Planning Trips During School Breaks: Tips for International Students
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Introduction
School breaks are more than just time away from classes—they’re golden opportunities for international students to explore, recharge, and grow. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape, a cultural trip to a new country, or simply discovering hidden gems in your host city, planning your holidays smartly can turn an ordinary break into an unforgettable adventure. For Indian students studying abroad, these trips aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about gaining life skills, learning to budget, adapting to new environments, and building friendships that last a lifetime. With the proper preparation, you can travel safely, save money, and maximise every experience your study destination has to offer.
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Why Planning Trips During School Breaks Matters: The Global & Indian Perspective
Planning trips during school breaks is much more than just a vacation. Across the world, the number of foreign students has increased rapidly, with a sharp rise in those travelling abroad for holidays. UNESCO reported in 2024 that this trend of planning trips during school breaks is particularly true for Indian students, with a sharp rise in their international travel for vacations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs Report in 2023, the number of students from India who enrolled in overseas institutions was 1,323,456.
Why does this matter to you? Planning trips during school breaks offers a path to a deeper understanding of life, a broader career perspective, and numerous other advantages for students travelling abroad. The student travel planning guide emphasises that travelling abroad makes students self-confident, adaptable, and broad-minded. These qualities are in great demand and highly valued by potential employers. The remembrances and friendships forged on life’s journey can last forever, making the most of school vacations abroad.
With the advent of holidays, the Indian student is also more discerning, more knowledgeable about how to manage money, ensure safety, and make the most of school vacations abroad. As the rupee has fallen in value, students have begun to travel on a shoestring. A budget-friendly student travel guide becomes invaluable in such circumstances.
- UNESCO. UNESCO estimates that around 64 million students are studying abroad
- Foreign Minister Smriti Irani stated that in 2023, the number of Indian students abroad reached a significant figure.
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Top Destinations for planning trips during school breaks: Thailand, Turkey, Bali, Eastern Europe, UAE, China.
- Making the most of school vacations abroad allows students to travel extensively and build great international contacts.
🎯 Important: Why Plan?
Schools are still open, so don’t miss the chance to take your children abroad and enjoy a fun-filled holiday while the kids are on their annual holidays. Early preparation also ensures that you can take advantage of student concessions. Early preparation also ensures you can find accommodation that’s both safe and pleasant, and plan your route efficiently for planning trips during school breaks.
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Best Destinations for Students During Holidays
For the best destinations for students during holidays, many students prefer to embark on solo adventures. A whole generation of Indian students is taking up the pen and seeking out countries that offer a combination of adventure and culture. In 2025, these are some of the best destinations for students during holidays.
- Thailand & Vietnam: Offering vibrant cultures and lively experiences, these are perfect spots for student travel planning guide tips.
- Turkey: This country is a favourite spot for students from India, offering a blend of history and modern attractions, making it one of the best destinations for students during holidays.
- Bali, Indonesia: A holiday paradise for individuals, and I mean, families, the country is scenically beautiful, safe and inexpensive.
- Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary): Of course, there’s always Eastern Europe, less expensive than Western Europe but deeply steeped in culture and history, ideal for budget-friendly student travel.
- UAE & Oman: Modern and accessible, these destinations offer a wide range of attractions that make them ideal for students during holidays.
The best part about planning trips during school breaks is that many places give special concessions to young people travelling on holiday, making an excursion more accessible than ever.
Student Travel Planning Guide: Step-by-Step Approach
A good journey begins with a good plan, making a student travel planning guide essential.
- Research Destinations: For reliable advice on planning trips during school breaks, always consult official tourist offices and reputable travel websites.
- Budgeting: Calculate all expenses, including tickets, accommodation, food, excursions, and shopping. It is always necessary to make a provision for emergencies.
- Booking: When planning trips during school breaks, book your trips early and enquire about student prices and group rates.
- Packing: Bring only a light bundle, including the usual documents, medicines, and clothing, as advised by the student travel planning guide.
- Safety: Share your plans with your family. The key is to have a list of emergency contacts and stay informed about local safety information.
- Enjoy & Reflect: School holidays offer a chance to immerse yourself in a different culture and try new experiences, making the most of school vacations abroad.
Remember that when planning trips during school breaks, you must always aim to have fun and learn something new.
| Feature | Budget-Friendly Trip | Luxury Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostels, student dorms, Airbnbs | 4-5 star hotels, resorts |
| Transport | Public transport, student passes | Private taxis, car rentals |
| Meals | Street food, local cafes | Fine dining, international cuisine |
| Activities | Free walking tours, museums, and parks | Guided tours, exclusive experiences |
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Budget-Friendly Student Travel Tips
Planning trips for school vacations doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With a few tricks and a little planning, you can experience extraordinary pleasures. If you’re looking for budget-friendly student travel tips, here are some ideas.
