Going away for the weekend on a student budget: our best tips
Studying takes time and investment, but that doesn't mean you have to give up travel and little getaways. With a little organization and a few good plans, you can enjoy a well-deserved break without breaking the bank. As a student, you've probably already had to juggle your budget between rent, shopping and outings... But traveling shouldn't be a luxury reserved for others.
Thanks to Studently discover concrete tips for choosing an accessible destination, limiting your accommodation and catering expenses, and managing your student budget.
Choose your destination
Accessibility and cost of livingWhen you're a student, choosing an affordable destination is essential to prevent the trip weighing too heavily on your budget. Ideally, you should opt for places that are easy to get to by train, bus or carpool, to keep transportation costs to a minimum.
If you want to stay in France, consider major student cities like Lille, Nantes, Lyon or Toulouse. These cities have the advantage of good transport links and offer many free or reduced-cost activities for students. If you're looking for a little more nature, the Alps, Brittany or even the Landes are perfect for a rejuvenating weekend !
If you want to go abroad without blowing your student budget, give preference to countries where the cost of living is lower. Eastern Europe is an excellent option with destinations like Budapest, Prague or Krakow, where accommodation and food are much more affordable than in France. Spain and Portugal are also interesting choices, with cities like Valencia and Porto offering many student-friendly deals.
Think about booking your tickets as early as possible and comparing prices on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner or Omio. If your student schedule allows you to be flexible, try to go during the week and out of season to benefit from better fares!
Low-cost accommodation
Hostels, glamping and Airbnb.Accommodation is often one of the biggest expenses when traveling, but there are several student-friendly solutions to keep costs down.
Youth hostels remain the best plan for a cheap weekend away. As well as being economical, they offer the chance to meet other travelers and sometimes to have breakfast included. Some even offer coworking spaces for students who want to revise between visits.
If you're looking for a more original alternative, glamping (comfort camping) is a fun and affordable option. Some campsites offer unusual accommodation such as wooden cabins or fully-equipped tents, perfect for a stay in the great outdoors without blowing your student budget.
Airbnb can also be a good option, especially if you're traveling in a group. Renting an apartment with several people often allows you to divide costs and pay less than a hotel. As a student, don't hesitate to check if specific discounts are available in certain residences or hotels.
Eating on a budget
Cooking rather than going out.When you're a student, meals can quickly become a major expense, especially if you eat out every day. To avoid seeing your budget melt away in a weekend, opt for home-cooked meals and economical alternatives.
If your accommodation has a kitchen, take advantage of it to prepare your own meals. Doing a bit of shopping on arrival will cost you a lot less than going to one restaurant after another. Local markets are often an excellent option for buying fresh produce at a lower cost.
For meals eaten out, street food is your best ally. Burgers, tacos, falafels or local sandwiches... every city has its own affordable specialties, perfect for a student on the go. What's more, some apps like Too Good To Go or Phenix let you buy unsold meals at reduced prices, a clever trick for eating well without breaking the bank.
Another tip: look out for restaurants offering student menus or happy hours on dishes.
Managing your student budget effectively
Anticipating and tracking expensesTraveling on a student budget requires a little organization to avoid unpleasant surprises. Before you leave, define an overall budget, taking into account the main expense items: transport, accommodation, food, activities and extras.
To help you keep track of your expenses, use apps like Tricount or Splitwise, especially if you're traveling in a group. These tools allow you to divide expenses between participants and avoid complicated calculations at the end of your stay.
Also remember to choose a suitable bank card to avoid paying unnecessary fees abroad. Some online banks, like Revolut, offer attractive deals for traveling students.
Also check whether your bank applies withdrawal or payment charges outside the euro zone to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Always leave a little margin for the unexpected. Whether it's a more expensive transport ticket than you expected, a last-minute activity or a souvenir you want to bring back, it's best to plan ahead.
Finally, find out about any student discounts available locally. Many museums, public transport and tourist attractions offer reduced rates simply by showing your student card!
A weekend away on a student budget is possible!
Traveling as a student doesn't have to mean depriving yourself. By choosing an accessible destination, finding economical accommodation, cutting back on food and managing your budget well, you can make the most of a financially stress-free weekend.
With a little organization and the right reflexes, every weekend can become a new adventure, even on a limited student budget. So, ready to plan your next getaway?