College is done for the summer, exams are over and you’re ready to head off on your travels… but where to go? Caitríona Ní Chonaill gives her top picks on the best travel destinations for students, whether you’re looking for a city break, a sunny getaway, or a chance to experience a different culture altogether, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for somewhere other than the usual student haunts, and don’t want the same picture-on-a-bridge-in-Amsterdam as everyone else on your Instagram feed, we have some ideas for you. Keep reading to the end to discover the advantages you can gain from getting yourself an ISIC card to help you get discounts along the way!
Budapest, Hungary
Surround yourself with culture and historical sights in Budapest, such as Heroes Square, the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. There is affordable public transport (as long as you have a student ID, keep an eye out for that later!) or cycling is also a popular way to get around and see the sights at the same time. Go on a dinner cruise on the Danube, or take a look at the Hungarian Parliament Building and Crown Jewels.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is known for its nightlife, particularly for street party Thursdays as well as the scenic tours you can go on to view the sights from a cable car! If you fancy scaling some of the local hikes and feel that rush of accomplishment that comes with knowing you’ve got yourself to the top on your own two legs, Table Mountain will definitely give you that rush. There is also a City Pass available, which gives you entry to the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz MOCAA Museum, Cape Wheel, wine- tasting, and the aforementioned cableway to the top of Table Mountain, as well as a pass for the open-top sightseeing bus. If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe but with plenty to see, Cape Town should be added to your bucket list!
Kos, Greece
Known for its “paradise beaches” brilliantly blue waters and Roman and Greek landmarks, Kos is a slice of sunny paradise. If you’ve had enough sunbathing and swimming on the many sandy beaches on the island, why not take a look at the 15th-century Neratzia Castle in the harbour. South of the castle is the Ancient Agora ruins, with a temple, shrine, and columns. Take a day trip to a neighbouring island, such as Nisyros, where you can feel a volcano rumbling under your feet, visit the Panagia Spillani monastery and learn about its history.
To make your trips to any of these destinations easier on the wallet, why not apply for an ISIC card? This International Student Identity Card is the only internationally recognised student ID, and is your passport to a world of discounts, such as McDonald’s, Iarnróid Éireann, Vans, Peter Mark, and Nike! You can use this as a form of identification anywhere in the world, with discounts on various products and stores an added bonus. Available in a physical and online format, it makes being a student that little bit easier! Get yours today at https://www.isic.ie/?gclid=CjwKCAjw1YCkBhAOEiwA5aN4ARH4TEtYufHgAhWBclibX1huI-rCy5Uv-8VfSlpiP-d1CoqmxbHVXhoCeBkQAvD_BwE