- If you book your flights and accommodation early, you’ll often secure better prices, a key budget-friendly student travel tip.
- Travel cards can offer savings on transportation and admission to museums.
- If you travel with friends, you can share the expenses of transportation, a bright, budget-friendly student travel tip.
- Eating in local markets is, as a rule, more affordable and offers an authentic experience, perfect for budget-friendly student travel.
- Or choose a free or inexpensive activity like walking through the city, hiking, or visiting museums.
- Keep an eye on foreign exchange rates and use a travel-friendly card, a crucial budget-friendly student travel tip.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks to avoid unnecessary expenses, contributing to budget-friendly student travel.
It’s about being resourceful and open to new experiences, which is key to making the most of school vacations abroad.
Shraddha Cheeta
“I don’t even know where to begin because no words can truly express how thankful I am to Simran ma’am and Gateway International. From the very first step to receiving my French student visa, she has been nothing short of a blessing in my life. She patiently answered every question, no matter how big or small, and guided me through each step of document preparation, appointment bookings, and everything. Her knowledge, support, and constant encouragement gave me strength when I was most unsure. She treated my journey like her own. And that kind of genuine support is rare. Gateway International is lucky to have someone like her, and I feel even luckier to have been guided by her. If you’re feeling confused, lost, or just starting your study abroad journey, trust me when I say that you won’t find better guidance than Simran ma’am. She doesn’t just help you with the process; she walks with you through it every single step. Thank you, Simran ma’am, for everything. Truly. I’ll carry this experience and your kindness with me forever.”
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Safety Tips for International Student Travellers
When planning trips during school breaks, the main aim is always to ensure safety and enjoyment. Were you on a business trip abroad?
- Safety tips for international student travellers include safeguarding your valuables and displaying your riches with discretion.
- Use trustworthy travel methods, which are a vital part of safety tips for international student travellers.
- Share your travel plans with family and friends, and check in regularly – a key element of safety tips for international student travellers.
- Remember local laws and customs, as well as emergency telephone numbers, for enhanced safety tips for international student travelers.
- On my back, I had my wallet with me, and I was Glad to see it.
- Exercise caution when traveling at night or in unfamiliar places, a crucial safety tip for international student travelers.
- Be mindful of alcohol consumption, as this is important for safety tips for international student travellers.
- Travel and health insurance that covers your destination and activities.
Indian students should take care to enrol in the Indian embassy or consulate at the nearest point and become a member of the local student association.
Akshit Virdi
“Hey, hope you all are doing great. I am writing this review based on my application process. My name is Akshit Virdi, and I’m going to pursue a Bachelor’s of Engineering in Civil Engineering at the University of Portsmouth. I’m extremely grateful to Gateway International and especially Prateek Panchal sir, he helped me a-lot and always support throughout my admissions and my application process. Prateek Panchal Sir built a trust as well that gateway international is not a fraud consultancy because I live in delhi and Gateway international is located in Udaipur, so it is hard to trust but there faculty is very genuine and supportive and I finally got my UK Visa with the help of:-1. Prateek Panchal – My Consultant, and whenever I call Prateek sir he picked my call even I call in late night so prateek sir is very genuine person and from the bottom of my heart, I really say Thankyou so much sir because you are a real person and I never forget you sir Thankyou once again.2. Neelam Jain – She is very kind and with the help of their perfect guidance, I cracked my CAS interview, without her I cannot cracked this interview, Thank you so much Neelam Ma’am I appreciate your efforts deeply and will always be grateful.3. Nikhilesh Soni – He helped me out in my CAS process and eVISA. Thank you Nikhilesh sir for my CAS process and appreciate your support.4. Deepti Singh Chittora – She helped me for my UKVI Visa process and Deepti Ma’am is so experienced and I got my Uk Visa in just 4 days so, thank you so much deepti mam. Overall, my experience with Gateway International is too good and they supported me at every step. Moreover, they didn’t charge me anything for my whole process, which made the entire process even more majestic. I highly recommend all my friends and colleagues to get their Visa from Gateway International. Best regardsAkshit Virdi”
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Making the Most of School Vacations Abroad: Cultural & Personal Growth
Making the most of school vacations abroad isn’t just about going; there’s a lesson to learn from every journey. How can I truly make the most of school vacations abroad?
- Participate in local festivals and customs to fully embrace making the most of school vacations abroad.
- Try the local cuisine and learn basic phrases in the local language for a richer experience of making the most of school vacations abroad.
- Volunteer to serve the community, which enriches the experience of making the most of school vacations abroad.
- Document your travels with photography, journals, or a diary to capture the essence of making the most of school vacations abroad.
- Forge friendships with other students and local people, enriching your experience of making the most of school vacations abroad.
These experiences won’t only enrich your academic life but also enhance your qualifications and broaden your outlook, a key benefit of planning trips during school breaks.
