Winter trip from Sweden on a budget

Winter in Sweden can be magical, but let’s be honest, it also gets tough sometimes. But one of the best things about living in Europe? A quick escape is always an option. Now is the perfect time for a short winter trip somewhere in Europe! It’s easy and even budget-friendly to explore new destinations from Sweden. Jazmin and I realised we were both planning winter getaways this year. So, let us share our travel stories with you! ❄️✈️

Why go on a winter trip?

There are plenty of great reasons to take a winter trip. Maybe you need a break from classes, your friend is visiting, and you want to plan an adventure together, or you just need a change of scenery. Plus, as the days get shorter and colder, seasonal depression can start creeping in (if you’re feeling it too, check out Jazmin’s last blog post on the topic!). It’s no surprise that more and more students are choosing to travel during winter. Whatever the reason, a winter getaway is the perfect way to recharge and escape the everyday routine. So, if you have the chance, why not go for it? ❄️✨

Jazmin’s winter adventure in Turkey

My winter trip took me to Turkey, a destination I had been eager to revisit. The first time I was there was just for a layover during my flight from Peru to Sweden, and I barely had time to see anything. So, when my best friend from Peru came to visit me in Sweden, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to go back and explore properly.

I won’t lie, it wasn’t the cheapest destination. Flights were around 200€ each way, which is pricier compared to other budget-friendly European trips. But our love for cats (yes, they’re everywhere!) and our curiosity about Turkish culture made it totally worth it. That said, if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable destinations from Sweden – I’ve even found round-trip flights to Barcelona for just 50€!

How did the trip go?

We spent six days in Turkey, splitting our time between the bustling capital of Istanbul and the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. While most people visit Cappadocia in summer, I have to say that winter was breathtaking. The snow-covered scenery made everything feel even more surreal, and of course, the food was incredible.

Luckily, I had a few days off from classes, which made this short trip possible. When I got back to Lund, I felt completely recharged, which was exactly what I needed to get back into study mode. My friend also had an amazing experience, and being in such a well-connected place like Sweden made this trip so much easier to plan.

Anna’s winter adventure in Spain

I have taken a winter trip somewhere every year since I moved to Sweden with my boyfriend. We explored Sweden’s North, Umeå and Luleå, and visited Santa’s Village in Finland. But last year, we went to a warmer destination for the first time, Portugal. We loved it so much that we decided to do the same this year and visit Alicante in Spain. The flight tickets cost only 60€ for a round trip! 

We chose Alicante because it is a beautiful coastal region with great hiking opportunities and stunning beaches. Plus, after weeks of dark, freezing weather, we were in desperate need of some sunshine. With clear skies and temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius every day, it was the perfect winter escape!

How did the trip go?

We stayed in the Alicante region for a week, exploring several cities: Alicante, Altea, and Calpe. We visited the historic Santa Barbara Castle (entry fee 6€), perched on a hilltop with beautiful views of the city and the sea. We hiked one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks, Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone rock rising 332 meters above the sea in the town of Calpe. We also managed to take a quick dip in the cold sea. Overall, it was a nice trip on a budget.

Where can you go on a winter trip with a Swedish visa?

With a student visa in Sweden, you have the freedom to travel across the Schengen Area without needing additional visas. That means you can easily visit popular destinations like Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, as well as hidden gems in Portugal, Greece, or Eastern Europe. Whether you’re looking for winter sun, cultural experiences, or budget-friendly cities, there are plenty of options just a short flight away. 

So, if you’re thinking about taking a winter trip, definitely go for it! Whether it’s Turkey, Spain, or somewhere else, a change of scenery can do wonders. Of course, considering your course schedule allows it. 😉 Let us know in the comments where you would like to go for a winter trip!