Travel Information for College Students

Leaving Anytime Soon?

Millions of students pack up bags and head out to various national and international destinations each year. And studies show that the numbers going mobile are increasing. Don't get stuck in the Spring Break rut, either. Students are traveling abroad for study, on independent vacations or for work and volunteer opportunities. Your destinations can be endless and your transportation and accommodations can be varied.

Student Travel Tools

The very fact that you're a student can typically gain you discounted deals on a bevy of accommodations and transportation options. The discounted or cheap flights websites are hot for those, student or not, searching for the latest deals from the airlines.

Discount Travel Sites for Students

STA Travel is one of the leading discount travel sites specifically designed with today's college student in mind. You'll find instant deals on Spring Break, Winter Break and up-to-the-minute lowest airfares from major college towns to big cities and hot international deals. The site interfaces with MySpace so you can stay in touch with their latest deals that way. Also, STA Travel suggests great student travel ideas. For deeper discounts check out their proprietary discount travel card.

Orbitz has a special student section of their discount travel site that may offer expanded options and latest values if you're planning travel over the holidays or for Spring Break. But there are scads of such value sites and the best advice is to just keep checking back. Also, many of the discounted sites offer an email update that will automatically send you a notice when a destination or deal within your specified criteria comes around.

Student Travel Cards

You can subscribe to a student discount travel service and receive a card that may gain you more exclusive discounts than your normal student ID card. STA Travel and ISIC cards are among the most common. Just make sure any service you subscribe to is reputable.

The ISIC card, or the International Student Identity Card is exactly what it sounds like. Recognized internationally the card gets you student discounts even outside the U.S., a must if your plans take you outside the States.

Beyond Air Travel

Besides the discount sites that feature regular airline specials, biggies like Amtrak and Greyhound also offer student rates. While the time it takes to "get there" can be lengthier the cost advantages may be in your favor or your journey might be a significant piece of your travel itinerary.

In Europe, students rely heavily on Eurail and have for years as one of the most convenient and cost-effective means to get from one place to the next. The Eurail system is comprised of railways that criss-cross 26 countries. If you're under the age of 26 you qualify for the very nice Youth Pass, which automatically slashes 35% from the cost of a regular ticket. Depending on your itinerary Eurail offers a range of passes that allow you flexible travel choices.

Studying Abroad

If you are among the new wave of American students heading abroad for study or vacation, you are not alone.

The New Pilgrimage

Recent trends in student abroad studies have not gone unnoticed. A surprising craze is the growing popularity of once forbidden destinations like China, India and the Middle East. What's inspiring the new pilgrimage? Global business and industry are key factors. Increasing demand for young professionals with multicultural experience, fluent in a foreign language and an aptitude to relate across cultural borders is pushing big corporations and businesses to seek out graduates whose resumes share these skills. Students are also showing interest in experiencing cultures that are starkly contrasted to our own, particularly those that drastically affect our global social, economic and political environments.

At the same time students are reaching for more far-flung destinations, the old standards in abroad study continue to outrank any others: Britain, Spain, Italy and France.

Trends Bring New Safety Concerns

The increasing numbers of students taking up study abroad in volatile areas is raising the bar for emergency preparedness among college and university campuses. If you are studying abroad make sure you check with your campus on evacuation strategies and overseas contacts. Universities have plans in place for those students in areas of unrest. In the event of political, social and environmental disruptions and disasters you will have quick and reliable resources to turn to for asylum and evacuation.

Heed Travel Warnings

Before you take to the globe for your own independent travel, make sure to check in with the U.S. Department of State. They post carefully updated travel warnings.

Planning for Your Own Emergencies

Make sure you have your passport on your person at all times. Before you leave home make multiple copies of your passport, health insurance papers, birth certificate, driver's license, your travel itinerary and any other important papers you or someone else (in your absence) may need. Leave these with a trusted friend or relative to be used in the case of an emergency. Also leave any phone numbers and addresses of abroad study programs or friends with whom you'll be traveling or visiting. In other words, make sure someone can get in touch with you if need be.

Packing for Travel

Make sure you think carefully before packing up to go trekking across Europe. Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing should be considered heavily. A good outdoor store can help you in choosing an appropriate pack depending on your travel plans. If you'll camp, they can also provide you with all the essentials.

Cash and Valuables

Take it easy on valuables. Any fine jewelry should be left at home. As far as traveling with cash goes make sure you wear any cash close to your body. Pickpockets and skilled thieves thrive on unwitting students and travelers. Your cash can be gone without you even knowing it. Keep cash amounts small, use traveler's checks which can be replaced and keep a "home base" if possible where you can lock up and stow your important things.

Handy Resources

Doing your research ahead of time is important; knowing how you'll move from one place to the next as well as where you might stay will save you time once you arrive.

A Good Guide Book

Lonely Planet: Europe on A Shoestring is a popular resource. A reputable and up-to-date guidebook is almost essential. You might also carry a couple of language resources, especially those that prompt you with common phrases you'd need out and about. Also don't overlook student travel blogs. Often you can find very regional information and advice that will be more specific to your plans.

Hostels

Students have one of the most cost-efficient resources while traveling: student hostels. These accommodations are typically no-frills and are lacking in privacy, but you really only need a place to sleep and shower. Pick up a good guide to Europe's hostels before you go.

The key to a good experience is to plan for any unexpected situations and pack accordingly.