Traveling with a Student Budget: Amsterdam Edition
Planning, planning, planning…
Procrastinating over a trip is as common as procrastinating over an essay. The feeling of wanting to do it and the afterthought of how much effort it entails is what keeps us away from doing it at the right time. Travelling works in a similar way, specially travelling on a budget. If you want to procrastinate over an essay in a different country, keep on reading how you can spend 200€ in a weekend getaway to Amsterdam!
Wings to take you there…
First things first, download Skyscanner and turn on your notifications. This app alerts you when prices drop in desired destinations, making flying cheap easier than you think. Try to avoid long weekends, and – if your schedule allows you – travel on a Wednesday or a Thursday, where prices can be twice as cheap than on a Friday. If you want to become a travel junkie, subscribe to airline newsletters, where big sales are announced during the months.
Iberia Express: Madrid – Amsterdam (60€ round trip)
A place to spend the night…
The hype surrounding Airbnb is well deserved, yet it is not the only choice when it comes to an empty wallet. Consider the location before jumping into the cheapest deal you can get your hands on. Finding a place with easy access to the city centre is key. Meininger Hotels are a good option for affordable and modern dorms. In Amsterdam, one of them is located next to the Amstel train station in the south east of the city, and it is only 10 minutes away by bus from the old city centre. The hotel works as a hostel, with shared and private rooms.
Meininger Hotels: 17€ / night (female dorm)
How to move around…
Take the bus. Yes, even though you are in a new city and Dutch is not your first, second, or third language, the bus lines are easy to understand and more affordable than taxis.
Single journey (valid multiple times for 1 hour): 2,90€
Check that off my checklist…
Even with a student budget, giving yourself a treat must be your priority. Avoid spending money uninformed, and go straight to your checklist. Here are a few things Amsterdam has to offer. Enjoy!
Breakfast of Champions:
Cafe's – eating Stroop waffles for breakfast does not sound too shabby.
An Anecdote for your Parents:
The Anne Frank House – just do it, a little history never hurt nobody.
A night out in the city:
The XtraCold Ice-Bar – if you are going to spend your money on a night out, make it count. Anything better than ice walls and ice glasses?
XtraCold Ice-Bar entrance fee: 19,50€ (two drinks included)
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