8 Summer Travel Ideas for College Students

If you’ve been busy hitting the books all school year, then summer is the perfect time to take a break and travel. College students want summer vacation ideas that are new and exciting — but also affordable — so these destinations fit the bill.

1. Bali

Make your way to Bali, Indonesia, if you’re looking for a unique mix of natural beauty, spirituality, and culture. You won’t spend much money exploring the cities, beaches, and religious temples, and three-star hotels come at a college-friendly price. Before you leave, make sure to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud.

2. Costa Rica

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Then Costa Rica is the summer destination for you. Beaches, jungles, and volcanic peaks offer plenty of opportunities for free outdoor adventures. The country also offers affordable hostels and bed-and-breakfast inns, as well as eateries called “sodas” serving low-priced local dishes.

3. Denver

With a big airport and a central location, the Mile High City makes an attractive option for low-cost air travel. In summer, college students can hike and bike in Denver’s many parks, find an abundance of farmers’ markets for live music and people watching, visit the zoo, and catch a professional baseball game at Coors Field.

4. Nepal

If you’re looking for a location with ultra-economical food and lodging, then consider the mountain nation of Nepal. While you’re there, explore shops and shrines in the Old Quarter of Kathmandu, take a yoga class in the lakeside town of Pokhara, or spot rhinos and Bengal tigers on a jeep tour of Chitwan National Park.

5. New Orleans

With its festive culture, New Orleans offers one of the best trips for college students. With your beverage of choice in hand, it’s fun and inexpensive to stroll through the French Quarter, people watch, and listen for the sounds of live jazz. Don’t leave the Big Easy without seeing the grand mansions in the Garden District and tasting local dishes like gumbo and jambalaya.

6. Phoenix

Because of triple-digit temperatures, summer is the cheapest time to travel to Phoenix, Arizona’s capital city. At this time of year in the desert, it’s easy to find good rates on hotels with pools, and golfers get great deals at championship courses. Remember that Phoenix bars, cafes, shops, and museums always crank up the air conditioning in the summer.

7. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so American students don’t need a passport to travel there. In the capital city of San Juan, you can find inexpensive local food, lots of happy hour cocktail specials, and a number of student-friendly hostels. While you’re enjoying the island, make sure to explore the white-sand beaches and the El Yunque Rainforest.

8. Thailand

Do you have a charitable heart and a yen for adventure? Consider “voluntouring” in Thailand. This country has lots of opportunities for college students to build schools, teach English, and work at animal sanctuaries. In your spare time, go to the beach, shop for local handicrafts, and visit ancient ruins and temples.

If you’re a student traveling over the summer, you don’t want to worry about furniture moving and storage. With CORT Furniture Rental, you can rent your furniture for the school year and eliminate the hassle of summer move-out. CORT offers easy furniture pickup and delivery, leaving you free to set off on your summer adventure.

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