Exams are finished and lectures are slowly grinding to a halt (unless you’re a Chemistry student, of course). The end of the university year is nigh; we’re all tired and a little richer as a result of swapping Tokyo for textbooks, so why not grab a few friends and organise a little getaway as a treat this summer? If you’re willing to brave it, and travel a little further than the sunny shores of Scarborough this summer, then why not check out these destinations?
Most people associate the luxurious and picturesque French Riviera with yachts, royals and Hollywood starlets but it IS possible to visit this holiday heaven on a student budget… with a few conditions, of course.
Interrailing tickets for travel within France are priced between £116-177 depending on the number of ‘travel days’ and offer unlimited travel on those days; allowing you to visit all the major Riviera cities – Saint-Tropez, Cannes and even Monaco – even if you only stay in your favourites.
As for accommodation, the Cote d’Azur is full of campsites ranging from simple tent-pitches to the vast Eurocamp resort near Saint-Tropez – and there are plenty of excellent hostels and boutique hotels in Cannes and Nice a little up the coast if the great outdoors isn’t your thing. If you choose this option for summer travel then be sure to visit old town Antibes for a truly boutique holiday experience; and the famous Absinthe bar makes Evil Eye look like Yates’…
Ever been to Croatia? Since 2006 the relatively-unheard of town of Petrcane near Zadar has been host to a summer festival called ‘The Garden Festival’, which runs over two weekends and consists of live acts, DJ sets and yacht parties. You won’t get many big UK names playing but – given that basic entry to the festival is £90, with additional costs for boat/after-parties ranging between £7-15 – at around half the price of a Leeds/Reading ticket, it’s hard to resist!
With local seafood restaurants, cocktailbars and the infamous Barbarella Discotheque afterparty, the location is the perfect holiday destination when you’re not watching the artists or attending one of the all-day Argonaughty boat-parties – and it’s not far from an interrail stop!
With local hotel The Garden Tisno offering apartment accommodation just metres away from the action, The Garden Festival provides you with a significantly jollier festival experience than the UK – great views, great weather, no mud and, perhaps most importantly – your own toilet.
If you’ve found your pockets a little fuller from not going out this term, or you’re looking to celebrate finishing your degree with a splash then grab some friends and head to Croatia, Greece or Italy this summer with Yacht Week. Charter a yacht for you and 6-14 friends on either Caribbean or European waters; visit the best beaches and landmarks Italy & Greece have to offer and experience a week of affordable luxury and unforgettable events. Just remember to pack your bikini!
Costs range from £300-600 depending on yacht size, numbers, location and whether you choose to sail with a skipper/host or not – and each ‘week’ allows you access to exclusive events and parties both on and off-shore with the other 50 yachts taking part in the adventure.
The only downside to this holiday is it isn’t one for the lads; after a few serious incidents all-male groups are heavily discouraged from taking part, so make sure you’ve got a few lovely ladies to travel with! Yacht week also operates in the Winter months in the British Virgin Islands – so if you missed out on August tickets, there’s always Christmas…
