The Best Guide to Cheap Travel Destinations to College Students
Introduction to Student Travel
First, college is stressful. Exams cause worry. Homework takes time. So, you need a break. Next, travel heals the mind. You see new places. You meet new people. Thus, you feel better. Also, money is often tight. Tuition costs a lot. Books cost a lot. So, spend wisely. In addition, there are also cheap spots in the world, including Cheap Travel Destinations for College Students. There are low-cost countries.
Food costs pennies. Thus, go there. What is more, this guide assists you. We list the best places. We find the deals. So, read the list. Finally, pack your backpack. Grab your passport. The world waits. So, start the journey.
Mexico: Tacos and Beaches
First, Mexico is close. Flights are often cheap. It is a top choice. So, fly south. Next, food is delicious. Tacos cost one dollar. Street food is safe. Thus, eat a lot. Also, beaches are free. Tulum has white sand. Cancun has blue water. So, swim all day. Moreover, hostels are fun. They have pools. They have bars. Thus, meet other students.
Furthermore, history is deep. Mayans built pyramids. Chechen Itza is huge. So, climb the steps. Finally, buses are cheap. ADO buses run often. They have AC. So, travel in comfort.

Thailand: The Backpacker Heaven
First, Thailand is famous. Students love it here. Prices are very low. So, money lasts. Next, eat Pad Thai. It costs very little. It tastes sweet and sour. Thus, enjoy the meal. Also, islands are beautiful. Koh Panga has parties. The Full Moon Party is big. So, dance on sand. Moreover, buckets are cheap.
Drinks come in buckets. You share with friends. Thus, have fun. In addition, temples are gold-cultured. Bangkok has many. Monks walk the streets. So, show respect. Finally, massages are cheap. Relax your muscles. Feel the peace. So, treat yourself.
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Vietnam: Adventure Coffee
First, Vietnam is long. It has mountains. It has beaches. So, see it all. Next, coffee is strong. They use condensed milk. It tastes like dessert. Thus, wake up fast. Also, rent a motorbike. The roads are scenic. The Ha Gang Loop is epic. So, drive carefully. Moreover, food is fresh. Pho is a hot soup. Banh Mi is a sandwich.
Thus, eat healthy. Moreover, alcoholics have free beer in hostels. Happy hours are common. Travelers gather there. So, make friends. Finally, Haling Bay is magic. Rocks rise from water. Boats sail through. So, take a cruise.
Portugal: Europe on a Budget
First, Europe can be pricey. But, Portugal is cheap. It is the best value. So, go west. Next, Lisbon is sunny. Trams climb the hills. Tiles cover the walls. Thus, look up. Also, food is hearty. Pastries are sweet. Custard tarts are famous. So, eat three. Moreover, surf the waves. The Algarve has beaches.
The water is cool. Thus, catch a wave. Furthermore, wine is cheap. Green wine is crisp. Port wine is sweet. So, drink a glass. Finally, people are kind. English is common. They help tourists. So, ask for tips.
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Costa Rica: Nature and Wild life
First, nature rules here. Sloths hang in trees. Monkeys scream loud. So, look at trees. Next, the motto is Pura Vida. It means pure life. Locals say it often. Thus, relax your vibe. Secondly, hostels are environmentally friendly. Sleep in a jungle. Hear the rain. So, connect with earth. Besides, adventure is all over. Zip-line through trees. Raft on rivers.
Thus, feel the rush. Furthermore, food is simple. Rice and beans are staple. Fruit is fresh. So, eat clean. Finally, beaches are wild. Surf breaks are good. Sunsets are orange. So, watch the sun.
Budapest: The Party Capital
First, Hungary is affordable. Budapest is the capital. It is two cities. So, cross the river. Next, visit ruin bars. Old buildings became bars. Decor is strange. Thus, drink in art. Also, thermal baths are hot. Steam rises up. People play chess. So, soak your bones. Moreover, hostels are social. Party hostels are famous. Boat parties happen.
Thus, stay up late. Furthermore, food is heavy. Goulash is meat soup. Bread is fried. So, fill your belly. Finally, views are grand. Climb the hill. See the parliament. So, take a photo.
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Bali: Island of the Gods
First, Bali is a dream. It is part of Indonesia. Digital nomads live here. So, join them. Next, villas are cheap. You get a pool. You share the cost. Thus, live like royalty. Also, food is healthy. Smoothie bowls are bright. Vegan food is common. So, eat greens. Moreover, surf is world-class. Ululate has waves. Kuta has lessons.
Thus, learn to surf. Moreover, temples are sacred. Monkeys live there. They steal glasses. So, watch your stuff. Finally, rent a scooter. Traffic is crazy. Rice fields are green. So, explore the island.

