Weekend Getaways: Making the Most of Short Breaks and Holidays Abroad
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
You’re in a new country, balancing classes with newfound free time. These short excursions can profoundly impact your experience, offering more than just a break from studies. For college students, there are opportunities to explore new regions, forge friendships, capture memories, and establish a deeper connection with their surroundings. Whether you’re studying in London, Berlin, Chicago, or New York, each weekend presents a fresh chance to explore, refuel, and grow. This guide features the best weekend trips abroad, the most practical student travel ideas, and the most affordable weekend trips for students. Whether you’re looking for a destination, planning your trip, aiming to save money, or wanting to maximise your experience, this guide is for you. Let’s begin!
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join thousands of students who achieved their dreams with Gateway International.
Why Weekend Getaways Matter: The Global & Indian Perspective
The fact is that such a trip isn’t for sightseeing only. It’s for self-enrichment, cultural enrichment, and spiritual stimulation. Throughout the world, students now travel abroad to study (according to the UNESCO figures for the year 2024), and the more adventurous of them take advantage of the free time on the weekend to do The Indian students have been able to get a fair share of the craze for foreign travel, in that they’ve been enticed by the opportunity to enjoy the sight of foreign lands and to have.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, nearly a million Indian students are currently studying abroad. A significant percentage of survey respondents indicated that exploring nearby destinations while studying abroad greatly aided in relieving homesickness and boosting self-confidence. With cheap transport options, weekend getaways for international students are more within reach than ever before.
| Aspect | Global Trends | Indian Student Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Frequency | 2-3 trips per month (avg.) | 1-2 visits per month (avg.) |
| Popular Destinations | Cultural cities, nature escapes | Nearby towns, Indian communities |
| Top Motivations | Adventure, learning, socialising | Cultural comfort, cost, and networking |
| Budget (per trip) | INR 5,000–15,000 | INR 3,000–10,000 |
Clearly, weekend getaways for international students are an effective way to enhance your experience abroad, helping you grow and connect with new places and people.
Check Out: 10 Life-Changing Benefits of Study Abroad
Discover Top Weekend Getaways
Explore the best weekend getaways for international students around the world.
Top Destinations for Weekend Getaways: Where Should You Go?
This is the world of the international student. Come to think of it, how do you select the best excursions to make and stay within your means? The following are some of the student tours of India that aren’t only inexpensive but also offer a unique experience.
- Europe: A student in London or in Germany has Paris, Amsterdam, Prague or Barcelona within reach of the train. Railway Passes: Don’t forget student special offers!
- USA/Canada: New York, Boston, Quebec, and San Francisco offer rich cultural experiences. For the sake of economy, consider arranging trips through the university or student travel organisations to discover great student travel ideas.
- Australia/New Zealand: Sydney’s Blue Mountains, Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road, and Rotorua in New Zealand are perfect for nature and adventure-focused weekend getaways for international students.
- Asia: Heading east, you’ll find vibrant Asian destinations. The region’s most popular study destinations for weekend getaways for international students include Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Tokyo.
The secret to affordable weekend trips for students? Make reservations early, travel in groups, and use your student cards for extra savings.
How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking a weekend getaway for international students need not be difficult. The following guide will help make your journeys smooth, safe, and memorable.
-
Pick Your Destination: Choose destinations within a two- to five-hour travel time from your college, whether by train, bus, or car, for your next student travel adventures.
-
Set Your Budget: Decide on your budget. The average amount international students spend on weekend getaways can vary, but aiming for a budget between INR 3,000-10,000 (or equivalent in local currency) is a good start.
-
Book in Advance: Use student travel sites for cheap trains, buses, and accommodation. Travelling with friends can spoil you while also cutting costs.
-
Pack Smart: Only bring essentials like your student ID, a local SIM card, necessary toiletries, and some snacks. Don’t forget portable chargers and adapters for your electronics.
-
Stay Safe: Inform your university of your proposed trip, always carry a mobile phone, and take necessary precautions.
