By Amy Jones
If you’re anything like me, you might be looking at your summer itinerary and thinking, what a bore. It’s tough when all of your friendship groups do different things over the summer. From going back home, to doing summer term placements, everyone has their own plans. Whether you’re trying to save some money, plan a solo trip, or convince your friends to join you on a spontaneous trip. I’ve found some of the cheapest flights during peak summer time that you should all consider.
All of these dates are between the 11th – 14th of August (because let’s face it, if you’re on a budget like me, you don’t have a budget for a 7 day trip). I found these after a deep dive on Google Flights and Skyscanner, but feel free to do your own research, these are just some popular yet affordable spots I’ve found. This way, you only have to use a small fraction of your student loan, while making memories while we’re young and free to explore the world! Check these out:
Rome – €140
3 nights of ancient beauty and late-night gelato.
Day 1: Land and drop your bags at a budget hostel near Termini. Start strong with a walk to the Colosseum and Roman Forum—don’t bother with a guide, just download a free walking tour app. Grab a slice of pizza al taglio and sit on the Spanish Steps for some people-watching.
Day 2: Wake up early and head to the Vatican. Pre-book tickets to avoid the three-hour queue. After the Sistine Chapel, cross the Tiber and wander Trastevere, one of Rome’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Get dinner at a local trattoria (you’ll eat better here than near the tourist traps).
Day 3: Keep it low-key. Visit Villa Borghese gardens with a cheap takeaway sandwich, and stroll through Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori. Don’t leave without one last gelato from Giolitti.
Barcelona – €98
Sun, sangria, and surreal architecture on a budget.
Day 1: Check into a hostel in the Gothic Quarter—close to everything and full of energy. Wander the narrow streets, visit the Cathedral, and get your first glimpse of Gaudí with a walk by Palau Güell. Hit the beach in the late afternoon and then grab €1 tapas during happy hour.
Day 2: Early start at Sagrada Família (it’s worth the entry fee). Head up to Park Güell next—buy the general access ticket, it’s cheaper and still beautiful. For lunch, get a cheap bocadillo and picnic in Ciutadella Park. End the day with a sunset view at the Bunkers del Carmel.
Day 3: Visit La Boqueria market for fresh fruit and snacks, then chill at Barceloneta beach. Hit El Raval for vintage shopping and cool coffee spots before your flight home.
Berlin – €75
History, art, and wild nightlife for the price of a night out in Dublin.
Day 1: Berlin’s public transport is great, so get a day pass. Drop your bags and take yourself on a DIY walking tour—Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. End at the East Side Gallery, an open-air gallery on the Berlin Wall.
Day 2: Visit Museum Island (student discounts galore) or spend nothing and explore quirky Kreuzberg. Grab currywurst from a street stand. In the evening, hit a beer garden. If you’re feeling brave, Berlin’s nightlife doesn’t get going until 1AM—Berghain is probably out of reach, but Sisyphos is a good time.
Day 3: Chill with a Turkish breakfast in Neukölln, walk along the canal, and maybe catch a flea market if it’s a Sunday. Head to Tempelhofer Feld—a former airport turned public park—for a final breather before flying home.
Nice – €120
Luxury vibes on a lemonade budget.
Day 1: Land, grab a bus into town (don’t taxi—it’s a scam waiting to happen). Drop your bags and hit the Promenade des Anglais. Swim in the sea if you can handle the pebbles. Have dinner in Old Town—look for socca, a chickpea pancake that’s cheap and filling.
Day 2: Take a €1.50 train to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer or Eze for postcard-worthy beaches and views. Eze has a free Nietzsche Trail hike if you want to sweat a little. Return to Nice for a sunset climb up Castle Hill.
Day 3: Sleep in, then head to the Cours Saleya market for snacks and souvenirs. Spend your last hours with one last dip or sunbathe with a €5 gelato in hand. Fancy.
Agadir (Morocco) – €180
Beach and culture on another continent—without the long-haul price.
Day 1: Morocco might seem intense, but Agadir is chill. Book a beach hostel and unwind with mint tea. Spend your first day walking the seafront and trying fresh fish at the port market.
Day 2: Hit the beach early, or go camel riding if you’re feeling adventurous. Then visit the Kasbah for panoramic views. Explore the Souk El Had for cheap snacks, spices, modest fashion and souvenirs. Just be ready to haggle—it’s half the fun.
Day 3: Book a surf lesson or take a trip to Paradise Valley—lush greenery and waterfalls just outside the city. It’s a great way to experience a bit of Moroccan nature before heading back.
Final Tip: All these cities have solid public transport, loads of cheap eats, and youth hostels that double as social hubs. Book early, travel light, and bring a power bank—your phone will be your guide, translator, and ticket out of awkward silences.
Go make the most of those 72 hours. Summer doesn’t wait.
If you are travelling make sure you get an ISIC card. The ISIC card has been sold in Ireland since the 1970’s. Their mission is to develop and deliver to students a wide variety of benefits and advantages covering all areas of culture, entertainment, leisure, sports, and travel. The card is recognised by universities, academic institutions, student organisations, national governments, and ministries of education around the world. The card is a great companion for travel as it offers a variety of discounts and can be used as a form of ID. Click here for more info.