Exploring Europe on a Student Budget
Whether you have just graduated and are looking for a taste of adventure before hitting the real world, or you are simply hoping to spend your summer break exploring the globe with friends, Europe is a dream destination for students of all ages in undergraduate and graduate programs. With its beautiful landmarks, unique cultural identity, and incredible history, there is plenty to see and do on the continent. While Europe is often thought to be an expensive vacation destination, there are fortunately several different ways to see the sites without spending a fortune. From Barcelona to Rome and beyond, planning an affordable vacation abroad doesn’t need to feel like mission impossible.
Budget First
Choosing a destination for your vacation is perhaps the most important step in ensuring that your vacation falls within the parameters of your budget. For example, some European cities, such as London, are known to be particularly pricey in general and even more so when the pound is doing well in exchange rates. On the other end of the spectrum, destinations like Istanbul are easy on the pocketbook. You will also want to take key factors like safety into consideration when planning your trip.
Paris is another European city that appeals to many students, and is a less expensive than London. Some of the most popular tourist destinations, including landmarks such as L’Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, can all be enjoyed from the outside without spending a single penny, and there are quite a few cheap hostels around. If your heart is set on seeing the view from the top, a few euros will gain you entry.
Furthermore, the city government of Paris has a wide selection of different offers that allow tourists to see everything at a discounted price. The transport authority, the RATP, offers a ParisVisite pass, which provides unlimited travel for several consecutive days, in addition to discounted entry fees to many popular landmarks in the city. If hitting the museums is your main priority, the Paris Museum Pass provides unlimited entry to more than 60 museums throughout the city, easing the impact on your wallet.
Look Out For Discount Travel Cards
Another breathtaking European destination that many students enjoy cheaply is Prague. Nestled on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is a magnificent city for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Central Europe. From the glamor of Prague Castle to the historical neighborhood of Josefov, which was once the Jewish ghetto, Prague has plenty to offer student tourists.
Much like Paris, Prague also offers visitors a discount card for seeing the many museums and historical sites in the city. These cards can be purchased from many of the local hotels and tourist sites. They can also be pre-ordered online before departing.
One thing travelers will certainly want to remember regardless of their final destination is to book accommodation in advance. While many backpackers choose to keep their trip fluid and open, instead booking their hostel when they arrive in the city, this can lead to inflated prices. The best hostels in the city generally fill up rather quickly, so it is always a good idea to book ahead of time.
It is also key to take some precautions before leaving home. If you have not already reviewed the specific vaccination requirements for the countries you will be visiting, you will want to do so, so check in with your own doctor. Keep in mind that it is always cheaper to buy food from grocery stores and farmer’s markets than to eat out at restaurants, especially if the exchange rate is not in your favor.
With a bit of advanced planning and some navigation once you arrive, you will likely find that Europe can be cheaper than expected!
13 Oct 2011
