources
Looking for ways to save money while you travel? Check out The 5 Best Ways to Travel and Make Money.
If you will be traveling alone, here’s a guide to traveling solo for the first time and how to make friends while you travel solo. If you’re single, you might also want to check out how to date while traveling.
5 Things to Bring on Your Trip!
Hitting the road doesn’t have to be stressful! Just make sure you bring these five things:
An Unlocked Smartphone so you can get around. I currently use a Samsung8 smartphone. It’s important to make sure you have a local sim card or roaming data so if you do need to use your phone you’re able to make a call.
Backup Charging Bank for your cell phone since you want to make sure your phone is always charged while on your trip. This is an important safety measure!
A Full-Sized Travel Towel if you decide to stay in hostels. This is the best travel towel in the world, and you’ll need it if you are staying anywhere that requires you to bring your towel.
A book to read while you’re on your trip. This is a great way to clear your mind and enjoy your trip. I like to bring a book (or buy one on my trip) that takes place in the city or country where I’m traveling.
A Great Day Bag that also transitions into a good evening bag so you can carry what you need with you for the day (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc), but also take it with you out at night. My current favorite is the Pacsafe Citysafe, which is especially great for travelers because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets.
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
Before you leave for your trip make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy because accidents happen on the road. I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance when traveling solo so loved ones back home can assist if you end up needing help. Make sure someone back home has your policy information!
I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them. If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.
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