For many students, winter is the perfect time for student holidays to escape the stress of studying and recharge before or after exam season. With all the flexibility that student life brings, plus the incredibly long semester breaks, it is easy to do a spontaneous trip. And if you plan wisely, you can save a lot thanks to off season pricing. Whether you want to do a snowy week away or a short weekend trip: as long as skiing is not your top priority, then winter holidays are often very affordable. And most times also way more relaxing than the summer holidays.
City trips are usually way less crowded than during the summer season and you don’t even have to go far to enjoy a great getaway. Cities like Prague, Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich offer the perfect mix of culture, Christmas markets and cosy cafés that make it possible to both explore and unwind at the same time.
If you are more drawn to the winter mountains, then you will feel right at home in the skiing regions of Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany or Slovenia. There you will not only find snowy slopes but also toboggan runs, snowshoe hikes and cosy evenings in mountain huts. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the winter landscape to the fullest.
For everyone who is trying to escape the cold temperatures, southern destinations like the Canary Islands, Portugal, or Greece offer pleasantly mild temperatures and plenty of relaxation. Plus, they are usually also way cheaper and way less crowded than in summer.
While some would rather cuddle up in a warm blanket on the couch and watch Netflix, others get hit by travel fever. If you are one of the latter, then you are in the right place! We will show you which winter destinations are best for students and how you can make great memories even on a small budget!
Whether you are cruising down the slopes or enjoying Après-Ski: Skiing is an essential part of winter for many, but it can get expensive really quickly. Luckily, a skiing trip doesn’t have to burn through your whole semester budget. With a bit of planning you can easily have an affordable skiing holiday.
Popular Austrian skiing resorts for students are, for example, Schladming, Zillertal, or Obertauern. These destinations always have something going on and many places offer special deals for young people or groups. Germany also has great options, like Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Oberstdorf, where you can spend a fun skiing holiday, without having to travel far. If you are looking for affordable ski holidays for students, then Slovenia, Czech Republic or Poland are great options. Their skiing resorts are smaller but usually also less expensive and less crowded.
Saving made easy:
Not everyone is into skiing and that’s totally fine. You don’t need to ski to enjoy the winter season to the fullest. If you prefer a more relaxed holiday there are still a lot of different options to make your winter getaway exciting.
Whether it’s snowshoe hiking, sledding, ice skating or simply strolling through a snowy landscape. Many regions offer plenty of fun activities that don’t require a ski pass at all. And if you’re into something more relaxing, you can treat yourself to a wellness day, a cosy cabin stay by the fireplace or a visit to a Christmas market.
Winter city trips to cities like Prague, Salzburg, Vienna (here are the best winter activities in Vienna), Krakow or Budapest are especially popular among students. These cities combine the winter magic – from Christmas markets and mulled wine stalls to ice rinks – with a vibrant nightlife full of bars and clubs. Depending on your mood you can enjoy the winter magic during the day and then discover the city’s nightlife in the evening.
These short trip destinations are often easy to plan spontaneously and are well connected by bus or train. It’s less about action and more about spending time with friends, discovering new places and taking a short break from everyday life. For some, it even becomes a small mid-semester getaway to recharge or study on the road.
If you prefer sunshine over snow in winter then you are in luck. Many warm destinations are less popular during these months and therefore also more affordable and less crowded. With good timing and a bit of flexibility, you can score some amazing deals during this cold season.
It’s especially smart to skip the Christmas and New Year rush and plan your getaway sometime between January and March. In many southern countries, that’s off-season, which means the prices drop and the weather gets milder. Plus, while it’s not beach-hot yet, it’s often warm and sunny enough for long walks by the sea or relaxed sightseeing without the crowds. Top choices for a sunny, budget-friendly trip include Spain (like Gran Canaria or Málaga), Portugal, Greece and Malta. By early spring, the temperatures already start to get warmer and the sun shows up a lot more often.
When planning your trip, it’s also worth considering either an early-bird or last-minute strategy:
Affordable last-minute booking sites
Student discounts are another great way to save. FlixBus and the railway services (like ÖBB) regularly offer low-priced saver tickets or special rates for students, and many airlines (such as Ryanair or WizzAir) tempt travelers with reduced fares outside peak season.
Hostels and youth accommodations also frequently provide discounts or dedicated student deals, especially for longer stays or group bookings. With a bit of research, you can quickly save a noticeable amount of your travel budget.
Tip Erasmus students: with the ESN Card, you get additional flight discounts and special offers from Ryanair.
A winter holiday doesn’t have to be a luxury. With a bit of planning, you can experience a lot even on a small budget. You can start saving on the journey itself: taking the bus, train or a rideshare is often cheaper than travelling by car. There are also plenty of accommodation options. Hostels, Airbnbs or group deals tend to be more affordable and usually more fun than hotels. In some cities, student residences even rent out empty rooms to travellers during the holidays
If you’re heading for the slopes, it’s definitely worth buying your ski pass online. Many ski resorts offer online discounts for students. With the equipment it also makes more sense to rent rather than buy, since it is much cheaper. And don’t forget about insurance! Travel health insurance is always a good idea, and if you’re skiing or snowboarding, you should also consider getting winter sports insurance.
Food costs can make a big difference too. Instead of eating out every day, you can simply get groceries and cook together at the hostel. That doesn’t only save money but also makes for cosy evenings with friends.
In the end, it’s not about how much you spend but it’s about what you make of your winter. Even on a small budget, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break in the snow, in the city or in the sun. What matters most is taking the time to breathe, unwind and make new memories.
Which winter travel destinations are popular among students?
Popular are ski resorts in Austria such as Schladming, the Zillertal and Obertauern, as well as city trips to Prague, Salzburg, Vienna or Budapest. For warmer temperatures, Gran Canaria, Portugal, Greece or Malta are top picks.
Where can you travel cheaply in winter?
Prices in southern countries drop during the off-season (January–March). Smaller ski areas in Slovenia, Czechia or Poland also tend to be affordable alternatives to the big-name resorts.
How do you find budget-friendly trips?
Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Skireisen.de or SnowTrex offer great last-minute deals. Students can also save with discounts from FlixBus, ÖBB, various airlines and many hostels.
How can you save the most on a winter holiday?
Travel outside school holidays or during the off-season (January–March). Book early or go last-minute, rent your equipment instead of buying it, and cook your own meals instead of eating out.
What are the cheapest ski trips for students?
Some of the most budget-friendly options are found in Slovenia, Czechia, Poland or smaller ski regions in Austria and Germany.
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