Robert Hogan discusses the phenomenon of students year on year flocking to different destinations for the summer- from South East Asia to the streets of Prague and Paris.
From Berlin to Bangkok, Naples to New York, or Chiang Mai to Chicago, every summer, thousands of UCD students jet off to a number of staple vacation destinations. It’s not unreasonable to think you’ve a better chance of bumping into a friend in Prague or Hanoi than in Dublin during the summer. Interrailing Europe, backpacking south-east Asia, and working on a J1 are among the most popular of excursions, and for good reason. Each journey offers a different, unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfectly tailored to young students on a budget travelling without their families for the first time.
Interrailing is undoubtedly the most convenient of the three, making it ideal for less experienced travelers. With cheap flights to any central European city and seven days across several countries with the interrail pass, it’s the least costly travel option. Equally, it provides the opportunity to tick several countries off your bucket list, with most routes including some variation of the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland. Some routes even extend further into eastern Europe or go slightly off the beaten track into Italy, France, and Spain. The avenues for exploration are effectively endless and it’s a nice way to dip your toe into a long-term trip without ever being too far from home.
Despite the relatively low travel expenditure, accommodation and provision pricing is likely to resemble Dublin prices, with travel days being a bit cramped, crowded, and a little clammy. Realistically, those aiming to go should budget somewhere from €70-85 per day, plus the cost of the travel pass and flights, totaling to around €2300-2600 for a month-long trip.
Other travel options include the ‘J1’ visa, which is offered to those in full-time education to work in the USA during the summer, for no longer than four months. More so, you are allowed an additional thirty days to travel! Many students relish the opportunity to experience living in New York, Chicago, or along the west coast. Now in recent years, flights have become much more affordable and the J1 visa itself isn’t extremely hard to come by.
However, you are required to have a job secured in advance of your embassy appointment, a task increasing in difficulty by the year. As popularity increases, the job supply gets dried up pretty quickly, so make sure you’re applying for jobs well in advance. On top of that, the visa application process is quite pricey (rent in the States is no joke) and the immigration officers in customs can be relatively demanding (and intimidating). When planning your trip make sure your documentation is in order, onward flights booked, sufficient funds in your bank account, and that you’re prepared to answer any and all questions regarding your trip.
It's not unreasonable to think that you've a better chance of bumping into a friend in Prague or Hanoi than in Dublin during the summer.
In discussing a more recent phenomenon, Southeast Asian exploration has also become incredibly popular. With countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines a great opportunity to explore a variety of cultures that are remarkably different from our own. Of the three options outlined in this article, the travel to and from this part of the world is by far the most expensive, with flights costing well into the thousands during the summer. However, it is also by far the cheapest once you’re over there.
Hostels average around €8-12 per night in most places, and 4-star hotels are available for not much more. Taxis are available everywhere for pennies compared to Irish prices and you can find Michelin Star 3 course meals for €10-12, with street food coming in at €1-3 per meal. Despite the cheap prices, that does not imply a decrease in quality, Southeast Asia is home to some incredible dishes, including Pad Thai in Thailand, Banh Mi in Vietnam, the list goes on.
As beautiful as SEA is, you might face some dietary restrictions and unvaccinated animals, so make sure to get your travel vaccines and prescriptions! These can be somewhat costly, so budget in an extra €400-500 before you go away to spend! Equally, be sure to fill out your arrival forms in Thailand, Malaysia, or Philippines, and definitely apply for your visa in advance for Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos, or you will be caught out at the border and likely be charged extortionate prices.
Ultimately, all of these holidays will provide an unforgettable experience. So, whether it’s the blue-seas of SEA, the bustling cities of central Europe, or across-the-pond to adventure in the USA, consider these holidays for your college summer travels!