Shoestring sojourns

Even skint students deserve a holiday. Condor Properties explains how to get away for less this summer.

Robert Louis Stevenson once remarked: “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” Unfortunately, amongst his poetic sentiments, there was no mention of how impoverished students can share his experiences, leaving Condor Properties to step into the breach with these suggestions:

Revive the family holiday

A few years ago you wouldn’t be seen dead parading down the promenade with your parents (especially when your dad insisted on wearing those budgie smugglers). But like it or not, your mum and dad represent the most likely hope of you going somewhere exotic this summer. Initially they will be reluctant – they’ve got used to holidaying without you – so you’ll need to package the idea as a “family holiday, just like old times.” Mum will definitely go for it, especially if you start reminiscing about vacations gone by. Amalfi Coast here you come.

Pedal power

Having won the Tour de France two years in a row and cleared up at the velodrome during London 2012, it is now a widely reported fact that British people are the best cyclists in the world. So if you’re looking to get away this summer, do what we do best and get on your bike. The world is your oyster with a half decent set of wheels, a tent and a few bars of Kendal Mint Cake.

Tabloid trips

Britain’s tabloid newspapers might be best known for hacking phones and slipping Jiffy bags full of cash to policemen, but they’re also handy when it comes to bargain holidays. Thumb through the travel pages this summer and you’re sure to stumble upon an offer for discount ferries fares and the like. The crossing times might be more antisocial that halitosis, but it could be the cheapest way to get to the continent.

Thumb a lift

The Daily Mail might have you believe that only serial killers pick up hitchhikers, but thumbing for a lift is often the most sociable and cost-effective way of escaping to the coast, country or wherever you are going. If you’re not comfortable with the old fashioned technique of standing by the road with a cardboard sign then you could always find a lift online. We recommend www.gocarshare.com, which got us to Glastonbury and back this year.

Working holiday

If you are really desperate to get away and have no other options you could always, ahem, work your way abroad. From teaching English in South America to grape picking in France, there are a myriad of opportunities for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty this summer. Websites such as www.wwoofinternational.org, www.bunac.org and www.jobsabroadbulletin.co.uk are good places to start. Happy holidays.