Cosy destinations close to home
You don’t have to venture very far from campus if you’re looking for a cosy, wintery destination – perks of living in the Netherlands, I suppose.
- Valkenburg, the Netherlands: This small town transforms into a wintery wonderland during the festive, holiday season. Its Christmas markets, which are held in underground caves, make Valkenburg a pretty unique experience in Europe – plus, it’s close enough to avoid spending big on transport.
- Munster, Germany: Perfect for a day trip from Enschede, Munster is the closest, “big” German city to campus. With six Christmas markets sprawled around the city, you’ll have plenty to do – my personal favourite is the market around the townhouse, the Rathaus, simply because it feels the cosiest. You’ll see families and groups of friends just having a good time, drinking gluhwein and eating sausages. It’s a fun time!
Slightly further, but worth it
If you’re up for a bit more travel, there are plenty of stunning yet affordable destinations within reach.
- Innsbruck, Austria: Everyone goes to Vienna, but some of my friends decided to go to Innsbruck during their trip, and from the lengthy ramblings I’ve gotten about this place from them, I’ve learned that it’s the place to be in Austria during the winter. It’s a marvellous city, with a rich history and a gorgeous view of the mountains, as well as ample opportunity for skiing.
- Luxembourg City, Luxembourg: With a city that seems to have been hand-picked right from a fairy-tale book, Luxembourg City is one fine place, especially during the winter. With cobblestone streets, marvellous snowy gardens, and looming castles dotting the city, you’ll enjoy the view even more with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in your hands. Even more enticing: public transport is all free!
Scandinavia, for a true winter
All right, Scandinavia might not be the first thing you think of when you hear the word ‘budget-friendly’, but with a little planning, it’s possible to enjoy the Nordic charm without breaking the bank. Also, keep in mind that there are plenty of travel agencies that specifically offer trips to several Scandinavian countries within a week, and while you’ll be far from cosy for most of that trip, at least you’ll get to visit most of Scandinavia.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Not really helping my case here. However, despite its pricey reputation, Copenhagen offers plenty of opportunities: you can go to the Tivoli Gardens, visit the Louisiana Museum, or just stroll through the cosy streets of Nyhavn. It’s an amazing city. Plus, if you’re here for a while, it may be worth visiting other, nearby places, such as Malmo or Lund in Sweden.
- Lapland, Finland: Definitely a splurge compared to the other options, but if you want to have the full, Nordic winter experience (complete with a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights), Lapland is a place I would seriously recommend. If you’re already planning a big Scandinavian trip, then why not put Lapland in there as well, for good measure?
Tips for travelling on a budget
There really aren’t many tips I can give you that you probably haven’t heard of before. That said, I think it’s a good reminder to:
- Book early, whether it’s trains, flights, hotels or travel agencies: early bookings usually come with some form of discount;
- Use student discounts wherever you can, since your student ID can open doors to discounts on transport, attractions, and sometimes accommodations;
- Travel light, because if you’re on a trip (and not a vacation!), you don’t really need to be lugging around a bunch of things, and it’s probably cheaper in an aeroplane for example;
- Pack snacks and actual food, so you can save on pricey meals during transit or otherwise.
This winter break (or the one in February), whether you’re looking for a cosy retreat, a bustling city adventure, or a snowy escape, there are plenty of options to suit your budget. So grab your coat, your thermal underclothes, a good pair of boots, and your sense of adventure, and make the best out of your winter break!
