Top 5 Student Destinations To Visit This Year

The New Year is here, and it’s time to think of the all-important destinations you want to visit! With so much to choose from we’ve decided to help you out with a list of the top student meccas that should be on top of every bucket list. With something for everyone we have created the top five places that you need to discover.  

Vancouver, Canada

This New Year head down to Canada for all its natural beauty, snow-glazed rocky mountains, glaciers, secluded lakes and forests and quaint east coast. Give there American neighbor a break and experience a trip of a lifetime. Although it’s doubtful you’ll visit all the cities in one trip, you should defiantly check out the Dinosaur Provincial Park, Cabot Trail and Niagara Falls for some of the most spectacular and thrilling sights. Canada is home to the highest tides in the world, yet what if I told you that you’ll be able to explore rock formations and plant life under the ocean without getting wet? Well at the Hopewell Rocks; the huge difference in depth between high tide and low tide means that you can kayak in the Bay of Fundy at one point in the day, and walk on the ocean floor a few hours later. If that isn’t incredible then I don’t know what is.

Lots of Canadians head for warmer climates in the winter, which means that this is the perfect time if you’re looking to ski or are just a winter enthusiast. One of the best reasons to visit Canada is to take advantage their fabulous outdoors and there’s a lot of it! So grab your friends along and start your adventure trailing the mountains, camping, snowboarding and fishing and with the Canadian dollar lower than the US you won’t have to worry about going over your budget either!

*travel dates: Wed 09 Sep  –  Wed 23 Sep, £714

Koyasan, Japan

Established in 816 by a scholar-monk Kobo Daishi, Koyasan lies in the heart of Japan and has become a Buddhist city. The Okuno-in is considered to be the holiest place in Koyasan as this is where Kobo Daishi is buried. It is believed to be the most scared place in Japan by locals and is truly magnificent with enchanted trees and scenery you can’t help but to feel at peace.

If you’re looking to be enlighten or are searching for a cultural experience than this is one place to explore. With most places selling strictly vegan foods, why not try something new and ask for the shojin-ryori which is a subtly flavored cusine alongside the multicourse Koyasan shojin-ryori dinner typically served in tiny lacquer bowls which includes sticky goma-dofu (sesame tofu), plus rice, tea, and dishes such as koya-dofu (freeze-dried tofu), vegetable tempura, and sashimi konnyaku (thin slices of a gelatinous core made from the yamlike konjac root). So why don’t you try something different this year !

*travel dates:  Wed 12 Aug – Wed 19 Aug, £503

Norway

One thing we won’t be leaving in 2014 is the Disney smash hit Frozen which was set in Norway. Though being a Disney film Frozen has been watched and is loved by all ages and is one of the top hotspots for travelers this year. Why not take a trip to this magnificent country and embrace its elegant Scandinavian stave churches, ski slopes and rarefield fjords. Though we realize Norway is not cheap, the discounts on our flights, and hotels we keep them extra pennies in your pockets.

If you’re an adventurer or an explorer than Norway is the place to be. The Norwegians believe in Allemannsrett which literally translates to “all men’s rights “. It’s the freedom to roam which allows the right of access to and passage through all uncultivated land. This means you can pitch a tent or hike through any land which is awesome as Norway is filled with jaw-dropping places. You can start your journey at the Trolltunga which is one of those insanely gorgeous locations where an Instagram selfie is a must!

*travel dates: Wed 18 Mar  –  Wed 25 Mar, £49

Johannesburg, South Africa

If you’re looking for an ongoing party then you got to head down to Johannesburg.  Named as the new ‘it’ girl does to its energetic and beautiful scenery, Johannesburg has everything you need.  Why not take the Johannesburg Red City Sightseeing Bus for the ultimate tour round this magnificent city for a little as R150 which is just £1.53.

Why not travel with a friend and get up, close and personal with South Africa’s wildlife at the Lion Park which has been voted the number one tourist attraction. Situated in Gauteng, the Lion Park guarantees close encounters with some of Africa’s most revered species.  You’ll always find fun round the corner and you should try the Bush Paintball Range which is located on a desolate plot somewhere between Joburg and Pretoria. If the setting isn’t enough to bring out the G.I. Joe in you then the price definitely will be. There are a multitude of places to see and fun things to do in Johannesburg, everyone is bound to find entertainment to suit their taste

*travel dates: Wed 15 Jul  –  Wed 29 Jul, £579

Fez, Morroco

2015 is all about change and there’s no better change of scenery than Fez. Though travelers usually head down to Marrakesh, Fez is a sophiscated, cool and student hub. Fez is 240 miles northeast of Marrakesh and is filled with a variety of hotels, restaurants and galleries; we would say take three days exploring this beautiful city. The Souks (markets) have a wonderful selection of wares and crafts, each in its own allocated area of the street which has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Everything you need for a magical Aladdin theme, from slippers and spices to carpets and genie lamps can be found here.

If you’re an explorer then you’ll have to visit the Fondouk el-Nejjarine; a national monument and a World Heritage Site. Originally built as a stopover for trading caravans in the 18^th the Fondouk el-Nejjarine has currently turned into a Museum which displays some of the most unique wood carving skills in the whole of Morocco. When you’ve finished your sightseeing, make sure you recharge your batteries in one the rooftop cafes in the middle of the Old Medina. Though most of these restaurants and cafes don’t look like much from the outside, you’ll however find spectacular interior designs, Islamic tiling, art and furniture once you get inside. Never judge a book by its cover they say and they are right so much is to found in Fez.

*travel dates: Wed 28 Jan  –  Sat 31 Jan, £263

There’s a world of opportunity out there just waiting to be explored, so make sure you don’t miss out! Remember, the only thing that’s limiting you is your imagination.

If you’re a student discount hunter, you can get student only rates on flights, hotels and tours at StudentUniverse