The Best Student Deals and Discounts for Travel

Introduction to Student Travel Deals and Discounts

Traveling as a student can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, numerous resources and options exist to help students secure deals and discounts. This guide will explore various methods for finding great deals on travel, from researching special offers to applying for scholarships.

Researching Good Deals

Use a Student Travel Agency

Student travel agencies are online services that can help you connect to special deals and rates available only to students. These services often offer rates that are not available anywhere else, as well as special tours and group rates for students. Some well-known student travel agencies include:

STA Travel Student Universe CheapOair Travelation

Read Travel News and Blogs

Travel websites and blogs can sometimes alert you to special deals when they become available. Student discounts may be seasonal, and these websites can help you figure out the best time to buy a ticket. Additionally, they offer tips for the student traveler on saving money:

Travel Ticker Travel Zoo The Student Travel Planning Guide Go Abroad US News and World Report The Guardian

News publications often have travel sections that may post deals and discounts from time to time. For example, if you are traveling to England, you can search for specific deals during specific times of the year.

Apply for Scholarships

Universities, foundations, charities, and even travel agencies sometimes offer special scholarships for students traveling abroad. While these scholarships may have specific requirements, they can be a great way to find money for travel. Some options include:

Student Youth Travel Scholarships Rotary International Youth Exchange for ages 15 to 19 uVolunteer Scholarship

Another tip is to search for special discounts in your destination. You should also consider the timing of your travel, as some periods may have more discounts than others.

Getting Deals on Transportation and Lodging

Use a Ticket Aggregator

Ticket aggregators can help you find the best deals on flights and hotels. Some airlines also offer special packages and deals for students:

American Airlines - AA Vacations service for students with a student ID Lufthansa - Generation Fly website for student discounts Low-cost airlines such as Ryan Air or Aer Lingus

Buy a Railcard

Railcards offer discounts to students and young people to reduce the cost of rail travel. While there may be a small upfront fee, you can often make the money back after a single trip:

Amtrak - 15% discount card for students between the ages of 13 and 25 In the UK - a 16-25 Railcard can save up to 30% on rail fares Full-time students with an International Student ID card can qualify for unlimited travel in Ontario, Canada through ViaRail Eurail - discount up to 25% for travelers under the age of 27 with a Eurail Youth Pass

Find Youth Hostels

Youth hostels offer cheap accommodations and they often have many deals for students. Some hostels even organize special tours or events for student travelers. Always check reviews to find a hostel that is both affordable and safe:

UK Youth Hostel Association - special rates for people under 26, 10% off railcards for full-time students over the age of 26 Hostelling International - network of safe clean hostels around the world, 10% off bookings for members

Saving Money on Daily Activities

Sign Up for an International Student ID Card

The International Student ID card is valid in 120 countries. For many international student discounts, you must present this card. Joining the card will give you access to thousands of discounts on food, shopping, travel, and events:

Apply online on the ISIC website

It can take up to four weeks to receive the card, so sign up well in advance of your travel.

Ask for Student Discounts

Many museums, landmarks, restaurants, and events offer discounts to students. Always ask if they have a student discount, and check their website for entry fees:

“Do you have a student discount?”

Check the website first and plan your trip around cheaper discounted options.

Talk to Your Hotel

Whether you are staying in a hotel or a hostel, you should be able to find someone who can share local expertise. Ask the front desk for student deals available in the area:

“Do you have any student deals available?” “What special activities or tours do you offer for students?”

Some places will even organize their own tours and activities available at special rates.

Conclusion

Traveling as a student can be a fantastic experience, and with the right preparation and planning, it can be financially feasible. By using student travel agencies, researching travel news, applying for scholarships, and taking advantage of various deals and discounts, you can make your travel budget go further.

Remember to stay organized, keep your documents in order, and take advantage of every opportunity for savings. Happy travels!