To further facilitate your planning, you’ll find more information and resources on making the most of your trip on these pages for exploring nearby destinations while studying abroad.
Streamline Your SOP Creation
Use Gateway’s SOP Generator to craft the perfect Statement of Purpose
Affordable Weekend Trips for Students: Budgeting & Saving Tips
When studying abroad, every penny counts. Affordable weekend trips for students are entirely possible with thoughtful planning!
-
Travel in groups to save on accommodation and transport. This approach utilises the best student travel ideas.
-
Use your student ID card to enjoy discounts on transportation, attractions, and sightseeing.
-
Book a hostel or a cheap hotel in advance; many offer student discounts or group rates.
-
To save money, consider preparing your own breakfast or packing snacks to eat on the go.
-
Search for free guided city tours and student events in the city you’re visiting.
Gateway International has a network of travel partners that can help you find affordable weekend trips for students and secure the best weekend trips abroad deals on transportation and accommodation.
🎯 Necessary: Always Carry Your Student ID
Many discounts and travel deals are only available if you show a valid student ID. Don’t leave campus without it for your weekend getaways as an international student!
Maximise Your Travel Experience
Get exclusive deals and safety tips for your next student getaway
Holiday Travel Tips for International Students: Stay Safe & Have Fun
Travelling abroad as an international student is thrilling, but safety is paramount. Here are some essential holiday travel tips for international students:
-
Inform a trusted person at home about your travel plans and expected return.
-
Keep duplicates of your passport and visa, both physical and digital.
-
Use safe payment methods and carry a minimum amount of cash.
-
Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and how to reach your embassy or consulate.
-
Always be observant of local laws and customs to ensure a respectful and safe visit.
Many colleges and universities offer travel advice and assistance services for their students, which can be invaluable for holiday travel tips for international students.
Find Your Ideal Study Destination
Discover the perfect country for your international education journey.
Our AI-powered quiz analyses your preferences to recommend destinations
that match your budget, career goals, and lifestyle preferences.
Question 1 of 3
What’s your primary budget range for tuition fees per year?
Challenges & Benefits of Weekend Getaways for International Students
All these excursions are exciting for the students, and they’re sometimes difficult too. Here’s a balanced view.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
You can always count on expert advice and 24/7 support from the Gateway International team, who will help you overcome those problems with their 24/7 service.
pragya sharma
“I had an excellent experience with gateway International! Everyone was knowledgeable, supportive, and guided me through the entire application process seamlessly. Especially yukti mam she was always there, she even answered my silly questions calmly. Pradeep sir also guided me at every step. Neelam mam was preparing me for a visa in person at midnight. Their expertise and personalized assistance made my dream of studying in usa a reality. Highly recommend!“
Unalizeddy Abroad Opportunities
Access personalised advice and resources to study abroad successfully
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve Your Dream Getaways
Gateway International isn’t just about admissions; it’s about enriching your entire study abroad experience. With over 50,000 placements and extensive experience, we understand what Indian students need to succeed, including the opportunity to explore the world through weekend getaways for personalised students and holiday trpersonalized
-
alised Travel Counselling: Get personalised recommendations for your favourite places based on your interests, budget, and study requirements, ensuring you find the best weekend trips abroad.
-
Exclusive Student Deals: Gateway has a network of companies that offer discounted rates on transport, accommodation, and activities, making for more affordable weekend trips for students.
-
Safety & Support: You can count on our support, including an emergency hotline, pre-departure briefings, and on-ground assistance for your weekend getaways for international students.
-
Pre-Departure Workshops: We also offer pre-departure workshops to equip you with essential holiday travel tips for international students and safety information.
One of the advantages of going to the University of Washington is the company of your classmates, your teachers and your.
Akshat Jain
“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 the team. Overall, my experience with Gateway International has been excellent, and they have supported me at every step. Moreover, they didn’t charge me anything for my entire process, which made the experience even more seamless. I highly recommend all my friends and colleagues to get their Visa from Gateway International.”
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What are the best weekend getaways for international students in Europe?