Colombia: Salsa and Coffee
First, Colombia changed. It is safe now. Tourists love it. So, visit South America. Next, Medellin is cool. Cable cars fly high. Weather is spring-like. Thus, wear a t-shirt. Also, dance salsa. Cali is the capital. Lessons are cheap. So, move your hips. In addition to that, Cartagena is colorful. Walls surround the city. Heat is strong.
Thus, drink lime juice. Moreover, coffee is the finest. Visit a farm. Pick the beans. So, taste the brew. Finally, Tyrone Park is wild. Jungle meets the sea. You sleep in hammocks. So, enjoy nature.
Peru: Hiking and History
First, Peru is diverse. Mountains are high. Jungle is deep. So, pack boots. Next, Machu Picchu is famous. Incas built it. Clouds cover it. Thus, hike the trail. Also, food is top-tier. Ceviche is raw fish. Lime cooks it. So, taste the ocean. Moreover, Cusco is high up. Air is thin. Cocoa tea helps.
Thus, chew the leaves. Furthermore, llamas are cute. They spit sometimes. They wear tassels. So, take a selfie. Finally, desert creates fun. Sandboarding is fast. Dunes are huge. So, slide down.
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Greece: Islands on a Budget
To start with, Greece appears to be costly. But, you can save. Pick the right islands. So, avoid Mykonos. Next, eat gyros. Meat spins on a stick. Pita wraps it. Thus, lunch costs little. Also, ferries are fun. They connect islands. Deck tickets are cheap. So, ride the boat.
Moreover, iOS is for students. Parties start late. Beaches are free. Thus, sleep on sand. Moreover, there is history in Athens. The Acropolis stands tall. Ruins are everywhere. So, walk the past. Finally, sun is free. It shines all summer. Skin turns brown. So, wear sunscreen.

The Philippines: Blue Water and Islands
First, water is blue here. It looks fake. Palawan is the best. So, swim there. Next, island hopping is key. Boats take you out. Lunch is on board. Thus, see many spots. Moreover, rum is not expensive as compared to water. Local rum is sweet. Mix it with juice. So, drink responsibly. Moreover, English is spoken.
Everyone knows it. Signs are in English. Thus, talk easily. Moreover, waterfalls are grandiose. Cebu has blue falls. You jump off cliffs. So, feel the thrill. Last but not the least, transportation is time consuming. Ferries are slow. Flights are cheap. So, plan for delays.
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How to Fund Your Trip
First, work part-time. Save your pay. Put it in a jar. So, watch it grow. Next, sell old things. Clothes take up space. Books gather dust. Thus, turn them to cash. Also, ask for travel gifts. Birthdays come yearly. Ask for plane tickets. So, fly for free. In addition, apply to scholarships. Some pay for travel. Study abroad helps.
Thus, learn and go. Furthermore, cook at home. Restaurants drain money. Coffee shops drain money. So, brew your own. Finally, strict budgets help. Track every penny. Cut the waste. So, save for fun.
Packing Light for Students
First, buy a backpack. Wheels break on cobbles. Straps are better. So, carry your gear. Next, pack less clothes. Laundry is cheap abroad. You wear the same things. Thus, save weight. Also, bring a padlock. Hostels have lockers. You need a lock. So, keep things safe. Moreover, bring a towel.
Microfiber dries fast. It packs small. Thus, stay dry. Furthermore, limit the shoes. Flip flops are vital. Sneakers are vital. So, leave heels home. Finally, bring a power bank. Phones die fast. Maps need power. So, stay charged.

