Finding time to unwind can feel impossible for busy university students juggling lectures, assignments, and exams. But what if you could hit pause and escape to Europe, even for just a short break? Imagine discovering stunning cities, rich cultures and new experiences without breaking the bank. Here’s how to make it happen!

Travelling provides a fresh perspective and an opportunity to experience something new. However, budgeting for trips can be tricky, especially for students. This guide highlights five affordable European destinations, covering budget flights, free attractions, and tips for staying connected without overspending. Let’s dive in!

How to get to the airports

When flying from Cambridge, consider the variety of airports nearby for budget-friendly options:

Stansted Airport

Stansted, the closest airport to Cambridge (30 miles away), offers a range of destinations with low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Jet2. You can easily reach it by train via Birmingham New Street or Norwich.

London Luton Airport

Luton offers affordable flights to European and North American destinations. It’s 2 hours away by train, or you can save money by taking Thameslink to Stevenage and then a bus to the airport.

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, is about 2-3 hours from Cambridge. While it offers a wide range of flights, it can be pricier. You can save on transport by taking the ELI rail route or using London’s underground.

Gatwick Airport

Located two hours from Cambridge, Gatwick serves destinations across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. It’s easily accessible via Thameslink trains, which run twice every hour.

How to Stay Connected on a Budget

Reliable internet access is essential while travelling. Avoid expensive roaming charges with these tips:

Local SIM Cards and Pocket Wi-Fi

Purchasing a local SIM card or renting a pocket Wi-Fi can provide internet access, but these options often involve queues, setup hassles and extra devices to carry.

Digital eSIM for Tourists

An eSIM is a more convenient option. Installed directly on your phone, it eliminates the need for physical SIM cards or extra devices. Apps like Yesim offer affordable data plans across 200+ destinations, often at rates cheaper than local providers.

For example, roaming costs in Europe can go as high as ₤4GB. This could easily equate to up to ₤10 or more per day. However, an unlimited 7-day Yesim plan only goes for ₤23 in Romania and Poland; ₤24 in Prague and Vienna; and ₤25 in Hungary. This saves you at least ₤25 on internet charges each week of travel.

Yesim is a game changer for students looking to do more with their Uni breaks, and it’s super easy to set up. Simply install the app on the App Store or Google Play store. To install the eSIM, you first have to purchase a data plan. Select your destination on the app, choose a plan that best suits your needs, and buy it. If you plan on hitting multiple destinations, you can purchase plans for different locations or opt for one of Yesim’s region-specific budget packages.

Top Budget Destinations

Prague — Affordable Culture and Stunning Architecture

Flight options:

• Cheapest flight: Wizz Air from Luton to Prague, round-trip tickets starting at £39.

Free attractions:

• Old Town Square: 1,000 years old, features vintage buildings and Christmas/Easter markets.
• Prague Castle: Oldest ancient castle complex, free walking tours available.
• Petrin Hill: Offers a view resembling the Eiffel Tower, with gardens, a mirror maze and cafés.

Timisoara, Romania — A Hidden Gem in Eastern Europe

Flight options:

• Cheapest flight: Wizz Air from Luton to Timisoara, round-trip starting at £92.

Free attractions:

• Union Square: Surrounded by the Roman Catholic Dome, Baroque Palace and Holy Trinity Monument.
• Victory Square: Central to Timisoara, near the Opera House and Orthodox Cathedral.
• Romanian Orthodox Cathedral: Largest in the world, featuring rare religious relics.

Warsaw, Poland — A City of History and Vibrant Culture

Flight options:

• Cheapest flight: LOT Airlines from Heathrow, round-trip starting at £94 (carry-on luggage included).

Free attractions:

• Lazienki Park: A park with 20 gardens and free Chopin concerts from May to September.
• Wilanów Palace Gardens: Historical landmark with a museum, lake and lush gardens.
• Uprising Monument: Commemorates Poland’s resistance against Nazi rule.

Budapest, Hungary — Stunning Views and Affordable Experiences

Flight options:

• Cheapest flight: Wizz Air from Luton, round-trip tickets starting at £44 (carry-on luggage included).

Free attractions:

• Buda Castle: Houses National Gallery, Castle Museum and Széchenyi Library.
• Margaret Island: Free activities like a musical fountain, pet zoo and water tower.
• Danube Promenade: Features sculptures commemorating Holocaust victims.

Vienna, Austria — Classical Music and Elegant Architecture

Flight options:

• Cheapest flight: Wizz Air from Gatwick to Vienna, round-trip tickets starting at €46.

Free attractions:

• Prater Park: Historic amusement park with free attractions.
• Volksgarten: Vienna’s first public park, filled with beautiful flowers.
• Kunsthistorisches Museum: Free entry for those under 19 or with financial constraints.

Rather than letting the next Uni break pass you by, we encourage you to make the most of it. By making smarter flight decisions, taking advantage of free attractions and utilising Yesim’s budget-friendly internet options, you can save costs, capture every moment, and stay connected with loved ones at home.