Ah, the life of a uni student. Between late nights, tight budgets and part-time jobs, being able to set aside the time and money to travel probably feels about as likely as getting a full night's sleep during exam week.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
It's a big world out there, full of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, important histories and delicious food. Don't tell your professors, but you might even find yourself learning more from your travels than your textbooks!
Keep reading for our top 10 international student travel destinations, plus tips on how to save money when travelling as a student.
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Why travelling as a student is an A+ idea
If you ask us, travelling is a great idea at any age. However, there are some definite perks to travelling as a student.
For a lot of people, you'll never be more free from responsibility, commitment and financial burden than during the uni years. Students also typically enjoy lengthy breaks between semesters and at the beginning/end of each academic year, leaving plenty of time to squeeze in a holiday or two!
More importantly, travelling exposes you to new people, cultures, languages and experiences. It forces you to broaden your horizons, become more independent and kiss your comfort zone goodbye. We may be biased, but basically what we're saying is travelling makes you a better person.
And it doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think, which brings us to...
How to save money as a student traveller
Saving money is a skill, and there's no reason for a tight student's budget to stand between you and the trip of your dreams. Whether your sights are set on quick city breaks packed with rich history and lively nightlife or on slow travel off the beaten track, here are some of our favourite ways to save your cash as a student traveller.
Be strategic with your travel dates
There's a certain level of freedom in being a university student. Avoid paying more than you need to by using your generous uni breaks to make sure you're travelling outside of school and public holidays.
Stretch the budget even further by travelling in the off-season. No matter what people tell you, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a winter Europe trip!
Convince your friends to come with you
Exploring the world with your mates is the perfect recipe for lifelong memories, but it can also be helpful if you're on a tight budget.
Splitting costs for accommodation or car rental, for example, can go a long way. And sharing food is always a good option when travelling in a group.
Speaking of splitting costs, organised group tours are another great way to make your holiday that little bit more affordable. With accommodation, food and transport typically included in the price, tours can be an excellent choice for solo travellers or friend groups looking for great value.
Look for cheap or free activities
This one might sound obvious, but if you actively search for more affordable activities you might be surprised by your options.
Visiting a capital city? Try a free walking tour or see if any museums and galleries offer free (or extremely cheap) entry. Chasing a nature break? Look for destinations with beautiful beaches or national parks that are free to visit.
Discounts for students and young people
There's no greater joy in life than discovering you're eligible for a discount. Milking your student status (or youth) for everything it's worth is a fantastic way to make your adventures more affordable.
Here are some of the incredible attractions around the world that offer discounts for students and/or young people:
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Machu Picchu in Peru
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The Tower of London and Kensington Palace in London, UK
Plus, did you know that if you're a full-time student you may also be eligible for student travel discounts when you book with us? Find out how to lock in your student discount with Flight Centre and score yourself some seriously cheap flights!
Consider travel experiences that go beyond a holiday
If week-long breaks here and there just aren't doing it for you, it might be time for something a little more immersive.
Gap year and working holiday experiences
A gap year before or after uni can be a great way to broaden your horizons and experience something new. From teaching English in Japan and camp counselling in the USA to seasonal ski resort jobs in Canada and au pairing in France - the world really is your oyster when it comes to working holiday experiences!
Planning the gap year of a lifetime across multiple continents? Chat with one of our Travel Experts about Round the World airfares. As long as you're travelling around the world in one direction, this is often a great way to save money on flights.
Study abroad programs
Keen to travel without taking time away from the books? Check whether your university offers an exchange program and consider completing part of your course abroad.
It's the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in a new city and make friends for life!
Top 10 student travel destinations
From tropical beaches and ancient history to bustling markets and exciting nightlife - these are some of the cheapest and most exciting places for Aussie students to explore.
1. New Zealand
Official Language: English and Māori
Currency: New Zealand dollar (10 AUD ≈ 10.74 NZD)
We kick off our budget-friendly destination list with our good friends across the Tasman. New Zealand may not be the cheapest country on this list, but its close proximity makes it a convenient destination for Aussie students in need of a quick international break.
Known for its natural beauty, don't miss Rotorua for geothermal wonders, Queenstown for adventure activities and the spectacular scenery of Fiordland National Park.
Free or cheap things to do
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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Stargazing around Lake Tekapo
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Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Something to splurge on? Book a Hobbiton Movie Set tour or a thrilling ride on the Shotover Jet.
2. Hungary
Official Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian forint (10 AUD ≈ 2,390 HUF)
One of the cheapest places you can visit in Europe is Hungary. Budapest, in particular, is a popular city break among student travellers thanks to its rich cultural scene and vibrant nightlife.
Did you know that Budapest was once divided into two cities, Buda and Pest? If quiet sightseeing and historic buildings are on your agenda, stick to the Buda side of the river. Looking for something a little more energetic? Head to Pest for all the best shopping, bars and restaurants!
