subject: Student Discounts For Travel - A Case For Why You Should Stay In School [print this page] I traveled a lot in my new twentiesI traveled a lot in my new twenties. It was one of the few decisions I look back upon with pride. The economies students experience is really unbelievable, and not just for airfare: you can find shows on Broadway, opera houses in Sydney, and fly round the world for half what everyone else is paying.
That isn't a typo.
Let's face it: students tend to be as flush with dreams and broke with funds. Here's how you can enjoy some really great student discounts:
Get and ISIS card. If you are planning a semester/year/lifetime abroad, do yourself a favor and get one of these before you do anything else. This card is your gateway to student discounts around the world, and only costs $35 (which will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars). You can learn more about an ISIS card at their website.
Work with student specialists. There are travel agencies that deal almost exclusively with student travelers. They will understand the pitfalls other travelers have run into, and have the most up to date information. Here are four great resources to check out:
Note that is not a travel agent's responsibility to advise you of visa requirements (though the good ones do). Do your homework before departing.
Attempt off season journey where possible. Most pupils traveling when their not in school, which merely so bumps to be the most expensive times to fly (funny how that happens). In order to cut the costs, try to book flights a week or two earlier/later, which may land you in the a lower season. Red eyes also tend to be cheaper. Visit forecast to determine the best time to purchase your tickets.
Flexibility is key. Spring Break is a brutal time for travel. Turn the table on the airlines by selecting locations that aren't classic college destinations (think Canada instead of Cancun, Puerile Rico instead of Hawaii, etc.)
Work for travel. Get an internship with one of the companies mentioned above. They often provide bargain basement discounts for travel, and are very open to letting you take off for awhile (after all, they want their employees to have travel experience in order to help sell travel!).
Now that you're fully schooled on how to score student discounts, go out and make it happen! An extra semester or two at university can save you a ton on travel!
