Most students look forward to college as a new adventure. Aside from gaining freedom, they also get the chance to travel. Traveling is an excellent way to release the stress that students feel because of their studies. 

It also gives them the opportunity to learn, empowers them to be more independent, and nurtures a love of self-improvement.

But travel also has challenges of its own. They must learn how to travel as a college student and cope with these challenges to enjoy their trips.

Globe on a desk

Check Your Budget

Student traveling always involves spending money. But going abroad doesn’t have to be too expensive.

For instance, when a student chooses to study abroad, they can apply for financial aid for their trip. They can even make an arrangement with their university to study in a different country or conduct independent research. 

Usually, the cost of studying abroad is the same as the tuition fee they would pay in their country. It might even be less expensive. Whether you plan to study abroad or just take a break, the first thing you must check is the budget.

Educational Sources That Help In Distance Learning

Sometimes it can be very challenging for college students to focus on their studies while traveling. There are so many places to see and things to do.

But they still have to find time to study, do their research, and learn what they need for school. Some students even need to think of their homework like an essay or research paper while traveling.

In these cases, students can use Canadian Edubirdie and other educational resources, including organizing apps and writing software. This will help you travel freely and continue distance learning at a good pace. 

Consider Student Programs That Allow You To Study And Travel 

Many schools offer student travel programs to give their students a chance to study and travel. Students have the option to sign up for programs like the Erasmus+ Programme or Work and Travel USA to explore different parts of the globe.  

Most of these programs have an educational component, especially if the chosen destination has a different cultural class or language.

The focus of these programs is exploring and traveling. In recent years, traveling has become so trendy that there are now student travel programs, even for students in high school.

Whatever a student’s preference is, there is a program out there for them.

Look For Cheap Travel Options For Students

A big advantage the students have is that people are willing to offer great deals and discounts to them. Such promotions make cheap travel for students a strong possibility.

Many universities issue their IDs to their students that grant them discounted or free access to countless landmarks and museums all over the world. 

Students can also take advantage of great discounts who hold an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). These deals include accommodations and guided tours.

ISIC is the only internationally-recognized student discount card making it ideal for student travelers.

Students in the United States can also apply for a Student Advantage Card so they can gain access to a wide selection of discounts on things like food, transport, clothes, and more while traveling.

Young traveler sitting at a train station

Find Affordable Destinations To Visit

Surprisingly, there are plenty of well-known destinations that don’t cost too much. These are wonderful options for students who don’t want to break the bank.

First, Portugal is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe. Students can find great flights along with lots of cool activities for all kinds of travelers.

Being a very popular travel destination, students can choose from countless accommodation options that offer gorgeous values, especially when compared to cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

China is a great option too. This is another cheap place to visit, with places like Beijing and Shanghai as favorite destinations.

Many also consider this a safe place with reasonably priced accommodations depending on the student’s budget.

Another awesome reason China is a great place to visit is the many cheap yet exotic cuisine options. This country has much to offer in terms of museums, art galleries, and tourist sites.

South Africa is a very diverse country in terms of its people and culture. Students can find adventures in all of its cities.

For those who love spending time in the sun, a visit to Durban city should be on their itinerary.

South Africa also has smaller cities where students can find a vast selection of museums, township tours, heritage sites, art galleries, and more. Prices here are also quite cheap in terms of accommodations and travel.

Final Thoughts

Students can find great adventures in foreign lands whether they travel for their studies, volunteer work, or recreation.

Student travels can be more meaningful if there is an educational aspect to it, like taking classes or learning about other cultures.

It is a venue for students to escape the stresses of schoolwork or even their nagging parents by taking their experiences and studies out into the world.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.