Let’s be honest: college isn’t cheap. Taking a gap year to save money for school and see the world may be a wise financial decision! No matter what your budget is, you’re sure to find an affordable college break destination. The perfect destination will fit your needs during these long and stressful school years! So, which countries are the most cost-effective places to visit during your gap year? Take a look at our top ten list below.
1. Mexico
Taking in the beautiful Pyramids of Teotihuacan or sailing through crystal waters during your gap year is easier than you think. Mexico is an affordable travel destination with endless options. From exploring Maya ruins in Tulum to learning Spanish in beautiful San Cristobal de las Casas. This country is a great choice for any traveler on a budget looking for an adventure!
2. Thailand
When college students think of affordable college destinations, oftentimes no one thinks about Southeast Asia. Aside from college break destinations in Europe, Thailand is a popular gap year destination for younger travelers. It’s warm climate and exotic culture make it a perfect option not only for college students, but anyone looking to escape the cold winter air! So come explore this fun country during your college break and escape from University life for a little while!
3. Costa Rica
With tropical rainforests clinging to winding mountain roads and pristine Caribbean beaches hugging its shoreline. Costa Rica provides an unforgettable experience for college-bound gap year travelers on a budget. Not only does it offer some of the best surfing in Central America but also white water rafting along the Reventazon River. As well as snorkeling through underground caves with thousands of tropical fish. The possibilities are endless!
4. Cambodia
While it’s understandably difficult for college students to take a gap year during college, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t start planning it now! And one of the world’s most affordable countries to travel to is Cambodia. It may be famous for its historical temples and beautiful coastline but Cambodia has so much more to offer. Including delicious street food and friendly locals who will quickly make you feel like part of their family! So next the time your stress levels through the roof, consider heading across the Pacific Ocean to visit this country during your gap year.
5. Morocco
Imagine wandering through ancient streets as waves from the Atlantic splash against North African shores- this is what awaits college travelers visiting Morocco. With college tuition prices at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that college students are choosing to travel during college break instead of partying with friends on the weekends. And one of the best college breaks you could choose is a trip across the Mediterranean Sea to see some of Europe’s most affordable countries!
6. Greece
Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization and culture, welcomes college gap year travelers on a budget with open arms. If you’re looking for affordable places to travel on your college break, look no further than Athens! From touring the Acropolis to enjoying delicious souvlaki in Monastiraki Square, Greece offers more than just ancient ruins- it offers an experience, unlike any other country, has to offer college-bound travelers on a budget!
7. Malaysia
Where college students go for affordable college breaks, that is exactly what you’ll find in Malaysia. Not only will college students be able to enjoy the country’s famous beaches and delicious cuisine but they will also experience its rich history and culture as well. And it’s this combination of fun and educational experiences that make Malaysia one of the most affordable college destinations on our list!
8. Poland
While studying abroad during college can oftentimes break your bank account, traveling across Europe as a college student is not only easy but affordable as well. And one of the cheapest countries to visit during college break is Poland! From exploring Kraków’s lively Rynek Glowny (market square) to hiking through Tatra National Park and Bieszczady Mountains, college-bound college students will surely enjoy their time in this affordable college country!
9. Croatia
In college, it’s easy to forget that you’re still a young college student with a full life ahead of you. However, as school piles on the workload, college students don’t have as much time as they used to. So if you’re looking for affordable countries to travel to during college break, look no further than Croatia! This Eastern European gem is home to stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and priceless history! And yet it has remained relatively unknown compared to its Western European counterparts. But why should travelers have all the fun? Come to Croatia and discover the hidden gems of Europe as a college student!
10. South Africa
Come and discover the most affordable college countries and college destinations with this college gap year traveler! And one of the cheapest places you can go to is South Africa. From Cape Town’s majestic beauty to Durban’s picturesque beaches, college students will surely enjoy their time in this exciting, exotic college country!
Conclusion
No matter what your travel style maybe, you’re sure to find an affordable college break destination to fit your needs during these long and stressful school years! We hope you enjoyed our list of 10 countries to visit during college breaks and we wish you the best of luck in planning your gap year! Remember, there’s no such thing as a bad year to take a break–you just might want to plan with our list of top 10 affordable destinations for your upcoming gap year below. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest for more information about cheap vacation spots around the world! Check out our last article 15 Last Minute Christmas Gifts for The Holidays.