Summer in the Netherlands is the perfect time to explore Europe. One of the biggest advantages of living here as an international student or young professional is how easy it is to travel to nearby countries by train, bus, or budget airline. A weekend in Belgium, a beach trip to Spain, or a few days in Prague can often cost less than you expect — if you know how to travel smart.

The challenge for many internationals is that travel expenses add up quickly. Flights, accommodation, transport, food, and activities can easily destroy your monthly budget. The good news is that students and young internationals have access to discounts that many people don’t know about.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• The cheapest destinations from the Netherlands

• Budget travel tips for students

• How to use student discounts while travelling

• Why the ISIC card can save you money across Europe

• How to get the Brave Ones x ISIC Discount Card for an exclusive discounted price

Why Summer Travel from the Netherlands Is So Affordable

The Netherlands is one of the best-connected countries in Europe. From cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Maastricht, you can reach dozens of countries cheaply through:

• Budget airlines

• International trains

• Overnight buses

• Shared rides

• Student travel discounts

Because distances are relatively short, many destinations are perfect for weekend trips without needing expensive flights or long holidays.

Best Cheap Summer Destinations from the Netherlands

1. Belgium – Easy Weekend Getaway

Belgium is one of the easiest and cheapest countries to visit from the Netherlands.

Best Cities:

• Brussels

• Antwerp

• Ghent

• Bruges

Budget Tips:

• Use FlixBus or regional trains

• Travel during weekdays for cheaper tickets

• Stay in hostels or student-friendly hotels

Estimated Budget:

€60–€150 for a weekend trip

Belgium is perfect if you want good food, beautiful cities, and short travel times.

2. Germany – Cheap Transport & Big Cities

Germany is ideal for affordable city trips, especially from eastern or southern parts of the Netherlands.

Best Cities:

• Berlin

• Cologne

• Hamburg

• Düsseldorf

Why Students Love It:

• Cheap buses and trains

• Affordable food compared to Dutch prices

• Great nightlife and cultural activities

Estimated Budget:

€80–€180 for 3–4 days

Berlin especially is popular among internationals because of its affordable hostels and free activities.

3. Prague – One of Europe’s Cheapest Capitals

Prague is one of the best-value destinations in Europe.

Why It’s Great:

• Cheap accommodation

• Affordable public transport

• Low-cost food and drinks

• Beautiful historic centre

Budget Estimate:

€150–€250 including transport and accommodation

Flights from Eindhoven or Amsterdam are often very affordable if booked early.

4. Spain – Cheap Flights & Beach Destinations

If you book in advance, Spain can surprisingly be one of the cheapest summer destinations from the Netherlands.

Best Budget Cities:

• Valencia

• Málaga

• Alicante

• Barcelona (outside peak weeks)

Student Tip:

Budget airlines often fly from Eindhoven Airport for lower prices than Amsterdam Schiphol.

Estimated Budget:

€200–€350 for 4–5 days

5. Poland – Extremely Budget Friendly

Poland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for students.

Popular Cities:

• Kraków

• Warsaw

• Gdańsk

Why Go:

• Very low food prices

• Cheap accommodation

• Great nightlife

• Rich history and culture

Estimated Budget:

€120–€250 for several days

How Students Can Travel Cheaply in Europe

Book Transport Early

Summer prices rise quickly. Booking flights or buses 4–8 weeks in advance can save you a lot of money.

Apps and platforms many students use:

• Skyscanner

• Omio

• FlixBus

• NS International

• Ryanair

• EasyJet

Travel With Friends

Accommodation becomes much cheaper when split between multiple people. Group train tickets and shared rides can also reduce costs significantly.

Use Overnight Buses or Trains

Instead of paying for accommodation, many students take overnight transport to save one hotel night.

Stay in Hostels

Modern hostels are often clean, social, and perfect for meeting other internationals. Many also include free walking tours or activities.

The Student Discount Hack Many Internationals Miss: ISIC

A lot of internationals living in the Netherlands don’t realise that student discounts can continue outside university campuses.

The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is one of the most widely recognised student cards in the world. It gives students access to discounts in over 100 countries.

You can use it for:

• Flights

• Museums

• Attractions

• Transport

• Restaurants

• Accommodation

• Online subscriptions

• Travel activities

For students travelling around Europe during summer, the savings can easily cover the cost of the card.

Brave Ones x ISIC Discount Card

Brave Ones partnered with ISIC to help internationals in the Netherlands travel and save money more easily.

Through the Brave Ones x ISIC Discount Card, students can get their ISIC card for an exclusive discounted price of only €10 through the Brave Ones link.

This gives internationals access to:

• Global student discounts

• Travel deals across Europe

• Discounts on activities and attractions

• Student offers in the Netherlands and abroad

Why This Partnership Matters

At Brave Ones, we want internationals not only to survive in the Netherlands, but also enjoy the experience fully. Travelling and exploring Europe is a huge part of student life, and we know budget matters.

The Brave Ones x ISIC partnership helps make travelling more accessible and affordable for internationals.

[Insert Brave Ones x ISIC affiliate link here]

Common Mistakes Students Make When Booking Summer Trips

Waiting Too Long to Book

Summer prices increase fast, especially in June, July, and August.

Only Checking Amsterdam Schiphol

Eindhoven Airport and nearby airports in Belgium or Germany sometimes offer much cheaper flights.

Forgetting Student Discounts

Many museums, attractions, and transport companies offer student prices — but only if you have valid student identification like ISIC.

Overpacking

Budget airlines often charge high luggage fees. Travelling with only a backpack can save a lot of money.

Example Budget for a Cheap Summer Trip

4 Days in Prague From the Netherlands

With student discounts and smart booking, trips like this are realistic even on a student budget.

Final Thoughts

Travelling during summer does not have to be expensive. Living in the Netherlands gives internationals direct access to affordable destinations all across Europe. With smart planning, budget transport, and student discounts, you can travel more while spending less.

And if you want to maximise your savings, the Brave Ones x ISIC Discount Card is one of the easiest ways to unlock discounts while studying and travelling abroad.

Whether you’re planning a beach trip, a city break, or your first European adventure, travelling smart can make your summer much more affordable — and much more memorable.

Sources

• ISIC Official Website

• NS International

• FlixBus

• Skyscanner

• Ryanair