Every student wants to travel, but not everyone can afford a lavish European holiday. Here’s some tips and tricks to help you travel on a student’s budget.

Plan around what time of year you would like to travel. The best time to visit Europe on a student’s budget is during the low season. From November to March, you’ll find low hotel rates and cheap flights. The exception during low season is the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices will peak again around this time.

Alternatively, you can plan your trip to Europe between April to May or September to October. These are the shoulder seasons where prices will be marginally higher than a low season, but still definitely more affordable than high season. The high season, June to August, is a NO GO if you want to travel on a budget. Prices will be at their highest during this period as it is a popular summertime destination for tourists to travel.

Which countries do you want to see?

Most first-time backpackers to Europe want to go to the most famous cities: Paris, London, Amsterdam, etc. However, because these cities are tourist hotspots, they are very expensive. When traveling on a budget it might be prudent to consider some alternative “off the beaten path” options. Below are a few countries where you’ll get more value for your money.

The Balkan countries, like Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia & Kosovo

The Baltic countries, like Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.

How do you want to travel?

Traveling by train is the best way to get around on a budget. This option also allows you to take in the scenery and get some rest along the way. If you plan smart, you could make tha most of your long journeys overnight, by sleeping on the train and save on accommodation costs. Using an Interrail Global pass or the equivalent Eurail pass you can access most countries.

Where are you going to sleep?

Even though accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of a trip that you’ll need to budget for, you don’t need to worry about this stopping your holiday plans in their tracks. It is true that even in Europe’s more lavish destinations, the hostel system means there is always an affordable place to sleep through the night. Homestays are a good idea to give you better value for money than most hotels, so they are also worth considering. If you don’t mind roughing it, camping is a great option as well. You can sleep comfortably with little camping equipment at some very well-equipped camping sites. Another alternative is university accommodation. This can be a cheap option if you’re travelling during university holidays. Make sure to always do your research, read reviews and book well in advance to avoid any hiccups along your journey.

What do you want to do on your travels? 

Being on a student’s budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out, even in some of the world’s most expensive cities. Many popular European experiences are thankfully light on the pocket. Try the great Italian tradition of “aperitivo” in Rome, look out for free city walking tours, make the most of the free museums in London and try cooking with local ingredients rather than eating out. Not every day needs to be filled with cost heavy activities. Take a walk around your accommodation, and soak up the culture.

With these tips and trips in mind you can stretch your budget further and see more for less!