I traveled a lot in my early
twenties. It was one of the few decisions I look back upon with
pride. The savings students receive is really incredible, and
not just for airfare: you can see shows on Broadway, operas in
Sydney, and fly around 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 ISIC 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 ISIC 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:
- StudentUniverse
- STA Travel
- StudentTravel
- Travelosophy
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
travel where possible. Most students travel when their
not in school, which just so happens 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 farecast.com to determine the best time to buy
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, Puerto 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!
