If trips are carefully planned and well researched, traveling as a student can provide significant benefits. Some secondary schools, as well as most colleges and universities, provide opportunities to study in other countries, and their coordinators and connections should be used to take advantage of every opportunity. Even if a student is not affiliated with an academic institution, there are numerous discounts and tips available to make student travel simple and affordable. Student travelers can get discounted travel and admission tickets by showing their student ID, and they should network with other travelers to get firsthand, location-specific advice.
Studying abroad is one of the most involved forms of student travel. Most academic institutions that offer these trips provide students with academic housing, such as dorms and apartments, or work with host families to arrange living arrangements. Students on study abroad trips are required to attend classes on a campus in their new country, but they can also participate in sightseeing, educational trips, and other typical tourist activities. Students should take advantage of the fact that the administrators or coordinators in charge of organizing study abroad trips are usually very knowledgeable about the destination location and should ask these professionals for help finding everything from affordable housing to the best attractions and restaurants. Using coursework as a justification for student travel is a fantastic idea, but it can be costly depending on the sponsoring institution.
Smaller trips, either domestic or international, can also be included in student travel. Using student status to find discounted air, bus, or train fares is one of the best student travel tips, regardless of the duration or destination. Individuals aged 12–26 years or those in possession of a valid student identification card are frequently offered reduced ticket prices by transportation companies in a variety of countries. Transportation is often the most expensive aspect of student travel, so doing some research and determining which types of travel or specific companies offer the best discounts can save a lot of money. Keeping prices in perspective can be as simple as comparing prices on websites that list several different providers.
Another area where research pays off is lodging, though student discounts are less common. Luxury hotels are usually out of reach for students’ budgets, so being resourceful can help save money. It’s a good idea to think about possible contacts in the destination city before choosing a hotel. A family member, childhood friend, or roommate’s family may be willing to house a student traveler temporarily. Youth hostels are another option, and they are generally a good place to meet other travelers and get insider tips as well as sleep for a low price.
To encourage educational experiences, student travel discounts are frequently offered at tourist attractions such as museums and national landmarks. Some tourist donations may include a suggested entrance fee, but they will accept any amount as a donation. Unadvertised discounts for entertainment, tourist attractions, and dining can be found by reading student travel blogs or catching up with friends who have taken the same trip.