International Spring Break: Where Can You Go for One Week?
International spring break doesn’t have to mean missed classes. If you’ve got one week and a passport, these destinations prove you can go abroad, and still make it back on time.
Let’s be real: not everyone can disappear for three weeks and come back spiritually transformed. Sometimes you’ve got one week, a professor that does not care about your travel dreams, and a budget that needs to survive the rest of the semester.
The good news? International spring break is still very much possible. These destinations are realistic, efficient, and more than worth the flight—perfect for student travel that feels big without blowing up your GPA or bank account.
Portugal
Portugal is the ultimate do-more-with-less destination. In one week, you can split time between Lisbon and Porto (or Lisbon and the Algarve) without feeling rushed. The cities are walkable, food is affordable, and everything feels relaxed in a way that’s perfect for spring break. Plus, the flight isn’t going to take an entire day. It’s great for students traveling abroad for the first time—or anyone who wants culture, coastlines, and late-night pastel de nata runs without constant stress.
Paris, France
Paris sounds intimidating, but for a one-week international spring break, it actually works beautifully. The city is compact, public transit is easy, and you don’t need to “do everything” to feel like you’ve truly been. Spend your days wandering neighborhoods, sitting in cafés, and seeing a few bucket-list sights instead of sprinting between museums. It’s ideal for solo spring break trips or small vacation groups that want something iconic but manageable.
Spain
Spain is built for student trips. Whether you choose Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, you get culture, food, nightlife, and a social energy that makes one week feel full. Spring break timing means warm (not unbearable) weather and long days that stretch into late dinners. Spain is also one of the easier places to travel on a student budget—especially when you prioritize experiences over luxury.
London, England
London is one of the easiest international trips you can do in a week. Direct flights, English-speaking, and a layout that makes it simple to see a lot without overplanning. In a few days, you can hit major landmarks, explore different neighborhoods, and still have time for pub nights and casual wandering. It’s perfect if this is your first time traveling internationally or you want something fast-paced but familiar.
Iceland
Iceland feels ambitious—but it’s surprisingly doable in a week. It’s a short flight and you’ll base yourself in Reykjavik, take day trips along the Golden Circle, chase waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and maybe even catch the northern lights early in the season. It’s not the cheapest option, but for students who want maximum wow in minimal time, Iceland delivers. Every day feels unreal, which is kind of the dream for a short spring break.
Dominican Republic
If your spring break priorities lean more sunshine than sightseeing, the Dominican Republic is a strong choice. Short flight times from the U.S., affordable everything, and beautiful beaches make it easy to fully unplug. You can keep it simple—beach days, water activities, and recovery time—or mix in culture and local food. It’s a great option for vacation groups who want international vibes without complicated logistics.
Ireland
Ireland is ideal for a one-week trip that mixes cities, nature, and cozy energy. Spend time in Dublin, then get out into smaller towns or along the coast where everything slows down. Spring brings greener landscapes and fewer crowds, making it a solid pick for student travel that feels calm, scenic, and still meaningful—even on a tight schedule. Plus, you might even be in town for the best party of them all…St. Patrick’s Day.
Germany
Germany works well for students who want structure and efficiency. Cities like Berlin or Munich are easy to navigate, affordable by Western European standards, and packed with history, culture, and great food. High-speed trains make it possible to see more than one place without wasting time, which is clutch when you’re traveling abroad for just a week.
You don’t need unlimited time or money to make international spring break happen. With smart planning and the right destination, one week is enough to get a stamp, make memories, and still show up to class the following Monday. Student travel isn’t about doing everything—it’s about choosing somewhere that makes the time you do have count.
Key takeaways
You don’t need three weeks or a trust fund to do international spring break. With just one week, these destinations are realistic, affordable, and easy to navigate—perfect for students who want big travel energy without tanking their GPA or budget. Think Portugal, Paris, Spain, London, Iceland, the Dominican Republic, Ireland, or Germany: places where short trips still feel worth it. One smart destination = one unforgettable week.
Know before you go
From the ins and outs of our trips to finding the one that fits you best—here’s what you need to know.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
