There’s no better time to travel than when you’re a student. Getting out there, hitting the open road, trying new things and seeing the sights that you’ve only dreamed about or seen on TV/in the movies. Cheapflights.com.au publishes heaps of cheap domestic flights as well as international airfares, round the world flights and working holiday fares. We work with some of the biggest names in the travel industry – leading and low-cost airlines, online travel agents and flight consolidators – to bring you the best student flights and travel deals.
Where to go?
Student flights to Europe
The continent of culture and history, taking flights to Europe and spending some time in its show-stopping museums and galleries will bring those school lessons to life in ways your teachers never managed. Europe’s natural diversity – mountains, beaches, rolling countryside and green fields – and cultural festivals will ensure a lively overseas adventure. The strong dollar will enable you to experience the joys of Europe such as un cafe-creme in Paris, a gondola ride in Venice or a ride on the London Eye.
Student flights to the USA
The gleaming cities of glass and steel and neon (New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas) welcome many Aussies each year. America offers Australian students the reassurance of sharing a common language and similar cultures, which makes it that much easier to tour Americas natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and Yellowstone National Park or if you prefer city dwelling you can check out the Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge or enjoy seeing those hard earned Aussie dollars go further than expected in the malls.
Student flights to Asia
The combination of the strong Aussie dollar, relatively short travel time and student and youth fares makes Asia one of the more popular and cheaper destinations for Students. Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are just a few of the countries that are waiting to be explored, whether it is the beaches of Bali, cruising on Ha Long Bay or visiting the ancient temple in Angkor Wat, there is always something new to discover.
Student flights to South America
South America contains many of the bucket-list bragging-right sights such as hiking the Inca trail to Macchu Piccu, visiting the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls and the Amazon rainforest. South America is a diverse continent rich in history and culture and is extremely popular with students and backpackers looking for priceless experiences without breaking the bank. The Australian Government runs a travel alert level service so students and travellers can check any warnings or information on countries they may be planning to visit.
What To Do On Your Gap Year?
Whether you are planning a year away from study or an end of semester getaway there are endless options for you to choose from. Working holidays offer a great and affordable way to travel the world for sustained periods of time. Volunteering can give you the opportunity to help make a difference in a community whilst providing the experiences which can help you learn more about yourself as well as being hugely satisfying. There are also group backpacking tours and activates for the thrill seekers and adventurers, where you can meet likeminded people and make new friends, and of course, you can always go solo or with a friend to get a more intimate experience. Finally, there is the chance to study abroad.
What Do I Need Before Travelling?
It is advised that you have the relevant identification documents, such as your passport, as well as insurance and the correct Visa if needed. You can find an international travel checklist here.
Do I Need A Visa?
Depending on which country you plan to visit, it is important to check with the relevant government department to see what requirements need to be met in order to travel. Visas are normally obtainable from the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit. If you are in the early stages of enquiring and have no firm plans then you can use resources such as VisaMapper to give you a basic idea of where a Visa is required.
What Type of Visa Do I Need?
The type of Visa you require depends on what you intend to do during your stay. If you are visiting Australia you can find the list of Visas on Immi.gov.au. If you are travelling overseas please check with the relevant government department of the country you are visiting to find and apply for the correct Visa. You can find more information here.
How much does a Visa Cost?
Depending on what Visa you apply for it can cost anywhere between $100AUD for a short break and $4000AUD for someone looking for a long term or permanent working visa. You can get an estimate on how much your Visa will cost by using the Australian Government’s pricing estimator tool.
Insurance
All travellers are strongly advised to take out insurance before they travel. In the event of an emergency or illness your insurance should be comprehensive enough to cover any unexpected costs. The policy should also include cover for damage to valuables, thefts and interruptions to travel plans. The Australian government will not pay for your treatment or transportation overseas. You can find more information on the government’s Smart Traveller website.You can also find and compare travel insurance quotes on websites such as:
How to Reduce the Cost of a Gap Year
Get a Youth Card. Available for Youth (IYTC), International Teachers (ITIC) and Students (ISIC), a youth card can grant you access to exclusive discounts from companies and products such as Microsoft Office, Hostelworld and Best Western. Book early for the cheapest deals – and of course you can use Cheapflights.com.au for your flights. For specific student discounts you can try companies such as STA and Student Flights.
International Students
If you are arriving or returning to study in Australia most universities provide pick up services from local airports. These must be pre-booked with your university well in advance of your trip. For newly enrolled students the service is usually complimentary however it is advised to check with your university ahead of schedule.
Featured image by Greg Neate