Free or cheap things to do
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Wander the Buda Castle district
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Take in the views from Gellért Hill
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Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial
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Széchenyi Thermal Baths
3. Vietnam
Official Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Vietnamese đồng (10 AUD ≈ 163,430 VND)
Students will love Vietnam for its budget hotels, affordable (yet delicious!) street food and breathtaking nature spots. The Southeast Asian destination is just over 9 hours away from Sydney, so you could be feasting on pho and exploring Hanoi in no time!
Free or cheap things to do
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Walk around Hanoi's Old Quarter
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The Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
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Hike the rice terraces of Sapa
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Explore floating markets along the Mekong
Something to splurge on? Book a cruise on Hạ Long Bay.
4. Mexico
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican peso (10 AUD ≈ 110 MXN)
Ok, so Mexico is definitely more conveniently located for American college students than Aussie uni students, but it's still a fantastic destination for budget-friendly adventures.
Boasting a wonderfully rich culture, travellers can enjoy a unique blend of beautiful beaches, vibrant cities and ancient ruins on holiday in Mexico.
Oh, and the food isn't bad either!
Free or cheap things to do
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Mexico City walking tour
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National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City
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Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum
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Playa del Carmen or Cancún for beach days
5. Spain
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro (10 AUD ≈ 6.06 EUR)
Aussie students wanting to explore Europe on a budget will want to add Spain to their itinerary! From Barcelona's historic (and somehow still-in-progress) landmarks to Seville's iconic flamenco dancing and the country's delicious cuisine - there's something for everyone.
Thanks to its location, Spain also enjoys a delightful Mediterranean climate, making it one of the best European destinations for students travelling in the off-season to save money. Even during its coldest months, you can still expect Barcelona to reach a high of about 14°C.
Free or cheap things to do
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Park Güell in Barcelona
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El Retiro Park in Madrid
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La Concha Beach in San Sebastian
6. Indonesia
Official Language: Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
Currency: Indonesia rupiah (10 AUD ≈ 103,440 IDR)
We can't talk about student holiday destinations without mentioning Bali. Forever an Aussie favourite for its vibrant culture, impressive beaches and relatively nearby location, Indonesia (Bali in particular) is the perfect affordable paradise.
For those in search of something a little more action-packed, Bali is also a great place for adventure activities like white water rafting, diving and volcano hiking!
Free or cheap things to do
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Hike Mount Batur
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Tanah Lot Temple
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Tegallalang Rice Terraces
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Seminyak Beach
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Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Something to splurge on? Try white water rafting down the Ayung River.
7. Japan
Official Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese yen (10 AUD ≈ 980 JPY)
Offering a unique blend of cultural tradition and modernity, Japan is a great destination for students. Witness the delicate beauty of cherry blossom season from March to May or trade the Aussie summer for ski season around January and February.
The Japanese yen is currently the weakest it has been in a long while, making now a great time to visit the country and get more bang for your Aussie buck!
Free or cheap things to do
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Imperial Palace and Sensō-ji temple in Tokyo
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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyōto
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
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Osaka Castle
Something to splurge on? Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyōto.
8. Thailand
Official Language: Thai
Currency: Thai baht (10 AUD ≈ 235 THB)
Nicknamed the Land of Smiles for a reason, Thailand is famous for wonderfully cheap street food, majestic temples and great beaches. Add to that its lively nightlife and you've got yourself the perfect student holiday destination!
With so much to see in Thailand, you'll be happy to know that the country has a well-connected public transport system and is pretty easy to navigate on a budget.
Free or cheap things to do
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Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) outside of Chiang Mai
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Khao Sok National Park
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The Big Buddha in Phuket
Something to splurge on? You won't regret an authentic Thai cooking class in Bangkok or Phuket.
9. Peru
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Peruvian sol (10 AUD ≈ 24.69 PEN)
For some of the most impressive views in the world on a budget, consider Peru. It may not be the most conventional travel destination for Aussie students, but it's a South American adventure you'll never forget!
Organised tours are one of the best ways to experience everything Peru has to offer.
Free or cheap things to do
Something to splurge on? If you're going to visit Peru, forking out a little bit of money to get to Machu Picchu and learn about the Inca Empire is a must!
10. Greece
Official Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (10 AUD ≈ 6.06 EUR)
Last, but certainly not least, we have Greece - a destination appealing to foodies, history buffs, party lovers and everyone in between!
Don't skip the capital city of Athens for ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon. After you've got your cultural fill, island hopping around Mykonos and Santorini is the perfect way to soak up the sun during the day while embracing Greece's nightlife after dark.
Did you know that on the first Sunday of each month between November and March the archaeological sites in Athens are free to enter? This can be a great way to cut costs when visiting!
Free or cheap things to do
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Hike Mount Lycabettus in Athens
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Admire Oia's iconic architecture on Santorini
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Feast on delicious Greek street food
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Red Beach off Santorini or Elafonisi Beach off Crete
Something to splurge on? Book a sailing tour and hop around the Greek Islands in style!
*Currency conversions are a guide only and based on rate at time of writing.
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