If you are a college student and love to travel, this article is for you.
Most of us have been where you are right now – tired and penny. Doesn’t a week in Costa Rica sound like the perfect getaway from all the studying and exams?
It sure does, and most students don’t think they can afford an abroad trip because most vacations cost thousands of dollars. But, that’s not true!
Cheap vacations for students are not unheard-of, and there are plenty of affordable travel destinations to choose from. Not only does travel prevent you from burning out, but you also get to see the world and share interesting stories with your friends.
That’s why we created this list of the best cheap trips for college students for you.
Best places for college students to travel to:
- All-Time Favorite College Trips
- Cheap Holiday Destinations in USA
- Cheapest Places to Travel in the World
- Cheap Trip Ideas for College Students
All-Time Favorite College Trips
Florida
Florida is an all-time top spring break destination in the USA. Some well-visited cities by college students include Miami, Panama City, and Tampa. You can even find a 7-night stay at the Freehand Miami Hotel and Hostel for $127 + tax, which includes breakfast and a pool.
Cancun, Mexico
The traditional college spring break trip destination is, of course, Cancun, Mexico. Cancun is the place for unwinding, dancing, and having fun with your friends. You get to enjoy the sun and the beach, while you don’t have to break your bank account. Hotel and hostel prices are quite cheap and affordable, room prices for a week starting from $42 and up.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you want to see Puerto Rico for the first time during your vacation, San Juan is the ideal place to start. From resorts, night clubs, casinos, and rich history, there is an abundance to see and do in the capital of Puerto Rico. Don’t miss the magnificent ocean views, and take some Insta worthy photos at the Spanish colonial fortresses in the old San Juan. Accommodation prices start from $200 for a week’s vacation.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Even though New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras, which always happens winter and spring break, there is plenty to see and do in this town. The French Quarter in New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in America. It’s rich in history, culture, food, nightlife, and the arts. Best of all, room prices start from $128 for the week.
Cheap Holiday Destinations in USA
Daytona, Florida
Florida is one of the cheapest holiday destinations in the USA. That’s why it makes it in one of the best places for college students to travel to – plus the partying scene, beach vibes, and friendly locals only make it more attractive to visit. Daytona, in particular, is one of the most affordable beach towns to visit in Florida, with room prices for a week starting in the $300 range.
Tampa, Florida
Another travel destination in the US is Tampa, Florida. What makes this place not only affordable but unique as well as the possibility to go for vacation rental properties along the beach. When in Tampa be sure to take a day trip to the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
On most lists for cheap spring break trips, Myrtle Beach is among the top listed cities. Students living on the East coast can even make a road trip out of it during their spring or summer vacation. Even though during the peak season, accommodation prices run higher than normal, you can find rooms starting from $400/7-night stay. Don’t forget to check out the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and enjoy the white sand at Myrtle Beach.
South Padre Island, Texas
For students on a budget, look no further, South Padre Island is your summer destination place. A week’s vacation on accommodation will cost you around $400, but you will get to relax, enjoy the beach, and surf. Go on a day trip to Mexico, since the island is only miles away from the border. There is a waterpark you can visit during the day for some fun splashing.
Savannah, Georgia
This is not your typical vacation getaway destination, especially not for a college student. But, Savannah has been an up and coming vacation spot in the USA for several years now, and it’s one of the must-visit places in the USA. Hotel prices are still considerably lower than other major cities in America, so it’s a great opportunity to see Georgia. If history and culture are your thing, then this is your destination.
Denver, Colorado
For nature and snow lovers, Denver is your winter vacation break destination. It has beautiful scenery and for the adrenaline junkies, it’s a great spot to let loose. Even if you are not a skier or don’t like snow, the mountain views are breathtaking and there’s plenty of spa resorts for you to relax at. Expect accommodation prices to range around $500 for the week.
Cheapest Places to Travel in the World
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
One of the cheapest all-inclusive holiday destinations in the world is Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. This coastal town is located on the Black Sea in the Balkan Peninsula. It’s an affordable destination for college students, so expect to find accommodation prices between $200 and $300 for a week’s vacation in Europe.
