5 Very Important Travel Tips For Students

Travel is an integral component of student life; from visiting iconic cultural locations such as Times Square in NYC to taking advantage of gap year programs abroad. But travel as a student can be expensive. Here are some travel tips specifically tailored for students that will help save money and ensure an unforgettable trip!

1. Make a list of things you want to see and do

Travel is an invaluable opportunity to gain an insight into different cultures and experience new places, but making a list of sights and activities you would like to do before setting out is key to staying on track and enjoying the experience more in top destinations.

Another way to prepare for a trip is speaking to students who have traveled there before. Most study abroad programs will connect participants with former participants who can answer any questions and give helpful tips about their destination.

Travel during the off-season to save money and make the experience more pleasant, and save both money and effort in doing so. This will give you greater savings as well as an unforgettable trip experience!

2. Plan ahead

Travel is an incredible opportunity for students to gain worldly experiences and build independence, helping prepare them for life after college.

Planning ahead for student travel trips is essential to avoid surprises and save money. They should look for student discounts such as those available through StudentUniverse or STA Travel websites, while booking flights and accommodations as soon as possible is also recommended.

Make sure that students are aware of any local safety concerns prior to traveling, and be familiar with alternate routes back home should there be any emergencies.

3. Look for student discounts

No matter the purpose of your travels - gap year, international internship program, local exploration during breaks or just sightseeing locally - traveling as a student needn't be as costly. Just plan ahead, be flexible and seek student discounts!

Hostels and airlines often provide discounted student rates, while museums usually have student-friendly admission prices or offer student free days. Furthermore, purchasing a student card such as StudentRate or ISIC gives you access to exclusive deals for travel, technology and services - with more deals offered than ever!

Travelers should also consider visiting popular destinations during their off-season to take advantage of less crowded attractions while paying less for food and lodging rates.

4. Be prepared for emergencies

Student travelers abroad should always be prepared for emergencies when traveling abroad, which includes having emergency contact information, a travel itinerary and packing for unexpected events. Packing a first aid kit would also be wise. Taking a first aid course like the Kitchener First Aid training is the best way to stay prepared and get a higher chance to save a life in an emergency situation. Students can save luggage space by packing reusable travel-size toiletry bottles or wearing bulky items such as jackets or books.

Students should aim to fit into their surroundings seamlessly by not standing out too much with flashy clothing or speaking the local language aloud. Furthermore, wearing clothing indicating tourists is best avoided as this makes you an easy target for pickpocketers and thieves. Furthermore, students should learn various routes back to their lodgings so that if necessary they can leave quickly in an emergency.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Students should learn to seek help when they need it, which will prove invaluable in life. When seeking directions, advice or company it's always wise to reach out for assistance.

Students traveling at night should utilize the buddy system in order to avoid unwanted attention from pickpockets and scammers, and make use of multiple routes back home if their normal one becomes blocked or they feel threatened.

Student travel may seem daunting at first, but it should not be underestimated as an invaluable opportunity. From gap years and volunteer programs to study tours abroad, traveling while a student can change lives for the better and bring invaluable lessons.