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10 ways for students to save money while on holiday

As a hard-working student, you have more than earned your holiday. After all those lectures, exams and hours of studying, it's finally time to relax on the beach or explore a new city, buy souvenirs and enjoy good food. The only problem? Your student budget, which (unfortunately) is not infinite... Fortunately, as a student, you can also go on a budget-friendly holiday! The following 10 tips will help you save money without compromising your well-deserved time off.

Photo of Marit
Marit
A suitcase filled with clothing, a passport and money.

1. Book early

Good preparation is half the battle, also when it comes to holidays. Flights, accommodations and even activities are often cheaper if you book them well in advance. You can also save a lot by going on holiday in the low season. Unfortunately, as a student, you can't choose your holiday periods yourself, but maybe you’ll have a week off after your exams this autumn: perfect for a quick getaway! Are you reading this while your suitcase is already packed for your upcoming trip? Then you have a good excuse to start planning your next holiday in advance ;).

2. Choose a budget-friendly accommodation

While you're booking, invest some time in finding a suitable, budget-friendly accommodation as well. Hotels are often expensive, while campsites, holiday parks and hostels are much more budget-friendly. Apartments are often cheaper too, especially if you are travelling with others. Besides, they have the advantage that you usually have your own kitchen. Also, take a good look at the location: accommodation in the city centre is often expensive, but locations far outside the city often mean a lot of travel time and therefore higher travel costs.

3. Set a budget

Decide in advance how much money you want to (and can) spend during your holiday. A rough daily budget is a good start, as long as you keep track of your expenses, of course. This will prevent you from being completely broke at the end of your holiday due to overpriced cocktails and souvenirs that you will never look at again ;).

4. Use public transport

€5.00 for an Uber ride back to your accommodation may sound like a good deal, but if you do this every day, it quickly adds up. Public transport is a lot cheaper, and you can often get a student discount. And let's be honest, whizzing through the city on the metro like a real local has its charm. If you don't want to spend any money on transport at all, then just walk. It’s great for sightseeing too!

5. Visit hotspots for free

Not all activities have to cost money! You can always visit parks, squares, monuments, or beaches, and some museums are free too. In Paris, you can visit all the monuments and museums for free if you are under 26, for example!

6. Take advantage of student discounts

Don't forget to bring your student card, because it can save you a lot of money. You can often get discounts on cultural activities, such as visiting museums and theatres, but sometimes also on other activities and even restaurants. So, always check to make sure you don't miss out on any discounts!

7. Prepare your own food

Eating out every night is fun, but your bank account might not agree. Therefore, cook at your accommodation as much as possible. Shopping at local supermarkets is usually the most affordable – be sure to pick up breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the next day as well. And don’t forget to put a reusable water bottle in your bag, so you can refill it instead of buying bottled water all the time.

8. Avoid touristy areas

In touristy areas around popular attractions, you pay top dollar for food, drinks and souvenirs. A menu in six different languages or English only is a typical red flag. So, if you do go out for dinner, head to the local restaurants in the quieter neighbourhoods. This will save you money and show you a completely different side of your holiday destination, too.

9. Travel with hand luggage only

If you're going on a week-long city break or trip to the beach, hand luggage is really enough. With hand luggage only, you don't pay anything extra, and you don't have to lug heavy suitcases around in 30°C heat. Choose clothes that you can mix and match, roll them up to save space and take mini toiletries with you. And if you really need to, you can always do a (hand) wash during your trip.

10. Don't be afraid to bargain

In certain countries, especially at markets, it is not at all unusual to bargain over the price of a souvenir, for example. As long as you remain friendly and make a realistic offer, you will probably get a good deal. Make sure you read up on whether haggling is acceptable at your holiday destination, though, as in some countries, it is not appreciated.

Of course, you don't have to save on everything. After all, it's your holiday, and you should enjoy it. Are you a real culture lover, for example? Then spend more on that and cook for yourself more often. Or if you're a food lover who likes to eat out, plan more affordable activities during the day. That way, you can enjoy your well-deserved holiday and still have money left over for your next trip and your student life!

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