The first time I bought a ticket from one of the discount airlines out of the UK, I couldn’t believe they were serious. 60 Euros? Really? To get on an airplane? Is the airplane made of felt? Do you have to stand up the whole time? How is this possible? But it was all real. Despite the tiny seats, strange colors, and cattle call-style boarding practices, it’s all real!
Traveling around Europe is almost a rite of passage for American students studying abroad, and Britain is the right place to start: most of Europe’s discount airlines are based out of the UK.
Before you begin your journey, you’ll probably want to get a couple of things squared away. An International Student Identity Card is a good jumping-off point—one of those babies gives you access to countless discounts in over a hundred countries all over the world. As a student, you’re already eligible for lots of discounts on sites like STA Travel. And consider getting an InterRail pass, which lets you travel to a bunch of destinations over a short period of time.
As far as travel options go, there are quite a few possibilities. Map out a plan that gives you enough time to explore each destination without overextending yourself. I found I enjoyed myself more when I didn’t try to cram too many locales into each short break from class.
If you’re already in the UK, you’ve got Scotland and Ireland in your own backyard. Renting a car and driving through the Scottish Highlands makes for an amazing trip, as does taking a cheap flight to Dublin and wandering around the city for a few days, stopping for a Guinness when you need a break.
Beyond the UK, you have more options, so you’ll have to prioritize. Lots of students like renting bikes and riding around Amsterdam, taking breaks to partake in a few desserts. Others appreciate the history and eclectic nightlife in Berlin, a new beacon for artists all over the world.
If you have more time on your hands than just a long weekend, consider bussing around the eastern coast of Spain—starting in Barcelona, passing through Valencia and Alicante, and working your way over to Granada. From there, you can take a cheap flight back to the UK.
Less cut-and-dry, but equally worthwhile: book a flight to Croatia and spend some time on the beach, find yourself a cheap motorcycle rental and ride through the hills along the coast. And if you’re looking to save a few dollars, head to Eastern Europe. Check out charming capital cities like Prague and Budapest, where the sightseeing options are endless but the prices are still reasonable.
You might also consider going on a volunteer trip outside of the UK. STA Travel occasionally posts volunteer options, but there are plenty of other sites that can help you map out a plan to do some good.
Think outside the box! And remember: traveling can be expensive. You definitely don’t want to find yourself stranded in a foreign land. Weigh your options, don’t try to cram too many places into too short a timeframe, and bring friends—there are endless opportunities for fun, affordable, educational, and spontaneous European jaunts.