Best Destinations for Student Travelers
Why wait to travel? Traveling as a student creates learning opportunities and is a great way to fuel personal growth. With the list of destination cities continuously growing, there are a few that cater well to students!
Written by Kate Hulce
Washington D.C.
Rebecca + Jason took at trip to Washington, DC!
There are few better places to visit that offer more history than the U.S. Capital. Everywhere you turn there’s a monument or landmark. D.C. is also a hub for the best museums in the country (and free)! From the National Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum or the Museum of the American Indian, there are so many travelers are able to learn about and do on a tight budget.
In terms of getting around, the city's metro system is incredibly user-friendly and allows travelers to hop from place to place without spending a chunk of their travel budget on taxis or Uber.
With history and culture aplenty, paired with how easy the city is to navigate makes it the perfect trip for students!
Denver, CO
Chelsea, Linda, Cindy, Andra, Stacy and Jamie took a trip to Denver, CO!
Denver aka The Mile High City offers visitors the perfect marriage of vibrant culture and the unbeatable scenery of the Rocky Mountains. For an outdoorsman, there are tons of hiking options in the Denver area. Even the popular Red Rocks Amphitheatre is only one part of a massive hikeable park. In the summertime, Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the country. In winter, the mountainous terrain lends itself perfectly to snow sports like skiing and snowboarding!
Denver is also known for its food and brewery scene and is home to the annual Great American Beer Festival! If you ever find yourself there, Ratio Beerworks is one of the many must-stop breweries in the area.
Ratio Beerwods Hours: Mon-Friday: 12PM-11PM + Sat-Sun: 11AM-11PM
Salt Lake City/Park City, UT
Jennifer + Ruby took a trip to Salt Lake City, UT!
Salt Lake City is a great destination for student travelers that oftentimes gets overlooked. From their indie and beer scene to their 10k miles of shoreline, there’s a ton to do whether you’re looking for big-city vibes or would prefer to explore nature’s playground.
Whether by train, bus, or rented scooter, there are plenty of affordable options for getting around which are perfect for a ride to Park City! Utah is home to five stunning national parks, making Salt Lake City the ideal location for crossing off some of the most well-known bucket lists stops all in one trip!
Portland, ME
Shauna + Katrina took a trip to Portland, ME!
Portland, ME is a lesser-known destination for the younger crowd quickly gaining in popularity because of the balance between a bustling hub and New England waterfront charm.
The food scene in Portland is every seafood lover's paradise! The dish you’ll see everywhere when visiting is the famous lobster roll. Rosie’s Pub is a great spot for some casual eats.
Portland is also very walkable when it comes to the Old Port neighborhood! Whether you’re looking for boutiques, award-winning restaurants, or outdoor activities it’s all a short trek away.
It’s also surrounded by a number of smaller day trip spots and quaint towns like Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park. Acadia is ideal for nature lovers looking for high adventure on a budget. Pro tip: mark your calendar with the fee-free entrance dates every year! While Portland is quickly becoming a hotspot, the day trip spots are still a hidden gem for visitors looking for a low-key bayside trip!
Rosie’s Pub Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11 AM-10 PM + Fri-Sat: 11AM-11PM
Madison, WI
Image courtesy of The Old Fashioned
Madison, WI is not only home to the Wisconsin State Capitol but is also known as the embodiment of a true college town. Full of Bucky Badger pride, the University of Wisconsin Madison campus is a perfect area to walk around, people watch and explore.
Hungry? The city's major hubs, Capital square, and downtown State Street are home to some of the best eats in the region! If you’re looking for classic Wisconsin comfort food be sure to check out The Old Fashioned for some beer cheese soup, brat, or beer-battered cheese curds!
Madison is the Midwest's hub for young people because of its quirky culture and trendy aesthetic. It's a great place to connect with new friends and experience Midwestern hospitality firsthand!
The Old Fashioned Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4PM-9PM, Fri: 11AM-9PM, Sat: 10AM-9PM + Closed Sundays