Are you a student looking to explore the world but are worried about your tight budget? Well, worry no more! Travelling as a student doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many of the best student vacation destinations around the globe that offer unforgettable experiences under budget. So, if you are bored with your regular assignment submissions and need a break, travelling is the best option to take a break from your hectic life routine.
In this blog, we will discuss the 8 best student vacation destinations. So, grab your backpack, gather your friends, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime
1. Thailand

Thailand is a backpacker’s paradise with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering street food. Students can explore the bustling city of Bangkok, visit ancient temples in Chiang Mai, or island-hop in the stunning Phi Phi Islands. Accommodation in hostels starts at around $5-10 per night, while street food can be as cheap as $1-2 per meal. Transportation within Thailand is also budget-friendly, with local buses and trains costing just a few dollars depending upon the distance travelled. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best travel destinations for students.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Total Cost of a 7-day Trip: Around $600-800, including accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses
2. Portugal

It is one of the best student vacation destinations, offering a perfect blend of culture, beaches, and affordability for student travellers. Portugal is a hidden gem in Europe that offers incredible value for money. Students can wander through the charming streets of Lisbon, surf along the Algarve coast, or indulge in delicious pastries in Porto. With affordable hostels, affordable meals, and plenty of free attractions, Portugal is perfect for students exploring Europe without breaking the bank. Hostel dorm beds range from $10-20 per night, while a meal at a local restaurant can be as low as $5-10. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, with a day pass for Lisbon’s metro and tram system costing around $7.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to October.
- Total Cost of a 7-day Trip: Approximately $700-900.
3. Vietnam

From Hanoi’s bustling streets to HaLong Bay’s serene beauty, Vietnam has something for every type of traveller. You can visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, taste the delicious street food, explore ancient temples, and trek through lush rice paddies. With low-cost accommodation options starting at around $5-10 per night and budget-friendly transportation costing around $3-10 per ride, Vietnam is one of the best student vacation destinations.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April.
- Total Cost of a 7-day Trip: Approximately $500-700.
4. Mexico

Mexico is a vibrant place with endless opportunities for exploration. For students, it is a perfect vacation destination. You can enjoy the freshness of Tulum Beach, discover the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, or visit the famous National Museum of Anthropology. Accommodation in hostels starts at around $10-15 per night for dorm beds. Street food is delicious and cheap, with tacos and quesadillas costing just a few dollars. Transportation within Mexico is also affordable, with long-distance buses being the most popular option.
- Best Time to Visit: December to April.
- Total Cost of a 10-day Trip: Around $700-900.
5. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is among the best student vacation destinations known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. It is a perfect getaway for students who love partying and enjoying nightlife. Apart from this, you can also see the iconic Parliament building, relax in the famous thermal baths, or walk alongside the banks of the Danube River. Hostels and PGs range from $10-20 per night, while meals at local sodas (small eateries) can be as low as $5-10.
- Best Time to Visit: December to April.
- Total Cost of a 10-day Trip: Approximately $800-1000.
6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife. It is one of the best travel destinations for students who are into photography or vlogging. Moreover, you can also enjoy a Zip-line through the canopy, surf along the Pacific coast, or trek to see the mesmerising view of Fortuna Waterfall. While Costa Rica may be slightly more expensive than other places in Central America, it still offers excellent value for money, especially for students willing for a lifetime travel experience.
- Best Time to Visit: December to April.
- Total Cost of a 10-day Trip: Approximately $800-1000.
7. Poland

Poland is a beautiful, underrated Eastern European country with incredible history, culture, and tourist attractions. You can explore the historic streets of Krakow, visit the sombre Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, or enjoy the nightlife of Warsaw. With affordable accommodations starting at $10-15 per night, cheap food, and plenty of free activities, Poland is one of the best student vacation destinations to explore on a low budget.
- Best Time to Visit: June to August.
- Total Cost of a 7-day Trip: Around $600-800.
8. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, and particularly its capital, Prague, is like a dream destination with its stunning architecture, rich history, and lively atmosphere. It is undoubtedly among the best student vacation destinations, with a plethora of things to do. It allows you to explore Prague’s mediaeval streets, see the iconic Prague Castle or enjoy the colours of the world-famous festival Ostrava. Hostel beds start at around $10-15 per night, while meals at local restaurants can be as low as $5-10.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October.
- Total Cost of a 10-day Trip: Approximately $600-800.
Get Ready for a lifetime adventure
Travelling abroad as a student is always an exciting experience and incredibly rewarding, especially when you stick to budget-friendly destinations. The above-mentioned places are some of the best student vacation destinations you can keep on your wishlist for your next college reunion. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime without breaking the bank!
FAQ’s
1. How much should I budget for a week-long trip to Thailand as a student?
Ans: For a 7-day trip to Thailand, students will need $600-800, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
2. What are some must-try street foods in Mexico for students on a budget?
Ans: In Mexico, students can enjoy delicious and inexpensive street foods like tacos and quesadillas, which typically cost around 2-10 dollars, depending on the type of food.
3. Are there any free places to visit in Prague, Czech Republic, suitable for student travellers?
Ans: Yes, Prague offers several free attractions for student travellers, such as exploring the city’s mediaeval streets, visiting public parks, and admiring iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, providing budget-friendly options for sightseeing.
4. What’s the best way for students to roam around Vietnam without spending too much?
Ans: Students can affordably explore Vietnam using budget-friendly transportation options like local buses and trains. These typically cost around $10-20 and allow for convenient and economical travel within the country.
5. How can students save money on accommodations in Portugal?
Ans: To save money on accommodations in Portugal, students can opt for affordable hostel dorm beds, which start at $10-20 per night, or consider sharing accommodations with friends to split costs, enabling budget-friendly travel experiences.