Cheap Student Travel

Students are in a unique position when it comes to traveling the world: they often have the most amount of time to do it and the least amount of money to spend. The student travel budget may not be very high, but the market is big enough that whole travel agencies are dedicated to getting students on spring break trips, European back packing adventures and semesters at sea. When you are a student considering traveling, follow a few golden rules to get the best deals.

Work with a Student Travel Agency

Travel agents may seem costly, but the savings you recoup on deals in flights and hotels often make the expense worth it. Student agents often bundle travel packages around school breaks, meaning you will be able to piggy back off of the work they have done. You will also capitalize on the other students who are taking the same trip as you, making your trip less expensive. While other travel agents may offer deals, they are often out of touch with the unique needs of students. You will find that student agencies better understand where the best places to be are for people in your situation.

Buy Student Travel Insurance

Students are often targeted for theft and crime. They also often have the highest claims for injury and illness. The crime problem follows students because they stick out in foreign countries. Foreigners know when American breaks are each year, and they know that students will be off their guard because they are taking a fun-filled vacation. Further, students are often involved in accidents because they are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Whether you plan on bungee jumping or bar hopping, insurance will cover you if something goes wrong. The worst case scenario is to end up in a foreign hospital without travel insurance.

Consider Study Abroad like a Vacation

If you are studying abroad for a semester, do not treat it as if you are moving to another country for that time. In reality, the abroad experience is more like an extended vacation. You will have the same feeling of never truly settling in to your destination. You will likely be taking advantage of weekend trips, meaning you will have to easily pack up and head out at a moment’s notice. Treating the time like a vacation will give you valuable guidelines like: travel light, pay attention to your spending, and look for the cheapest way to get from point A to point B.

Carry a Student ID

Most everywhere you go on a vacation will offer student discounts. Museums, theaters, and even transit companies have reduced fares for students on a budget. You will need to have your student ID to receive these reductions at most locations. You can consider purchasing a “student pass” up front in some locations. For example, historical societies in whole cities or countries will offer you a pass to visit a multitude of locations on the cheap if you purchase a student pass through their headquarters.

Tags: student travel, student travel insurance, Travel insurance