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Travel Tips for Students on a Budget

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As a student who loves to travel it can often be difficult trying to budget for many trips across the year. Often times I only think about flights and accommodation and forget about the money that I will spend when I’m there. However over the years I have realised that there are plenty of ways to save money on your trips that will give you more to spend on the experiences whilst you are there, which I believe is the most important thing. Here are some of the main ways that I save whilst planning a trip. One of the most important tips I can offer is that if you are wanting to be able to stick to a budget you need to be able to put the time and effort in to searching for the deals. If you want to save you can’t just click on the first package deal you see as it will often be the least cost effective option. I advise taking a few hours out of your day to explore your options. When booking my trip to Prague, I only spent an extra half an hour looking in to hotels and managed to save £100 b...

Brussels: Historic Charm and Vibrant Nightlife

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After visiting Amsterdam for a few days our next stop was Belgium’s capital, Brussels where I had the chance to explore some of its most iconic landmarks, enjoy delicious food, and experience the lively nightlife.  One of the most memorable sights was Grand Place, Brussels' breath-taking central square. After arriving in the late afternoon, our first view of the square was at night whilst searching for somewhere to eat. As we came round the corner in to the square we were shocked at how beautiful and lively it was. Surrounded by the town hall and the Maison du Roi, the intricate architecture was even more mesmerising when lit up at night. I would recommend visiting the square during the day and night as it completely transforms.  The next day, we took a 20 minute tram to just outside the city centre where to the Atomium, an iconic modern structure which we learnt was created for the 1958 World Expo. It is shaped like an atom joining 9 spheres together which you can explor...

Toronto: A Little Bit of Everything

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  My trip to Toronto was filled with great experiences and a little bit of everything. First up was a visit to Niagara Falls, just a short drive from the city. Seeing the falls in person was incredible. I took a boat tour that brought us right up to the falls, and it was an unforgettable experience. Back in Toronto, I caught a Blue Jays game against the Red Sox at the Rogers Centre. The atmosphere was electric and you could see the CN tower right above us . I’m not a huge baseball fan, but the energy from the crowd was contagious. It was fun to be part of a live game, cheering along with everyone else. Exploring the city itself was a highlight too. Toronto has so many unique neighborhoods, each with its own character. I wandered through Queen West, checking out the shops and street art, then made my way to the Distillery District to admire the historic buildings. The food scene in Toronto is fantastic—there’s so much variety, and everything felt really authentic. We visited an amaz...

Amsterdam: Unforgettable Experiences

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  My trip to Amsterdam in February remains one of the most memorable city breaks I have been on. Whilst taking part in all of the classic Amsterdam experiences and enjoying the beautiful city, we also visited some more unique spots and tried out various new experiences. Here are some of the key highlights of the trip.  Staying in Amsterdam’s Leidseplein area made for a perfect home base, with its lively square packed with cafes, restaurants, and easy access to the rest of the city.  The area went from chilled out during the day to a vibrant and lively atmosphere at night. During the day the square featured a number of street performers and musicians and the blend of tourists and locals made for the perfect spot to start each day. One of the most memorable experiences was the A’DAM Lookout swing. Located on top of the A’DAM Tower, you are literally swinging out over the edge of the tower with an incredible view of the city and the IJ River below.  It’s a little nerve-...

Algonquin Nature Adventures: Camping in the Canadian Wilderness

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With its stunning natural landscapes, friendly people, and diverse culture, Canada is without a doubt one of my favourite countries I have visited. Throughout my two weeks there I experienced many different sides to the country; from the iconic skylines of the bigger cities to the stunning natural wilderness, there was so much to explore. One experience that really stood out however was my 4-day wild camping and canoeing experience in Algonquin National Park, north of Toronto. Tour agency Algonquin Nature Adventures offers 3 & 4 day camping experiences right in the heart of the national park, allowing you to fully submerse yourself in the Canadian wilderness. After arriving at the park we loaded our bags on to the canoes, ready for a scenic paddle to reach our final camping destination. After unpacking in to our tents, we went straight for a swim in the beautiful lake surrounding the campsite. Listening to the wildlife all around us whilst enjoying the water was a beautiful experie...

Budapest: The Perfect Winter City Break

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  With winter slowly approaching, there is no better time to start the search for the perfect city break. We all could use something to look forward to after the excitement of the festive season is over and those long, dark nights in January roll in. What initially drew me to the city of Budapest was the cheap flights and accommodation during the off-season. However its beautiful sights, vibrant nightlife and historic charm has convinced me that it is the perfect city break to escape the winter blues. Here are my three favourite moments from my trip in January, which will hopefully give you inspiration for your next European adventure..... Széchenyi Thermal Baths Nestled in City Park, Budapest's famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths is one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe and boasts a rich history that dates back to 1913. Even in the chilly temperatures of early January, the outdoor pools still made for one of the most relaxing experiences ever with the steam...