The Martlet

The travel bug has a tendancy to bite students hard. Some have already seen a lot of the globe, while others are itching for their first international adventure. And with summer just around the corner, the possibility of a vagabond summer is on many of our minds.

So where are students going? Mackenzie Planedin from Travel Cuts says that Western Europe is by far the favourite. Planedin accounts for the popularity of student Eurotrips because Europe is “different, but not too different from here.”

For students, the top three most popular Western European cities are London, Paris and Amsterdam. They rarely stay put in these cities, but use them as starting points for their European adventures.

Europe includes such a large variety of diverse cultures in a very small geographical area compared to what we are used to in Canada, and with Eurail passes and the multitude of discount airlines that fly short distances around Europe, it’s easy to get around.

Planedin says the infrastructure in Europe really caters to inexperienced travellers.

“Things like Contiki tours and the Eurail system make Europe a good starting-off point for travellers” he said.

The widespread use of English in European cities also makes travelling in this area inviting for Canadian students.

UVic students Bryce Butkiewicz and Barry Macdonald went to London for a quick trip over reading break. For first-time Europe traveller, Butkiewicz, London’s major draw was its rich variety of museums and art.

“As students, we learn about all these amazing things and you just want to go see them,” he said.

But one thing that makes Western Europe a less-than-ideal place for students to venture to is the cost. Western European cities have some of the highest costs of living in the world, and even when the most frugal backpacking style of travel is used, a trip to Europe usually ends up adding a lot to that mountain of student debt.

Planedin recommends that students consider trekking over to Eastern Europe, since it offers many of the same attractions as big cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam, but for less money.

Though not as popular, Planedin says the Czech Republic has been a common student travel destination over the past few years and Croatia’s popularity is growing.