Planning your next escape (a beach break, a city getaway, or a spontaneous long weekend) is one of the best ways to stay motivated during the academic year. But between tuition fees, daily coffees, and the occasional night out, saving for a trip can feel like a stretch. The good news? With a few smart habits and some student-savvy tricks, you can build up your holiday fund without giving up everything you love. Here are some of our best tips for you to make your holiday more affordable!
✈️ Flights
Start by checking flight prices using Skyscanner or Google Flights, but always in incognito mode. Airline websites track your activity and might hike prices if you keep checking the same route. Browsing privately helps keep fares as low as possible.
If you’re flying with Ryanair, make the most of their 10% student discount through Student Beans. You’ll also get a free checked bag on top of the discount, which is gold if you’re packing more than just cabin luggage.
If you’re travelling around the UK and will need to catch a train, we cannot recommend the 16-25 Railcard enough! This discount gets you 1/3 off train fares across the country. It pays for itself after a couple of trips! If you’re more of a coach traveller, the National Express Young Persons Coachcard gives you the same discount on coach tickets, plus £15 day returns on select routes.
🏨 Accommodation
You don’t need a five-star hotel to have a five-star trip. Use Booking.com through UNiDAYS and unlock up to 15% off select stays. Planning to stay with friends? Check Hostelworld discounts on UniDAYS, offering a staggering discount up to 55% off your next visit!
Hostels can be a fantastic option to have an adventurous escape, or even just to save some cash. Many hostels offer social nights, co-working spaces, or even rooftop bars. Plus, sharing a room is a great way to meet fellow travellers and split costs.
For those flying further afield, platforms like Hotel.com offer students several discounts across multiple destination: perfect if you’re more of a hotel traveller.
🍴 Food – Eat Well on a Student Budget
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean skipping good food. Start with Too Good To Go, an app that connects you with restaurants and cafés selling their end-of-day meals at a huge discount. It’s available in most major European cities and helps cut down on food waste, too – and you can access some great traditional cuisine for cheap!
Another clever hack? Influencer codes. Before you go, follow a few local or travel food influencers on Instagram or TikTok. They often partner with restaurants and street food spots to offer promo codes or deals to their followers. You can also check their content for insider food tips and hidden gems.
Saving for your next adventure doesn’t have to be painful or dull. With a few smart moves and some student-exclusive perks, you can build your holiday fund while still enjoying your life at uni. So go on, start your countdown! That flight could be closer (and cheaper) than you think. We will be waiting for you when you come back with our events at KCLSU!