All too often, the financial constraints of being a student stop us from seeing some of Britain and Europe’s finer cities. As soon as we have moved away from home, we forget about the all-expenses (usually parent) paid trip to a Continental city of rich cultural interest and history. Yet the same constraints don’t stop us from paying extortionate prices just to see a band down the road.

I have found that a fantastic short break abroad is possible when combining it with seeing a concert abroad. In fact, there are a number of advantages; foreign ticket companies do not tend to impose the ludicrous taxes and handling charges that make British gigs the most expensive anywhere - and that’s if it’s not sold out. Venues in foreign countries are usually smaller too, which many people reckon makes for a better gig.

Earlier this year, I went to Paris to see Iron Maiden on two consecutive nights in the capital’s Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. There was a sense of compatriotism among fans, hundreds of whom had made the same trip across the channel, that I didn’t feel when I went to see the band in London the following week. The same was true when I went to see Oasis in France - it was full of British lads making their way over for a long weekend. It gave me a chance to discover France, which is one of my favourite countries, and there’s also the fact that I’d waited six months for both trips to come around... I could hardly contain myself!

Travelling for concerts abroad is becoming increasingly popular as cheap travel becomes more accessible. I would strongly recommend a trip like this; obviously, on student budgets, it’s not possible to do frequently, but as a special occasion (maybe the end of exams!) it’s the perfect excuse to visit the continent. Southampton is well renowned for its travel network, with an airport that flies to most major European cities. I would recommend searching out where your favourite bands are touring this year. Paris and Amsterdam are perfect examples for a short-break of this kind, but wherever you fancy visiting, I urge you to go for it - you won’t regret it!