Student Council Trips: See More, Spend Less

Over the course of three weekends, Anglo-American University (AAU) students recently explored Karlovy Vary, Dresden, and Český Krumlov, without spending a crown on transport or accommodation. These excursions, organized and funded by AAU’s Student Council, are part of an ongoing line-up of affordable travel opportunities available throughout the academic year and offer students a way to take a break from classes, explore new places, and connect with their peers.

In Karlovy Vary, students walked the colonnades, tasted the town’s famous mineral waters, and visited local thermal spas. In Dresden, they explored art museums, toured Zwinger Palace, and some took boat rides along the famous Elbe River. The most recent outing, to Český Krumlov, included a visit to the castle tower, time in the gardens, and a stop at the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, exactly the kind of experience many travelers seek when looking for the best places to visit in Europe.

“Travel can be expensive…The trips give students a chance to explore the world without having to pay out of pocket for them,” said Gregorie Marincas-Bucy, the Student Council’s outreach agent and trip organizer. “This helps students connect with the world around them and improves cultural literacy…and it’s always fun to go places and meet new people!”

Gregorie handles every aspect of the trip, from choosing destinations and booking accommodation to setting up group chats and making sure students have all the info they need. The Council typically covers travel and lodging costs, and occasionally includes a group meal if the budget allows. Trips are announced a few days in advance via Instagram, with sign-ups running on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once the group arrives, there’s usually no strict itinerary. Students travel and check in together, but are otherwise free to explore however they like. Many use the group chat to share what they’re doing and invite others to join for museums, meals, or local events on the fly. Nor do all trips take students out of town. The Council also organizes Prague-based outings, such as visits to the zoo or the ballet, offering a change of pace right within the city.

Third-year International Relations student Volodymyr Babii, who joined two of this semester’s trips, appreciated the accessibility and easiness on the wallet. 

“[These are] a very budget-friendly opportunity to…recharge and [experience] new emotions with your peers or alone,” he said. “I would definitely participate again!” 

Second-year Humanities student and Student Council PR manager Alex Marincas-Bucy, who has helped promote the trips, spoke too of their affordability as well as their broader impact. 

“I think these trips offer opportunities to students who probably don’t have the means to travel on their own,” she said. “And they also foster a great sense of community within the school.”

For students who are interested in planning and financing their own Europe trip, Prague still serves as the ideal jumping-off point. With its central location and well-connected rail system, it’s easy to organize weekend escapes or longer Europe tours to destinations like Budapest, Vienna, and Berlin, which just so happen to be some of the best cities in Europe to visit.

Next on the Student Council trip itinerary is a weekend trip to Zurich from April 18 to 20, with more destinations in the works. Students can follow the Student Council’s Instagram for updates and signup info, or contact Gregorie directly at gregorie.bucy@aauni.edu.