Student and Teacher Travel Discounts - Student & teacher travel tips for the independent traveler

If you're a student, teacher, or just under the age of 26, why not reap the benefits? Several airlines offer special student discounts; and there are other ways to save as well. Here are some ongoing programs and services.

College Fares
American Airlines, along with Citibank, offers College Travel certificates, which are deals on airfare and other travel specials available only to full-time students - but there's one catch. The only way you'll hear about this offer is if you purchase a Citibank Credit Card. The certificates are valid for up to 6-8 months. A 14-day advance reservation is required, with a Saturday night stayover. Certificates range from $139-$209, round-trip. Fares are based on the distance you're traveling. You can call American Airlines at (800) 237-7981, or call Citibank at (888) 843-2484.

Full-time students at a four-year accredited college or university can fly United Airlines can join United Airlines' College Plus Program, basically a frequent flyer program for college students. You can receive bonus miles for events like graduation, as well as doing community service and using parter services. Contact United at (877) 228-1327.

US Airways also offers student discounts, only available to members of the Student Advantage program. See further details below.

ID Cards
And then there's that plastic manna, the student ID card. An ID card can gain cheap, sometimes even free, entry to airplanes, trains, hotels, hostels, and just about every cultural institution on the planet. You don't have to go far to get in on these deals; you can get a discount at the local mall multiplex movie theater. Get one, keep it current, and DON'T FORGET IT when you're packing!

Although you can get by with your regular student ID card in many countries and situations, in some instances it may not be recognized by proprietors, ticket sellers, and in banks and other institutions. In 1968, the International Student Identity Card, often called the ISIC (eye-zik), was established as a universal standard by the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). Currently, it is issued in over 90 countries to more than 2 million students annually at a cost of $22-$25/year. In addition to airline, shopping and admission discounts, the card offers sickness and disability insurance, and a 24-hour help line.

Another popular way to save money is by purchasing a Student Advantage card It's $20 for a yearly membership and will get you discounts at over 15,000 stores, restaurants, and travel services nationwide. With the card, you'll save up to 20% off hotel rooms, train and bus travel, car and truck rentals, vacation packages, and airfare. You'll also get a host of discounts at stores around your campus.

To Obtain a Student or Teacher ID Card
If you would like to order an international student or teacher ID card, or need to find out eligibility requirements, in the US, call 1-888-COUNCIL, or outside the US, contact any Council Travel office worldwide or your local travel office.

The Minority and Disabilities Student Alumni Project puts students of color and students with disabilities in contact with advisors who maintain lists of student contacts and peer advisors interested in assisting with work, study, and volunteer efforts. The CIEE web site has direct links to the email boxes of many of the contacts, along with personal information and addresses.

Teachers
Full-time teachers and faculty can get in on the fun as well, with the International Teacher Identity Card, which offers many of the same discounts and privileges of the student card. You must be employed at a "recognized educational establishment" at a minimum of 18 hours per week and have taught for at least one academic year in order to receive the card.

Under 25 But Not A Student?
If so, you are eligible for the International Youth Travel Card. The benefits closely parallel those of the ISIC card; including special airfares, free currency exchanges, and other discounts.

Rail Discounts
If traveling to Europe, be sure to take advantage of student discounts on most Eurail lines. The savings are available to anyone under the age of 26 and are an affordable way to travel across multiple countries. You can purchase tickets through RailEurope or Student Eurail Passes.

Hostels
Save money in a hostel! Students around the world have taken advantage of hostels while traveling for years. If you are willing to give up the amenities of a hotel, in order to save some money on accommodations, you may want to consider looking through Hostelling International. You can browse locations of hostel worldwide free on their Web site, and if you see something you are interested in, you join as a member. The fee is $25/year, and this entitles you to stay at any of their locations worldwide whenever you like.

A few caveats: If you haven't stayed in a hostel before, you should know that the majority are very campy. Men stay in one room, women in another; although some locations will offer private rooms for couples or families. You can pretty much bet on not getting your own bathroom, and you should always keep an eye on your belongings, just as a precaution. You may need to bring your own sheets or pillowcases, so always arrive prepared. On the upside, hostels are a great way to save. Some rooms can cost as little as 10% of what you'd pay for a hotel room in the area. For more information, call your travel agent or contact: American Youth Hostels Inc., 733 15th Street N W Suite 840, Washington, DC 20005