So, the academic year is over. You’ve handed in your last assignment, survived your exams (barely), and now your brain is running purely on iced coffee and adrenaline. Before heading home for the summer, you want to squeeze in one last adventure — something fun, memorable, and ideally far away from your desk.

Well, let me take you on a little trip down memory lane. Each summer after exams, I’ve packed my bags and gone somewhere — sometimes planned, sometimes completely last-minute, but always worth it. Here are the trips I’ve taken (and one I’m about to take) — maybe they’ll give you some inspiration.

1st Year: Barcelona, Madrid & Ibiza

Our first post-exam trip was pure chaos in the best way. We stayed in hostels, met so many random people (some of whom I still follow on Instagram), and partied like we had nothing to lose, which, honestly, we didn’t.

We went to Madrid for the Harry Styles concert (yes, we cried — a lot), and made it the emotional centrepiece of the trip. From there, it was all about soaking in the sun and making the most of student freedom.

In Barcelona, we danced until 5 a.m. and (stupidly) had a Sagrada Familia tour booked for 9:30 a.m. Big mistake. Huge. But still, one of the most iconic trips I’ve ever done.

As for Ibiza… it was a last-minute round-trip all-nighter. One night, no sleep, and everything was very expensive. Worth it for the story, but if you’re on a student budget, I’d wait until you’re slightly more financially stable (or at least not living off Lidl pasta).

Perfect if: You want stories you’ll be telling for years and don’t mind being mildly dehydrated for most of them.

2nd Year: Warsaw

After the madness of first year, the second year’s post-exam trip was a complete reset. We went to Warsaw to visit a friend who showed us around like locals — zero stress, lots of good food, and peaceful walks through beautiful parks.

Of course, there was vodka involved (because Warsaw), but it was mainly a wholesome trip. We spent our days café-hopping, eating out at a bunch of different restaurants (so many different cuisines for such good prices!), and basically living our best slow-travel lives. We even went to an aqua park and reverted into five-year-olds for an afternoon.

Affordable, chill, and full of pierogi. 10/10.

Perfect if: You’re chasing a relaxing trip with a local twist — and want to actually rest after exams.

3rd Year: Camino de Santiago

This one’s a little different. I haven’t done it yet — but for my final summer as a student, I wanted to close this chapter with something meaningful.

So, I’m walking the Camino de Santiago. Not the full route (let’s not get dramatic), but I’ll be doing the last 112 km, solo. No parties, no hostels full of strangers — just me, my backpack, and way too much SPF.

I wanted something that would challenge me, give me time to reflect on the past three years, and mark the start of whatever’s next. Will it be painful? Yes. Will it be emotional? Also yes. Will I come back as a spiritual hiking girlie with questionable tan lines? Probably.

Perfect if: You’re in your deep reflective era and need something more than just a Ryanair ticket to feel alive.

Other Trips You Can Totally Do from Maastricht

If you’ve got a few days and a bit of wanderlust, these are super doable options:

• Paris – Just one FlixBus night away. Hop on, sleep (if you can), and wake up to croissants and chaos.

• London – Fly from Eindhoven with Ryanair for basically nothing. Genuinely one of the cheapest flights you’ll ever catch — and worth it just to walk around pretending you’re in a rom-com.

• Edinburgh – Slightly more effort, but if you find a cheap flight, go for it. Castles, accents, and surprisingly good oat milk lattes.
  

A Few Tips Before You Go

• Book early – Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

• Pack smart – Especially if your trip ends with a flight home. Lifting a 25kg suitcase up three flights of Dutch stairs is not a personality trait.

• Go with your gut – If it’s telling you to book the train to Paris or walk 100 km in Spain… maybe it knows something.

• Let it be a little messy – Spontaneous decisions = great memories, most of the time.

Finishing the academic year is already an achievement — you deserve a reward. Whether it’s one last wild trip with your friends, a chill city break, or a long walk where you rethink your entire life, make it yours.

Whatever you do, just don’t go home too quickly. Let yourself enjoy this weird, exciting, freeing moment between semesters. And take pictures — even the blurry ones.

Bon voyage, and see you next semester (probably tanned, broke, and spiritually changed).