Cheapflights.com Teaches Students How and Where to Travel on a Budget

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Aug 3, 2011) - With the summer holidays winding down, many college students are gearing up for the year ahead. For students who are already anticipating the stress of essays and exams, Cheapflights.com, the online leader in publishing travel deals, is here to tell them not to fret. Taking a break to shake off the stress that comes from all-nighters and dining hall "food" is not only essential but can be done within a student budget with tips from Cheapflights.com's guide on How To Travel on a Student Budget. And whether you're in need of a weekend away to detox before exams or a spring break packed with parties -- er, culture -- Cheapflights.com has some suggestions. Our list of Top 10 College Student Destinations features affordable getaway ideas for a long weekend break, spring break, winter break or the summer holidays.

Below are four student getaways from Cheapflights.com's Top 10 College Student Destinations from each of the vacation categories.

Over a long weekend... Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - As a college student, it's important to get your money's worth without spending an arm and a leg. Niagara Falls can satisfy that for cash-strapped youth. Cheap hotels by the Falls abound, and you can move around town easily on foot, as many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Pack your weekend with visits to the Falls and Marineland Theme Park, where you'll get your fix of seafaring animals like dolphins and killer whales -- combined with the thrill of amusement park rides. The drinking age is 19, so a visit to the Fallsview Casino -- and Dragonfly Nightclub after -- is an absolute must. Search and compare cheap flights to Niagara Falls.

Over spring break... San Juan, Puerto Rico - No passport necessary for this trip. Sizzling Puerto Rico offers more for your money and is generally less crowded than your typical spring break destination. You'll understand why it's called the Island of Enchantment after just a day enjoying the island's perfect weather and amazing local food. For college students on a budget, it combines water fun with non-stop nightlife, as well as the opportunity for cheap accommodations and flights. Note before you go: Spanish is Puerto Rico's dominant language, so brush up on your linguistics (otra cerveza, por favor) before you go. Search and compare cheap flights to Puerto Rico.

Over winter break... Thailand - Make your vacation count for something a little extra by volunteering over winter break in Thailand. You can experience more than the average visitor and get involved in the religious and cultural life of Thai people by providing childcare or building houses. For adventure lovers, combination packages are available that fuse volunteerism with outdoor excursions like kayaking, bamboo rafting and elephant riding. And an extra perk: you'll get some sun and heat in the midst of cold winter months. Search and compare cheap flights to Thailand.

Over summer vacation... Australia - If you're looking to spend the bulk of your summer in one place, but you don't necessarily want that place to be at home, consider Australia. During your summer vacation, it'll be winter in Australia, so pack accordingly. Explore Australia's mesmerizing beaches, deserts, and outback in the warmer northern territory and take in its wildlife, like kangaroos, koalas and wallabies that live in forests and national parks. To really save, find a hostel in Melbourne to stay, buy groceries, and master Sydney's public transit system. Search and compare cheap flights to Australia.

For more ideas on great and affordable student getaways, read Cheapflights.com's complete list of Top 10 College Student Destinations at http://news.cheapflights.com/2011/08/top-10-college-student-destinations/.

When your primary source of income is student loans or savings from your summer job, budgeting for student travel can seem impossible. But with a little know-how and help from Cheapflights.com, it's possible to travel even abroad on a student budget. Here are some of Cheapflights.com's essential tips on how to save for your student getaway:

• Pack smartly - Baggage fees are the worst, especially if you're not expecting them. If you can, plan your wardrobe ahead of time and pack only a carry-on to avoid baggage fees or consider flying domestically with a low-cost airline like Southwest, which allows two checked pieces free of charge, or JetBlue, which permits one.
• Load up a currency card - Unlike on a credit card, you can only spend the amount loaded onto a pre-paid currency card, plus your family can add to travel budget as needed. Select those that don't charge for usage or cash withdrawal, and are protected by a PIN -- like Mastercard, MyTravelCash, and Travelex.
• Invest in an International Student ID Card – Your student status can get you discounts on flights, hotels, transportation, and admission to museums, concerts and other attractions. If you're staying stateside, your college ID should work. But for travel overseas, consider an International Student ID Card, available through STA Travel.

To read additional details on the above tips and for more essential advice, read Cheapflights.com's complete guide on How to Travel on a Student Budget at http://news.cheapflights.com/2011/08/how-to-travel-on-a-student-budget/.

About Cheapflights Media
Cheapflights Media is an international media network helping over 11 million visitors a month find top travel deals. Our Cheapflights brand was launched in 1996 and pioneered the online comparison of flight deals for users. Today, users compare a wide range of deals from hundreds of partners including online travel agents, consolidators and airlines to find the very best flight deals. With a mission to be the starting point for travel, Cheapflights works to deliver the industry's best airfare bargains, expert tips and inspiration. There are currently Cheapflights sites in the U.K., U.S., Canada, Germany, Australia & New Zealand, France, Italy and Spain. For more information, visit www.cheapflights.com. Our newest brand, Momondo, is a leading travel search engine for finding comprehensive worldwide pricing and availability on airfares. Winner of several awards, the site is ideal for users on specific travel schedules. For more information, visit www.momondo.com.