Written by Jenna McConnell

Thumbnail Photo by Tom Barrett on Unsplash

Imagine yourself in a brand new world, with endless discoveries to be made and picturesque scenery to drink in. Time slows down, and you can finally relax and breathe for the first time in who knows how long. This is what a vacation can provide; an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and step into new, unfamiliar territory. Travelling is something that everyone must experience at least once in life. Whether you prefer the big city exploration, a tropical getaway, or a European adventure, there is somewhere for everyone to enjoy. The benefits of even a small vacation are vast. But, what exactly are they?

Exploring the unknown

The unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds of a new city or country can be an unforgettable and life-changing experience. While this sounds stressful for some, exploring and discovering new areas of the world can be incredibly exciting. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to take risks and try new things that you may not have back home.

Learning about new cultures

Visiting somewhere very different than home can offer much educational value as well. The best way to learn about different cultures is through experience, and it is also tons of fun! Discovering all of the new foods, music, fashion and people from all over the world is both exciting and eye-opening, expanding your worldview and making unforgettable memories. In turn, learning about these different cultures and their backgrounds will help to empathise with them, and to understand why they behave as they do. This will consequently help in many areas of life, as we come to interact with many different types of people in our daily lives, and hopefully create a more kind and accepting environment for everyone.

Bonding time

Whether you’re on a family vacation, a girls/guys trip with pals, or a couples getaway, travelling the world will for sure offer some bonding time with whoever you choose to go with. The memories you make together will last a lifetime, and the stories you create together will be told for years. As well, if you have friends who are international students or from a different country, this offers a great opportunity to visit them at their home! This solves the problem of expensive housing costs, and provides some unforgettable moments of fun with someone you love! What could be better than that?

While all of this sounds wonderful, there is one glaringly obvious problem: the cost. Especially for students, the money needed to travel is often not readily available, leaving many to decide against the idea entirely. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. While some popular vacation spots are quite expensive, there are many lovely destinations that are both fun and affordable! Below are some beautiful countries that could be your next getaway!

Vietnam

Vietnam offers a unique look into Asian culture that one would not normally get here in Canada, and for a much lower price than some of its neighbours. Flights are extremely cheap, in the $500-1500 range. It also takes about 21 hours to get there. With warm weather all year round, you won’t be needing a winter coat! The food is fantastic, such as pho, a noodle dish, or banh mi, a vietnamese-style sandwich. A few great cities in Vietnam to visit are Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Thailand

Thailand is another great and affordable option for some once in a lifetime fun! Flights are anywhere from 1000-3000, depending on where you book, and they typically are about 20-24 hours, including layovers. Now, while some would write the whole place off, the things you can do there will make it well worth the time and money it took to get there. Thailand is known for its cheap street food, costing on average 30-100 baht (only $1-3 CAD!), making it a great place to experiment and try some new cuisines. There are many national parks, castles, and temples to visit that will create great photo ops, as well as being quite educational. The weather is borderline tropical, making it a perfect vacation spot for anyone who hates the cold. Some fun cities in Thailand are Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Colombia

Looking to escape the frigid Canadian winter and hit the beach? If Cuba or the Bahamas is off the table, consider the beautiful Colombia! As one of the cheapest places in Latin America, Colombia is the perfect spot to travel for the ultimate tropical paradise. Flights from Halifax to (insert city) will cost in the $500-1000 range, and will last about 10-15 hours. The climate is just as gorgeous and warm as you’d expect, making a perfect excuse to lounge by the pool all day! Some great cities to consider are Bogata and Medellin.

Poland

If you, like myself, dream of a European vacay but can’t seem to justify the cash required for popular destinations like France or Italy, why not consider Poland? Flights will cost from $1500-2500, and will take approximately 12 hours from Halifax. While that does sound like quite a lot, it is by far the most expensive part of your trip. There are a multitude of walking tours and activities to choose from for $100 or less, and food is less expensive in Poland than in many Western European countries. The architecture rivals Germany in its beauty and style, making this the ultimate budget-friendly European hotspot. Some amazing cities in Poland are Warsaw and Krakow.

Take a road trip!

A trip across Canada is a great and affordable way to have some life-changing adventures as well! You could simply drive, or there are trains that cost only (cost), offering a unique and authentic tourist experience. There are endless options of cities to visit, whether it be Québec City’s breathtaking architecture or Jasper, Alberta’s gorgeous mountain landscape. Taking some time off to explore this diverse and ever-growing place we call home is sure to broaden your perspective, and prove a ton of fun along the way!

With all the great options listed above, it should be clear that travel is an amazing opportunity that we students are very lucky to have. It is one of the best ways to learn first-hand about the world we live in, and can be very enjoyable. The exciting trips of our youth will shape who we are as young adults, and will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

The Benefits of Travel