Barcelona, Amsterdam, Prague, and Paris are top choices for weekend getaways for international students. These cities are well-connected by rail and offer inexpensive air travel, making them easily reachable for short trips. A little tip: always ask for a student price when booking. For more savings, consider travelling in groups and looking for affordable weekend trips for students.
Q2: How can I find affordable weekend trips for students in the USA or Canada?
Students can take part in university-run trips, use their student ID for discounts, and purchase tickets in advance. Centrally located universities offer many possibilities for exploring nearby destinations while studying abroad, with cities like New York, Boston, and Montreal being easily accessible for weekend getaways for international students.
Q3: What should I pack for a weekend getaway as an international student?
Pack lightly! Bring only what you really need: your student card, passport, phone, and clothes adapted to the weather. Don’t forget portable chargers and adapters.
Q4: Are there any safety tips for holiday travel tips for international students?
Yes, always leave a copy of your travel plans with someone you trust, and make sure you have travel insurance. Always use official transport and choose reputable accommodation. Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs for your weekend getaways as an international student.
Q5: How do I manage my budget for exploring nearby destinations while studying abroad?
Set a weekly or monthly travel budget. Whenever possible, take advantage of group rates and cook your own meals. Most museums offer free or discounted admission to students. Always ask before visiting nearby destinations while studying abroad.
Q6: Can I travel to other countries on my student visa?
Regarding your visa, it depends entirely on your specific student visa. Schengen student visas, for example, allow free travel within Schengen countries. Always inquire about visa requirements before making reservations for the best weekend trips abroad.
Q7: What if I get sick or face an emergency during my weekend getaway?
Know your university’s emergency hotline and keep the address of the nearest embassy or consulate handy. Carry a local map and understand key emergency procedures when exploring nearby destinations while studying abroad.
dhanrajsinh champavat
“I, Dhanrajsinh Champavat secured my admission in Course: MSc Cyber Security Management, At Ravensbourne University London UK in January 2024 intake with the support of Gateway International, Udaipur. One of my relatives KulwantSingh Bhati also went to the UK through Gateway International , thus I had to look no further and approach them.I would like to thank the entire team at Gateway International and more specifically to Ashray jain Sir for his faith in me and Pranay Bhaiya for doing the entire process for me right from the beginning till the end.Great experience. Pranay sir and Sonam ma’am was the one who guided me throughout. He is humble and very soft spoken. He always listened to me patiently, cleared all my doubts and responded to me well.they have taken care of me like a younger brother and treated me like a family.Gateway international Udaipur providing such facility like mock test interview for credibility interview specially thanks to Neelam Ma’am who was taking my mock test for my credibility interview and also Samiksha ma’am for completing my visa process. Deepak sir help me for my CAS and enrolment in university thank youIf you are planning to study abroad, then just visit Gateway international Udaipur otherwise contact them they will help youThank you gateway international Udaipur team“
About the Author
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Conclusion
For the international student, a weekend holiday is not just a break but an opportunity for personal growth and adventure. The best weekend trips abroad and affordable weekend trips for students are those that enrich your experience of life in a new country. With the support of Gateway International, you’ll have the means, resources, and confidence to embark on weekend getaways for international students every weekend. So, don’t forget to pack your bags and have a few adventures during your course abroad!
Check Out: Writing Scholarship Essays (Tips & Examples)
Frequently Asked Questions
The top destinations include Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and Barcelona, accessible via extensive train and flight networks.
Look for student discounts, travel during off-peak times, and subscribe to travel newsletters for the best offers.
Pack essentials like your student ID, a few changes of clothes, essential toiletries, and any necessary travel documents.
Always inform someone of your travel plans, stay in groups, and keep your belongings secure. Avoid risky areas and late-night travel.
Set a clear budget, prioritize experiences over luxury accommodations, and use student discounts whenever possible.
This depends on your visa type and destination. For Schengen visas, you can travel across member countries; check specific regulations for others.
Keep local emergency numbers handy, always have travel insurance, and inform your embassy if it's a serious issue.
