Long summer holidays and plenty of energy mean that your university years can be the perfect time to travel. Although travelling overseas may seem daunting – we’ve all heard stories about backpackers catching terrifying tropical diseases – it’s much safer than you might think. Whether you’re dreaming of swoonworthy selfies on a paradise beach, exploring ancient temples in the jungle, or living the high life in a glittering mega-city, then travelling overseas is for you. Here are our top travel tips to help you plan the adventure of your life.
Where are the best destinations for student travel?
Most student travel advice focuses on south-east Asia – with good reason. The cost of living is low, it’s very backpacker friendly, and often wildly beautiful. While Thailand isn’t as cheap as it used to be, it’s well-known for its party scene and lively nightlife. Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat’s world-famous temple complex, and beers are $1 (approximately 80p). Malaysia combines the best of urban life – Kuala Lumpur’s night markets and growing arts scene – with pristine islands and blue water.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, then Eastern Europe is a great option for low-cost European travel. Countries such as Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are bursting with hidden gems, good food and breathtaking scenery.
When is the best time to travel?
University travel means that you’re likely to be planning your trip for the summer. Be aware that in many countries (including Thailand and Vietnam), September is typhoon season – if you’re heading to a number of countries, check out the weather and consider heading somewhere drier, such as Singapore or Indonesia, for this month.
How to travel on a budget
If you’re travelling through south-east Asia, South America, or some countries in Eastern Europe (including Albania and Bulgaria), it’s surprisingly easy to stick to a budget. Eat street food, stay in hostels rather than fancy hotels, don’t blow all your money on shots, and you’ll be fine. Try to take local transport options such as buses and trains, which are much cheaper than flights. Plus, local transport can give you a unique window into the country’s culture, and can be an adventure in its own right; you might find yourself sharing samosas with an Indian family on a train, falling in love with Thai melodramas on an overnight bus, or knocking back vodka with Russian soldiers on the Trans-Siberian express.
Essential packing list
Travelling on a budget means you’ll need to plan in advance. This doesn’t mean that you have to take everything with you, however – many things, including lightweight clothes, shampoo, and some toiletries, are cheaper to buy on your travels. Pack as light as you can, and your back will thank you! Your packing list should include anything you can’t live without, mosquito repellent spray, sun screen, clothing that covers your shoulders (most temples require modest clothing to enter; a big scarf can be useful to drape around yourself), and any medicines you may need for the trip, such as malaria tablets, paracetamol or asthma inhalers.
Tips and tricks
A few Ziploc bags (or even travel cubes, if you want to splash out) can make your packing much easier. Place your items, ideally organised (i.e. one bag for clean underwear, one for dirty laundry, one for T-shirts…) into the Ziploc bag, squeeze all the air out, and seal the bag. Your vacuum-packed clothes are now waterproof, organised, and take up less space in your bag. Most backpacks aren’t fully waterproof, so a poncho that covers you and your bag can be a life-saver when a monsoon hits. A roll of toilet paper will save you buying innumerable pocket tissues. No-one wants to be stinky, so take a packet of baby wipes to freshen up when you can’t take a shower.
How to stay safe
South-east Asian countries, and most parts of Europe, are generally safe travel destinations. As in the UK, don’t do anything too reckless and keep your belongings in sight at all times. A small padlock can be useful for keeping your luggage safe – many hostels have lockers where you can stow away your things, and it’s common to lock bags together or to a luggage rack when on overnight trains. Be aware that pickpockets often operate in crowded tourist areas.
In South American and African destinations, there’s an increased risk of violent crime, so take precautions – don’t walk in sketchy areas at night (especially not alone), don’t wave expensive electronics or jewellery around, and buddy up with other travellers whenever possible.
Travel health is likely to be your biggest concern; while many first-time travellers get a spot of “Delhi belly” (otherwise known as travellers’ diarrhoea) at some point during their trip, you can stave off more serious health issues by taking some simple precautions.
How to avoid getting sick when travelling
When undertaking student travel – or any travel – remember that prevention is better than cure. Be aware of possible health risks and know how to combat them.
To prevent travellers’ diarrhoea, avoid drinking tap water, make sure your food is properly cooked (especially if you eat meat) and hasn’t come into contact with potential sources of bacteria – absolutely no five-second rule here.
To prevent other diseases, it’s worth considering vaccination. Many deadly diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and rabies, can be vaccinated against. In most countries this is voluntary, but note that some countries require a valid certificate of vaccination to be presented on entry. Do your research, and seek advice from a travel clinic. Some vaccinations require a course of doses which can take over a month to complete, so do this in plenty of time prior to departure.
It goes without saying, but if you’re planning to be sexually active when travelling, always wear a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia. You can receive a vaccine to protect against human papillomavirus, which is linked to the development of cancers and can cause warts.
What are the most common health risks when travelling?
Food poisoning, usually caused by E. coli bacteria, is the most common health concern among travellers. Next up are mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, Zika fever, dengue, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Rabies isn’t generally common, but it’s recommended to get the vaccination before you travel, especially if you plan on going to high-risk or remote areas where medical help may be some distance away.