How to Plan a Weekend Getaway During Study Abroad
One of the best parts of studying abroad is realizing how close you are to places you’ve always dreamed of seeing.
A weekend getaway can turn your study abroad experience into something even more unforgettable without requiring a big budget or complicated planning.
Whether you're studying in London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, or anywhere else, weekend trips are one of the easiest ways to explore more of your host region while you’re abroad.
Here’s how to plan a weekend getaway during study abroad without overspending or stressing yourself out.
1. Choose the right kind of trip for your energy
Not every weekend trip has to be a packed itinerary.
Ask yourself:
Do I want rest or adventure?
Do I want nature or city?
Do I want a solo reset or a social trip?
Sometimes the best getaway is:
a quiet beach town
a mountain village
a small city with cafés and museums
a day trip with one main activity
Your study abroad schedule is already full. Pick something that feels nourishing.
2. Plan around transportation first
The easiest way to save money is to start with the transport.
Before choosing the destination, check:
train prices
bus options
flight costs
travel time
departure and return schedules
Sometimes a destination is cheap—but the travel time makes it exhausting.
The best weekend getaways are usually:
under 3 hours away
easy to reach without transfers
flexible if plans change
3. Book early (but not too early)
A good rule:
trains: book 1–3 weeks in advance
flights: book 2–6 weeks in advance
buses: book anytime (usually cheap)
If you wait until the last minute, prices can jump quickly.
4. Choose accommodation that matches your trip style
Weekend trips don’t need luxury hotels.
Some budget-friendly options include:
hostels (great for meeting people)
small guesthouses
budget hotels
shared Airbnbs
student-friendly stays
If you’re traveling with friends, splitting an Airbnb can sometimes cost less than separate beds.
5. Keep the itinerary simple
The best weekend getaways usually include:
1 “main” activity
1 local meal
1 walk or scenic moment
1 spontaneous discovery
If you try to do everything, you’ll return more tired than before.
The goal isn’t to “maximize” the trip.
It’s to enjoy it.
6. Pack like a minimalist
Weekend getaway packing tip:
Pack like you’re leaving for one day, not three.
Bring at least:
one jacket
one pair of comfortable shoes
a portable charger
a reusable water bottle
a small crossbody bag
Less packing = less stress.
7. Track your spending in real time
One of the biggest study abroad challenges is budget shock, especially when currency conversion is involved.
A simple tip:
set a weekend spending limit
track your expenses in Notes
avoid “just one more” purchases
Weekend trips are fun, but your study abroad budget needs to last the semester.
Final reminder: your study abroad experience is bigger than your host city
A weekend getaway is more than travel, it’s confidence.
Every trip teaches you:
independence
planning skills
cultural awareness
resilience
self-trust
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe global experiences should be accessible to all students, not just those who can afford them easily.
Check out our blog for more student stories and study abroad tips and donate today to support our mission to help open doors to global opportunity.