Traveler Safety tips: Young travelers
First, stay in groups. Wolves hunt alone. Safety is in numbers. So, make friends. Next, watch your drink. Do not leave it. Keep it in hand. Thus, stay healthy. Also, copy your passport. Hide one in the bag. Keep one online. So, have a backup. Moreover, tell your parents. Share your location. Send a text.
Thus, stop their worry. Furthermore, trust your gut. If it feels wrong, run. Leave the place. So, stay safe. Last but not least, purchase travel insurance. Accidents happen. Hospitals cost money. So, cover yourself.
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Student Discounts and Cards
First, you are a student. Use your status. It saves money. So, bring your ID. Next, get an ISIC card. It is global. Museums accept it. Thus, pay half price. In addition, students have flight deals. They are offered by Student Universe. Check the site. So, fly cheaper. Besides, hostels offer discounts.
Tours give discounts. Always ask. Thus, keep the cash. In addition, rail passes are useful. Eurail has youth passes. Trains cost less. So, ride the rails. Finally, protect the card. It is gold. Do not lose it. So, keep it safe.
Cost Comparison Table
| Country | Meal Cost | Hostel Bed | Beer Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $2.00 | $8.00 | $1.50 |
| Vietnam | $1.50 | $6.00 | $0.50 |
| Mexico | $3.00 | $10.00 | $1.50 |
| Portugal | $8.00 | $20.00 | $2.00 |
| Hungary | $5.00 | $12.00 | $1.50 |
Fahey: The World is Your Classroom
First, travel teaches you. You learn about life. You learn about self. So, go learn. Next, money returns. Time does not. You are young now. Thus, use the time. Also, friends are waiting. The world is friendly. People are kind. So, meet them.
Besides, memories are immortal. Photos fade away. Stories stay fresh. Thus, make stories. Furthermore, be brave. Step out the door. The first step is hard. So, take it. Finally, enjoy the ride. Safe travels to you. The world is yours. So, explore it.
Also Read: Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Spots in South America

Very often, these questions appear in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
how do i travel with no money?
First, it is hard but possible. You can volunteer. Work in a hostel. They give you a bed. So, sleep for free. Next, try Woofing. You work on farms. They give food. Thus, eat for free. Also, teach English. Teachers are required in many nations. They pay you. So, earn cash. In addition, there is couch surfing. Locals offer couches. You stay for free. Thus, work trade in favor of travel.
is it safe to travel alone?
First, yes it is. Many students do it. You meet people fast. So, you are rarely alone. Next, stay in hostels. Dorms are social. Common rooms are busy. Thus, find a buddy. Also, use common sense. Do not walk dark roads. Do not get drunk alone. So, stay alert. Moreover, join free tours. Groups are safe. As such go it alone and enjoy.
what is the most ideal size of a backpack?
First, aim for 40 liters. It fits on planes. You skip baggage fees. So, save money. Next, big bags are heavy. You walk a lot. Your back will hurt. Thus, go smaller. Also, packing cubes help. They organize clothes. You fit more in. So, use them. Moreover, try it on. Straps must fit. The belt must fit. Thus, decide on comfort and not size.
do i need a visa?
First it is dependent on the country. Your passport matters. Check the rules. So, look online. Second, there are visa-free locations. Europe is often easy. Southeast Asia is easy. Thus, entry is fast. Also, some need e-visas. Vietnam needs one. You pay online. So, do it early. Besides, there are visas on arrival. You pay at the airport. Consequently, pre-flight checking is always advisable.
how do i meet people?
First, stay in hostels. They are built for this. Say hello in the room. So, break the ice. Next, join pub crawls. Drinks loosen tongues. Everyone talks. Thus, make friends. Also, use apps. Hostel world has a chat. Facebook has groups. So, connect online. Moreover, be open. Smile at strangers. Ask questions. Thus, be good-natured and daring.
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