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Ask HN: Where is a good place for a college student to vacation?

by ntumlin on 11/9/16, 10:38 PM with 26 comments

I've gotten more work this semester than I'd planned on and have a bit of money saved up, that I wouldn't mind spending part of on a vacation. I live in the southern US and have never been out of the country, so I think that would be a fun experience.

I've seen good things about Africa and Southeast Asia, but I doubt I can get any friends to put up the money to come with me, and I'm not sure I'd like to go there alone with no experience traveling.

I'm looking at going either over winter break (2nd week of December to 2nd week of January) or over spring break (2nd week of March).

  • by mattnumbe on 11/10/16, 4:03 AM

    I spent time in Eastern Europe while in college. You'll meet plenty of people on your way and everything is cheap compared to the US. You can find $10 hostels, tons of people on couch surfing and drink $1 liter-of-beers, meet the locals or hit the larger cities for guaranteed English speaking travelers that are usually more than willing to share travel experiences. I went to Romania, Check Republic and Hungary. I was with 3 other people and we bought a used car for next to nothing and drove everywhere. I live in Japan now and go to SE Asia often. I wouldn't not recommend it, but it would be really intense for first time alone travel. I'd go spring break if you do Europe.

  • by xrange on 11/10/16, 5:08 PM

    If we are serious about climate change, shouldn't we be thinking long and hard about flying anywhere for a vacation? Maybe take a ferry/cruise to the Bahamas or some other Caribbean island?

    https://www.frs-caribbean.com/ferry-routes

    Or drive to Mexico or another Central American country?

  • by lpasselin on 11/9/16, 10:54 PM

    La Habana, Cuba!

    It was the cheapest interesting flight from google flight suggestions. We decided to go and it was great.

    We rented a casa on airbnb and bought tickets 2 weeks before.

    I don't speak spanish and it was fine.

    We simply enjoyed walking and exploring the 3 main parts of the city. If you go for more than a week, you could visit more of the island.

    Cuba is safe, even alone at night.

  • by totalZero on 11/10/16, 6:20 AM

    South America.

    You don't need to get a visa prior to arrival for most countries.

    Everything is inexpensive, including cell service. Young South Americans are very big on social media, so you can find reloadable SIM cards on the cheap. Plus, there is WiFi all over the place.

    Buses from city to city are cheap and comfortable.

    Ecuador is very cool, and you can take a short flight from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands and see a natural treasure of unimaginable richness.

    Uruguay is probably the chillest country of all time.

    Santiago, Chile, is pretty damn cool too.

    People think South America is dangerous, but places like Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay are a far cry from the violence of Venezuela or the horror stories you hear about street crime in Colombia. Still, the slight whiff of danger makes a South American adventure all the more exciting.

    And believe it or not, a lot of folks love Yankees down there.

  • by tedmiston on 11/9/16, 11:54 PM

    For a month long-period with your first time out of the country and by yourself, choosing an English-native country simplifies a lot of things.

    Perhaps consider Australia or New Zealand (or both).

    Melbourne is a cheery, relaxed, wonderful and relatively inexpensive city.

  • by fillskills on 11/10/16, 1:34 AM

    Thailand, Vietnam, Southern India - Cheap places with good expat population

  • by justanton on 11/9/16, 11:55 PM

    Go to Greece: it's cheap, people are incredibly friendly and warm; the food is delicious and there is a huge historical heritage

  • by _kyran on 11/10/16, 2:07 AM

    > I've seen good things about Africa and Southeast Asia, but I doubt I can get any friends to put up the money to come with me, and I'm not sure I'd like to go there alone with no experience traveling.

    Going alone and staying in hostels, you'll find it incredily easy to meet other people.

    From December through to January, the weather in South East Asia is fantastic as it's in the cool season (still quite warm). I'd encourage you to grab a flight in and out from Bangkok, and figure out the rest upon arrival.

    Australia would also be a great choice at that time of the year.

  • by aaron695 on 11/10/16, 3:12 AM

    Thailand is a very easy start and cheap and from there you can jump to other countries in the region.

    Stay at backpackers to meet people.

    Traveling alone and for your first time can be hard but also amazing as you meet people on the way.

  • by eb0la on 11/10/16, 6:53 AM

    Berlin.

    First time there I stayed in a hostel boat in the spree river 10 meters from the Wall.

    Nightlife is crazy, and the thech scene is great. If you go there, drop at the betahaus cafe and ask the locals for directions.

  • by arethuza on 11/9/16, 11:09 PM

  • by twillin on 11/9/16, 11:14 PM

    Doing mission work in a country such as Haiti is a great way to travel with others and make an impact for the better.

  • by orthur_b on 11/10/16, 12:56 PM

    Russia especially Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Our currency is weak and it would be cheap for you to spend time here. There are a lot of beautiful places. I am living in Saint Petersburg and you can ping me for any questions.

  • by tropo on 11/10/16, 3:26 AM

    Well, where will your parents be going? They are getting older. You won't have them forever.

    If that doesn't spend all the money, good! You'll be needing it. Starting a new household is full of expenses. That includes minor things which add up, everything from a salt shaker to a mop.

  • by GomezSandra on 11/12/16, 1:52 AM

    India! Its so cheap and hospitable