Summary
One of the best perks of student travel is having access to thousands of discounts. You’ll be able to score cheaper prices on everything from accommodation to flights and entrance fees to tours.
You technically do not have to be a student either. If you’re a traveler under the age of 26, you should be eligible for most of the discounts.
Moreover, the discounts are not only travel-related; you can access savings on practically everything you can think of. Explore the best card offers out there like the International Student Identity Card, the International Youth Travel Card, the Student Advantage Card, the International Student Exchange Card, and various hostel discount cards.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Full-time students aged 12 years and older can obtain an International Student Identity Card to gain discounts on flights, accommodations, shopping, entertainment, and more.
Additionally, you can get free travel insurance while traveling outside the U.S. through this card (albeit basic), as well as having the opportunity to make inexpensive international phone calls. This is a substantial benefit.
The card, which costs about $25, is valid through December 31 each year. Issued by the International Student Travel Confederation, if you are considering only one student discount card, this is the one to choose. For $25 a year, you will likely make your money back and save several hundreds of dollars if you have a few trips planned.
Check out a full list of discounts you’ll be eligible for and learn more about how to get an ISIC card.
The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)
Also issued by the International Student Travel Confederation, the International Youth Travel Card is a discount card for travelers under 26 who are not enrolled in a school. You benefit from a broad range of youth travel discounts, though not quite as many as the ISIC. However, it may be worthwhile if you plan to travel often. It costs $25 a year and includes free travel insurance as well.
Review the list of youth travel discounts you can access with the IYTC card and learn how to obtain one.
The Student Advantage Card
The Student Advantage Card provides student travel, retail, and entertainment discounts for an annual membership fee of $22 (you can add up to three additional years for $10 per year).
As for its value, it truly depends on your travel plans. With this card, you can expect 15 percent off Amtrak and Greyhound fares, plus booking fees waived when you use HostelWorld. While those benefits sound enticing, it’s important to note that you can obtain a Greyhound student discount without the card, and Amtrak extends the same discount to ISIC cardholders. Consequently, the main advantage is the savings on the HostelWorld booking fee. If you’re embarking on a significant trip or multiple travels and plan on staying in hostels, spending $22 on the Student Advantage Card could be a good deal. For those who do not plan extensive travels, the ISIC may be a better option.
The International Student Exchange Card (ISE)
The $25 ISE card offers many of the same discounts as the ISIC card. Specifically issued to travelers under 26, the card’s “youth” version doesn’t provide as many discounts as the “student” version for enrolled students. Is it worthwhile for you? Take the time to review the discounts offered, compare them with those from the ISIC, and determine which card offers more value for your situation. If both cards provide considerable benefits individually, feel free to get both. For convenience, you can buy a mobile-only membership for $9, eliminating the need for a physical card, or purchase a physical ISE card with a SIM card for international calling for $35 (shipping included).
Hostel Discount Cards
Hostel discount cards provide discounts on certain hostel bunk nights along with additional benefits. Some cards merely waive online booking fees, which may also be covered by the Student Advantage Card. Notably, the major hostel organization Hostelling International offers a membership card, granting a free night stay and other exclusive deals.
