Travelling as a student: our good plans

A student may want to take a few vacations, alone or with friends, but may not always have the means. Transportation, accommodation, activities... There are many solutions available to you, because the desire to escape is the strongest. Here are our tips for traveling on a budget.

1. Choosing the purpose of your trip 🎯

The purpose of your trip depends on your interests and personal preferences. Here are some examples of different types of trips and their objectives to help you determine what suits you best.

1.1. Traveling with an association 🙆‍♀️

Student associations organize low-cost trips. Whether it's for a weekend in Great Britain or a week in Rome, you'll pay less when you travel with others. Prices can range from 100 to 200 €, including accommodation, round-trip transportation, breakfast, and passes for museums. Preferred periods are February or Easter vacations.

1.2. Traveling and working ⛑

Several jobs allow you to enjoy the beauty of a region while earning a salary. You can be an animator in a summer camp and bask in the sun with the young people you supervise.

If you like sharing your love of foreign languages, do a language internship. Spend the summer in the sun by becoming a waiter, bartender, or vendor on the beach.

Consider fruit and vegetable picking, which is an opportunity to see the country while making friends.

1.3. Traveling with friends 👣

Sharing expenses is an ideal solution for budget-friendly vacations. After choosing your destination together, the length of your stay, and your accommodation, you can reduce lodging costs by staying with family or friends during a circuit of different cities. When traveling with friends, you can count on each other in case of problems.

2. Choosing your destination 🛩

2.1. Traveling in France 🇫🇷

Many regions of France beckon, so why not save money by staying closer to home? Consider carpooling.

And if you also go camping and eat in small restaurants, you'll limit expenses and make friendly acquaintances. Cycling around France, hiking trails, or a gastronomic tour allows you to take the time to meet other tourists.

2.2. Going abroad 🛩

Eastern Europe is increasingly popular with students for discovering new cultures and partying. Life is cheaper in these countries in terms of housing, daily life, and transportation, with cities rich in history.

Mediterranean countries are interesting destinations, but too popular with tourists in the summer. Choose June or September or short vacations for attractive rates.

2.2. More expensive destinations 💸

Nordic and Anglo-Saxon countries are always attractive, but the cost of living is higher. Opt for last-minute tickets and a youth hostel. For travel on European trains, buy an InterRail card for a defined period.

3. Accommodation and transportation during your trip 🏠

3.1. Getting around inexpensively 🚙

Transportation is a relatively important expense. You have the choice between carpooling, buses, trains, and airplanes. For the latter, book in advance to get good prices.

Surf the internet to find a good deal. As for alternative transportation, bicycles are ideal, and you can also try a Segway, hoverboard, monorail, or electric scooter.

3.2. Finding accommodation during your trip 🏠

Many accommodation options are available to you. The most common are hostels and camping. However, don't wait until the last minute to make sure you have a room or space. Exchanging accommodation with a foreign student is a good way to not pay rent for nothing.

3.3. Accommodation in exchange for a service 😎

And why not think about couchsurfing or WWOOFing? During an itinerant stay, you'll find a room for one or two nights. You exchange a service for lodging and meals. Humanitarian missions allow you to travel while serving a good cause (Concordia, Rempart, or International Volunteer Service).

3.4. Assistance for young people 💰

The National Agency for Holiday Vouchers offers assistance to young people aged 18-25 once a year.

The Zellidja scholarship is granted to young people between 16 and 20 years old who agree to travel alone for a minimum of one month with a study project.

And the vacation budget? Compare offers to see if expenses fit your budget.

 

Also read | 5 tips for returning to the office with peace of mind

Also read | Traveling alone: 9 advantages of solo vacations