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Best Student Holiday Destinations: Your 2026 Guide

  • Evie Howarth
  • Apr 8
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 13


group of people hiking - student holiday destinations

Student holiday destinations that don't leave your wallet empty. Yes, they exist.


Why is it that students are most often deprived of a lovely little holiday? They probably need it most.


No matter the time of year, students should be able to treat themselves to a trip abroad — it can be educational after all. But, where to?


Whether you're looking for gay-friendly, muslim-friendly, or birthday holiday destinations, we've got all the student holiday destinations you need to know about. 


Go and immerse yourself in different cultures, eat amazing food (most importantly), and have fun! That's what travelling is all about. It's the best way to make the most of that loan drop.


Make sure you check out our student travel tips before you step off the plane!


Jump to:


Best student holiday destinations


What makes a place a student holiday destination? The vibes and the fun (and affordability). Here are some of the top student holiday destinations right now.


P.S. If you're keen to try something new, why not try interrailing around Europe? Find out what is interrailing and how much it costs.


Albufeira, Portugal



Still undefeated for cheap chaos. Expect beach days, bar crawls, and affordable everything. Flights are short, vibes are loud.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £20–£50/night (hostel → budget hotel)

  • Daily budget: £50–£90


Best things to do:


  • Praia da Oura beach days

  • Strip bar crawls

  • Boat parties & cave tours


Budapest, Hungary


If you want cool without blowing your loan — this is it. Think thermal baths by day, ruin bars by night.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £15–£40/night

  • Daily budget: £35–£70 (one of the cheapest in Europe)


Best things to do:


  • Széchenyi thermal baths

  • Ruin bars (Szimpla Kert vibes)

  • Parliament + Danube night views


Barcelona, Spain


A bit of everything: beach, culture, nightlife. Great if your group can’t agree on the vibe.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £30–£80/night

  • Daily budget: £60–£110


Best things to do:

  • Barceloneta beach

  • Sagrada Família & Gaudí spots

  • Nightclubs like Opium


Malia, Greece


Classic. Messy. Iconic. If your goal is “no memories, just stories,” start here.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £20–£50/night

  • Daily budget: £45–£80


Best things to do:


  • Malia Strip nightlife

  • Beach recovery days

  • Pool parties


Gay-friendly holiday destinations


You would think any country in 2026 is gay-friendly but unfortunately not everywhere is as open-minded as we think. Below are some of the top gay friendly holiday destinations you can visit for a great, safe travelling experience.


To make your trip cheaper, use our easyJet holidays student discount for £25 off. 


Mykonos, Greece


The blueprint. Beach clubs, international crowd, and one of Europe’s most iconic LGBTQ+ scenes.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £60–£150/night

  • Daily budget: £100–£180


Best things to do:


  • Paradise Club & beach parties

  • LGBTQ+ beach scenes

  • Sunset dinners in Little Venice


Sitges, Spain



Less intense than Ibiza, but still packed with energy. Pride here is huge — and the town is super welcoming year-round.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £40–£90/night

  • Daily budget: £70–£120


Best things to do:


  • Sitges Pride events

  • Beach hopping

  • Cute old town bars


Berlin, Germany


Underground, alternative, and endlessly inclusive. If you’re into club culture, this is elite-tier.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £25–£70/night

  • Daily budget: £60–£110


Best things to do:


  • Berghain (if you get in 👀)

  • LGBTQ+ nightlife scene

  • Street art + history tours


Amsterdam, Netherlands


Open-minded, easygoing, and perfect for a more chilled but still social trip.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £50–£120/night

  • Daily budget: £90–£170


Best things to do:


  • Canal cruises

  • Pride events

  • Bike around the city


Muslim-friendly holiday destinations


Whether you’re looking for halal food, modest environments, or just culturally comfortable travel — these destinations make it easy.


If you fancy exploring the UK a bit more, check out the best hidden gems in the UK for your staycation. 


Istanbul, Turkey


A perfect mix of history, food, and affordability. Halal options everywhere, plus stunning architecture.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £20–£60/night

  • Daily budget: £40–£80


Best things to do:


  • Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia

  • Grand Bazaar shopping

  • Bosphorus boat tours


Dubai, UAE



More expensive, but very student-doable with planning. Clean, safe, and packed with things to do.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £60–£120/night (budget hotels/shared)

  • Daily budget: £80–£150


Best things to do:


  • Desert safari

  • Burj Khalifa views

  • Beach clubs


Marrakech, Morocco


Affordable, vibrant, and culturally rich. Great for group trips and something a bit different.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £15–£50/night

  • Daily budget: £30–£70


Best things to do:


  • Souks & markets

  • Desert day trips

  • Riads & hammams


Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Underrated and budget-friendly once you’re there. Amazing food, modern city, and very Muslim-friendly.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £10–£40/night

  • Daily budget: £25–£60


Best things to do:


  • Petronas Towers

  • Street food (elite tier)

  • Batu Caves 


Birthday holiday destinations


What better way to celebrate a birthday than by going on holiday. Stuck for ideas where to go? Check out these birthday holiday destinations.


Want to travel solo instead? Check out the top 12 solo holiday destinations in the UK and Europe for a bit of solo TLC.


Ibiza, Spain


Yes, it’s expensive. No, you won’t regret it. The ultimate birthday flex.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £70–£200/night

  • Daily budget: £120–£250


Best things to do:


  • Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza

  • Boat parties

  • Sunset at Café Mambo


Las Vegas, USA


Clubs, pools, chaos. Go big or go home.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £50–£150/night (split rooms)

  • Daily budget: £120–£220


Best things to do:


  • Pool parties

  • Casinos

  • Strip nightlife


Tenerife, Canary Islands


Cheaper than Ibiza but still delivers. Great balance of party + chill.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £25–£70/night

  • Daily budget: £50–£100


Best things to do:


  • Playa de las Américas nightlife

  • Beach days

  • Mount Teide trip


Cancun, Mexico


Flights can be pricey, but once you’re there — it’s all-inclusive heaven.


Average cost (2026):


  • Accommodation: £60–£150/night (all-inclusive deals possible)

  • Daily budget: £80–£160


Best things to do:

  • Beach parties

  • Cenote swimming

  • Boat trips


Use our TUI student discount to save £50 per booking with a minimum spend of £500. 


Trending Student Destinations for 2026


Want something a bit less obvious (and potentially even cheaper)?


Head to: 


  • Cape Verde – £60–£120/day

  • Albania (Ksamil) – £30–£60/day

  • Montenegro – £40–£80/day

  • Lisbon – £60–£110/day


Montenegro
Montenegro

Tips for booking a student holiday 


  • Book early — summer prices can rise 20–40%+

  • Travel off-peak (May, early June, September)

  • Use student discounts wherever possible

  • Consider alternatives (Albania > Greece, Lisbon > Barcelona)

  • Split costs smartly (Airbnb + group travel wins)



Unlock even more with Student Beans


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