Costa Rica (San Jose, Arenal Area)
If you want to find a destination that has cheap airfare when traveling from the USA and affordable hostels, then Costa Rica is your country. Round-trip airfare prices from the USA to San Jose can average $200-300, not leaving a hole in your travel budget.
Belgrade, Serbia
Another budget-friendly trip for broke students is the capital of Serbia – Belgrade. Traveling to Europe isn’t cheap, but you can find round-trip flight prices for less than $1000. Cheap travel to Europe is possible during off-peak times. Flights are cheaper, and lots of choice for accommodation. If this capital is not a choice for your, other backup destinations are Skopje and Ohrid in North Macedonia.
Panama
Among the popular Central American destinations for college students to visit is Panama. You can find airfare tickets in the $300 range to Panama City. There are many student-friendly hostels with room prices starting from $56 for a week. Panama is a cheap place to travel internationally, beautiful to see, and won’t break your bank account.
Puerto Rico
As mentioned earlier in the All-Time Favorite College Trips section, Puerto Rico is an easy trip for American students and affordable.
Placencia, Belize
For one of the cheapest tropical vacations, you can take, consider Placencia in this wild Central American country. Room prices start from $80 for the week, but you will get to stay in adorable cabanas or cottages.
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
If Asia is on your bucket list, then consider going to Vietnam. The living standard is low, which means everything else, especially food and accommodation, is much cheaper than in the USA. Plus Phu Quoc Island makes for an exotic beach destination to share with your friends once you are back to school.
Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica is great for vacations for college students since of its location in the Caribbean to the US, beautiful sandy beaches and exotic forests. You don’t have to splurge a lot of money to go to Jamaica. There are plenty of hotels that are within a reasonable one-week vacation range that broke college students can save up for.
The Dominican Republic
Another option in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic. Due to the US travel advisory warning of increased crime and the FBI investigating Dominican Republic resorts for tourist deaths, many tourists have canceled their accommodations. Prices have plummeted, leaving you’re the option to have coconut drink on a white sandy beach in Punta Cana for a more affordable price.
Cheap Trip Ideas for College Students
If you still don’t know where to go after this long list of cheap travel destinations for college students to vacation at, here are some ideas on how to narrow down your ultimate cheap vacation as a college student.
Road Trips. The USA is one of the best countries to visit, and it makes the perfect candidate for a road trip. During your breaks, why not use the time to have some fun and bond with a family member or your bestie. Road trips are the ultimate adventure for college students. Travel from the West Coast to the East Coast, or go for Route 101 – known as the best road trip route in the US.
Spring Break Trips. Spring semester is almost over and you are looking for the best spring break spots for college students? Then you know that Cancun is on top of that list. Florida is also another top spot for college spring breakers. Other best places for spring break for college students include going on a cruise ship to either Aruba or the Bahamas.
Summer Trips. Sun. Beach. Water. We already mentioned several beach destinations in this article, but when in doubt you can never go wrong with Florida. If you need something unique check out this list for more adventurous holidays to consider.
Europe Trips. Many budget-friendly international trips in the summer include visiting the Balkans. These countries (North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Mainland Greece – Halkidiki Peninsula, and Albania) are perfect if you are looking for affordable hostels, Airbnb rentals, student-friendly options for backpacking. Food and drinks are relatively cheap, and you will a good conversion rate from USD to the country currency.
Winter Break Trips. You can spend your college winter break as a ski trip (or snowboarding), without spending a lot of money. There are several affordable winter vacation destinations in the US, like Colorado, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. If you want to go skiing internationally, skip the Alps and got to Bansko, Bulgaria.
Mission Trips. Consider volunteering with your local church group to help those effect by hurricanes or similar disasters. These religious mission trips can help students save money on airfare and boarding, but get to experience a new culture, all while helping out. If you are in the medical field, check with your university there are plenty of medical mission trips to Africa and South America. Language immersion mission trips will help you learn a new language by learning to live like the locals, interacting with them, and being forced to speak the language. Language immersion the quickest way to learn a new language.
Conclusion
One of the biggest problem college students have is a low money budget. Having to pay tuition fees and high book prices, leaves them with a limited amount of money they can spend on travel if any. But hopefully, with our list of the best cheap trips for college students, you will get to see the world and save some money too.
Share some of your favorite cheap travel destinations in the comments below. Happy travels!