Riya Zainab
“I had the best agent and team guiding me every step of the way from shortlisting universities to submitting applications and securing my visa. They were incredibly hands-on throughout the process, especially Divya Israni, who went above and beyond to help me get into my first-choice university. I seriously couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and amazing team!”
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Challenges & Benefits of Planning Trips During School Breaks
Key Benefits
- A universal experience and an international immersion.
- Personal growth and independence.
- There are numerous opportunities for language learning and cultural immersion.
- Stress reduction and improved performance.
- Improved employability and social skills.
We offer special travel arrangements for students and academics, along with expert advice to help you plan trips during school breaks and make the most of school vacations abroad.
Common Challenges
- The cost of living and unexpected expenditure.
- Visa requirements and procedures can be challenging.
- Fear of the unknown in unfamiliar places can be a challenge.
- Homesickness and adaptation to local customs can be challenging.
- Travel to school during holidays
Students can travel freely and safely.
| Challenge | Gateway Solution |
|---|---|
| Budget constraints | Scholarship guidance, exclusive student discounts, and budgeting tools |
| Visa/documentation issues | Step-by-step visa support, document checklists, expert counselling |
| Safety concerns | Safety briefings, emergency contacts, and local support networks |
| Cultural adaptation | Pre-departure orientation, mentorship programs, and alums networks |
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve Your Dreams
For more than 17 years, Gateway International has been helping students find the best destinations for students during holidays. Here’s how we can assist you in planning trips during school breaks.
Profile Evaluation & Personalisation
We help you choose a program and the best destinations for students during holidays that suit your budget and time.
Country & Course Selection
We help you choose a path that best suits your academic and personal requirements for planning trips during school breaks.
Application & Visa Guidance
We assist you from beginning to end with filling in forms and preparing documents, ensuring smooth visa applications for your student travel planning guide.
Scholarship & Funding Support
We provide you with the means to secure scholarships and funding, making budget-friendly student travel a reality.
Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Support
We provide essential information and practical advice on living as an international student, ensuring you are prepared for the best destinations for students during holidays.
🎯 ISignificant Gateway’s Exclusive Advantages
- Free travel tools and resources for all your student travel planning guide needs.
- Exclusive partnerships with top universities worldwide.
- Support from start to finish.
- Access to local guides and support networks.
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What are the best destinations for students during holidays?
For best destinations for students during holidays, consider places like Thailand, Turkey, Bali, Eastern Europe, and the UAE & Oman. These destinations are often budget-friendly student travel options, rich in culture, and offer conveniences for students planning trips during school breaks.
Q2: How can I plan a budget-friendly trip during my school break?
If you have an appetite for adventure and are seeking budget-friendly student travel tips, follow our advice for an enriching experience. This ensures making the most of school vacations abroad.
Q3: What safety tips should international student travelers follow?
For international students, essential safety tips for international student travelers include safeguarding valuables, using reliable transport, sharing travel plans with family, being aware of surroundings, knowing local laws, and having emergency contacts handy. These are crucial when planning trips during school breaks.
Q4: How do I balance travel and academics during school breaks?
When planning trips during school breaks, it’s essential to balance travel with academics. School holidays abroad offer both fun and serious study opportunities, helping you make the most of your school vacations abroad.
Q5: Are there scholarships or discounts for student travellers?
Yes, students can get discounted prices on many flights and travel companies. Gateway International can help you find these opportunities for budget-friendly student travel.
Q6: What documents should I carry while travelling?
When planning trips during school breaks, remember to carry essential documents like your passport, visa, and student ID. Always keep digital and physical copies, which are a vital part of any student travel planning guide.
Q7: How can Gateway International help with planning trips during school breaks?
Gateway International’s professional services include a comprehensive student travel planning guide, visa application assistance, scholarship support, and round-the-clock help for planning trips during school breaks.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your school holidays abroad are what you make of them. With thoughtful planning, you can balance fun with safety, explore exciting destinations without breaking the bank, and return to class refreshed, inspired, and more confident. Every trip adds to your personal growth, cultural awareness, and even career prospects. So, don’t just let your breaks slip by—turn them into meaningful journeys that shape who you are and where you’re headed. Start mapping out your next adventure today, and let Gateway International guide you every step of the way toward safe, affordable, and enriching student travel.
About the Author
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialistGateway International: 17+ years of expertise, 50,000+ placements, and a mission to make global education accessible for every Indian student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular budget-friendly destinations for students include Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Stay informed about local laws, keep valuables secure, and maintain regular communication with family and friends.
Pack light, prioritize essentials, and consider the climate and cultural norms of your destination.
Engage with local cultures, try new foods, participate in festivals, and use the time to foster personal growth.
Book in advance, use student discounts, opt for budget accommodations, and explore local food.
Traveling expands cultural understanding, improves language skills, and enhances personal independence.
Gateway International provides travel planning, safety guidance, budgeting tips, and visa application support.
