Tips for the forever young
Traveling on a student budget isn’t easy. But the best thing about being a student… is well, traveling on a student budget. Why? Because everyone knows that a student has better things to be spending a limited budget on (think: textbooks, tuition fees, union fees…!). There are now so many student-catered options, frills and bonuses that you’ll start feeling like a VIP – and not just like the poorly paid student undergraduate that you really are.But what does it mean to be a student these days? Travel specials for students are generally tailored towards full time students undertaking coursework. (Guys, this means local part-time classes on yoga or the art of gardening don’t count.) Some form of identification will be needed – usually your university identification card, or tax invoices for tuition fees.
But hefting these around the world isn’t the most ideal situation.
Make sure that you arrange your international student identification before you get on that plane! The easiest, and most recognized international form of identification for students is the ISIC (International Students Identification Card). There’s a small fee (roughly 22USD) for the processing; but the benefits are hefty. VIP-laden in fact.
With an ISIC card, you have access to over 33,000 discounts in over 100 countries. It includes big-ticket items like airfares, travel insurance and medical items, to a 24-hour help line, and discounts on travel brands in your local area. From getting started to being on the road, an ISIC card is essential for student travellers! You’ll find savings on round-the-world-tickets to museum entries all over the world. Just remember to keep it with you… it could be just as important as your passport.
Other ways to make sure that your student dollar goes a long way is to do some research. Most major airlines will now offer student discounts in shoulder seasons, or have their own student membership programs. Then there’s the STA, the largest student travel agency in the world, and a great source for around the world tickets.
Whatever it is you do… don’t forget that the world loves a learned student. Keep your student ID with you, and make those dollars stretch. Who knows how long you’ll be studying for…!
