WHEN SHOULD I GO?

UK students are lucky to have an academic calendar that provides ample time for vacation. The three main breaks are at the winter holidays, spring (around Easter) and summer. Most universities give four or five-week breaks in the winter and spring and 12 weeks in the summer.

Oftentimes classes do not meet on Friday afternoons. As the UK is such a convenient springboard for international travel, you will find many opportunities to take weekend trips to European cities and around the UK.

WHERE SHOULD I GO?

From the political murals of Belfast, Northern Ireland to the rocky beaches of Wales and from the gritty charm of north England cities to the lochs and glens (or lakes and valleys) of the Scottish Highlands, the four countries that comprise the UK have plenty to offer.

Popular student travel destinations include Newquay and Brighton – known for their beaches and party scenes – and Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast, cities all known for their club scene.

On weekends or holidays many students visit friends at other universities – a great way to get a free tour around the country from the people who know it best! VisitBritain, formerly the British Tourist Authority, can give you the details on student travel destinations.

Continental Europe offers a multitude of opportunities as well, from beaches to churches and from ski towns to museums, many of which are just an hour’s journey from the UK. So pick up a travel guide and start planning some trips!

HOW TO BE A BUDGET TRAVELER IN FOUR EASY STEPS

1. If you plan on doing a lot of train travel in the UK, get a Young Person’s Railcard for about one-third off any train ride. National Express, the UK’s largest coach company, also has a student discount card – and coach prices are significantly cheaper than rail costs to start with! Other passes exist for specific lengths of travel – VisitBritain can hook you up with details.

2. For continental Europe, look to budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet for amazing discounts. For extensive train travel the Eurail pass is still a popular option.

2. Hostels are the most affordable accommodations for budget travelers and are a great way to meet other backpackers from all over the world. Be sure to get a Youth Hostel Association card, valid at more than 4,500 youth hostels worldwide.

4. Get an International Student Identity Card, good for more than 25,000 discounts worldwide.