The 10 best places to travel as a student

updated 8/30/2021

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Travel is the best form of procrastination and as a student, with those long holidays full of faraway deadlines, it's almost inevitable you're going to want to get away. Flights are cheaper than ever before, so there's no excuse whatever your budget. Whatever our preference, here are some of the best places to spend your student breaks.

For beaches: Albania

The beaches of the rugged Albanian Riviera are picture perfect, nestled in secluded coves and lapped by crystal clear-waters. The coastline is dotted with traditional villages, and there are budget hotels and restaurants by the dozen.

Travellers inevitably find themselves staying longer than planned, whiling away their days on the beach with an ice-cold beer in hand – after all, this is one of the cheapest places in Europe to enjoy a lager (or two).

© Pixabay

For nightlife: Madrid, Spain

With everything starting so late (don’t expect lunch till about 4pm and dinner certainly not before 9pm), you’ll find yourself partying here until sunrise – at least.

The Spanish capital is home to scores of wild bars, pubs and clubs catering to all musical tastes where you can dance your socks off as you knock down some potent drinks.

You’ll probably find yourself in a café eating churros with chocolate for breakfast – the fried dough pastry is perfect for soaking up that pounding hangover.

© Rafael Ramirez Lee/Shutterstock

For island life: Croatia

If you fancy sailing, secluded coves and beach parties then look no further than the islands of the Croatian archipelago. They also attract their share of cyclists – there are peaceful coastal routes offering gorgeous views.

Trendy Hvar Island is packed with stylish bars and clubs, while Brac retains a traditional feel with picturesque fishing villages, vineyards and olive groves.

City Harbour of the town of Hvar, on the island of Hvar, the Adriatic coast of Croatia © rustamank/Shutterstock

For making friends: Slovenia

Slovenia is a peaceful country with areas of outstanding natural beauty. At tourist farms friendly hosts serve home-cooked organic food. You’ll be able to experience rural events and learn about farm life while making friends with welcoming and hospitable souls.

Ptuj, Slovenia © Ondra Vacek/Shutterstock

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For the great outdoors: Morocco

© Pixabay

For bucket-list experiences: Rajasthan, India

From mighty forts to grand castles, Rajasthan has some of India’s most impressive architectural monuments. And while it may be a bit of a cliché, no trip to India would be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in the world. You’ll also be able to spot tigers in the Rantambore National Park and feast on curries and refreshing mango lassis. What’s not to like?

Kumbhalgarh Fort. Rajasthan, India © Dmitry Rukhlenko/Shutterstock

For local culture: Cuba

Cuba is a hotpot of cultural traditions, with European, African and Asian influences evident in all aspects of life, from cuisine to religion. One of the best ways to gain an insight into everyday life is by staying in a casa particular (a private B&B).

Local families will welcome you into their home, lovingly prepare homemade meals and perhaps even smoke a cigar or two with you. This is the country to try your hand at salsa (or how about an Afro-Cuban dance?) and – of course – look the part in a vintage American car.

© Pixabay

For a working holiday: Northern Territory, Australia

Renowned for its spectacular desert landscapes, Australia’s Northern Territory is a friendly relaxed place that is popular among visitors – and it’s a great place to live too.

It has a lively Indigenous culture and is one of the country’s most cosmopolitan regions with influences from nearby Asia. (Darwin, its capital city, is closer to Asia than that other Australian capital cities). Its population is also the nation’s youngest; the average age is just 31 years.

written by Kiki Deere

updated 8/30/2021

Raised bilingually in London and Turin, Kiki Deere is a travel writer specialising in Italy. She has seen her work published in a number of magazines and UK broadsheets, including The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and Lonely Planet online. She has completed numerous guidebook writing assignments for Rough Guides that have taken her to far-flung corners of the globe, from the Brazilian Amazon to the remotest province of the Philippines. Follow her @kikideere on Instagram and Twitter.