Good morning from my part of the world -
I am a graduate student who is traveling to Bonn for a conference and going to enjoy other sites while I am overseas. But, today my question is around student travel deals. I am wondering about ticket or hostels deals, and more importantly...trip insurance.
Any advice?
-Maddie
Might get more feed back by researching the Lonely Planet and Boots N All websites. Heck I'm not even sure the latter still exists but worth investigating.
Offering this advice simply because the vast majority of Rick Steve's followers are over the age of 30 and thus not up to speed on student discounts. Senior citizens ones more likely. LOL.
I see you've gotten sage advice about train travel in Germany though.
Happy first time visit.
I think any sort of "student discount" for air fares have long since disappeared (like, a generation ago). Trains - maybe. Museums and other attractions - absolutely (be sure to bring your current, valid student ID). Hostels - I think the "discount" at hotels is for everyone - although you might be able to get a discount for HI membership. Trip insurance....can't help you there. Good luck and have fun.
Insure My Trip is a great website to shop around between travel insurance companies to see which is the best fit for what you need. The most important coverage to get is cancellation insurance, medical expenses, and medical evacuation. Having these three can save you thousands of dollars if tragedy strikes (knock on wood)!
Your student ID will get you discounts on some places, activities, and travel but not a whole lot any more.
Youth hostels vary widely in cost and quality so do your homework. I've generally found that Hostelling International hostels are of very good quality. There are lots of other independent hostels that are great as well and some that are downright horrible. Read lots of reviews of independent hostels before booking. Hostels generally have bunk rooms with shared bathrooms (the cheapest) and private rooms (more expensive). Most provide a locker that you can secure with your own lock (or a key at some) and bedding (sometimes you have to rent it).
If you are really wanting to travel on the cheap, look into Couchsurfing. No charge to stay with someone in their home...I have never personally done this but I know several people who have had great experiences with it.
You can also rent rooms in people's homes on Airbnb...I have done this several times and it has been great! It's nice staying in a home with people from the country you are visiting. It can be cheaper than a hostel. I'm going to Copenhagen in September and found rooms between $40 - 60 with a private bath.
Have fun planning!
We've traveled with college students in recent years. For airfares check sites that track multiple airlines, dates and airlines simultaneously like www.itasoftware.com. Also check STA for flights and discounts-- they still have offices in many European cities.
With your university ID card you can ask for possible discounts at museums and sites.
Several of our students had the need to see a doctor (small fee) or be treated at a hospital during the 4 months we were traveling. They were never charged for hospital/er visits, fwiw.
Why do you have an interest in trip insurance given your age and destination? Unless you're going to expose yourself to some high-risk activity (a conference is fairly tame), I can't see the value of it. I'm not very risk-averse though (I don't get insurance because I'm 43 and in good health and can pay for whatever mishap happens on a trip). Do you have some sort of insurance through your school?
Youth discounts for train tickets vary a lot by country but are always for people under age 26, regardless of student status. Advance-purchase ticket discounts (available to any age) are usually better. The same age limit applies to Youth versions of rail passes.
Most hostels have no age limit. See more at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/europes-hostels.
For student sightseeing discounts, you can buy an International Student ID Card, but it might not save much money over a short trip.
Student Universe is also a good place to try. There are some age requirements for certain deals, but otherwise you may be able to get some discounts.
Hi,
Even those hostels , ie the private independent hostels, that have an age limit, it would not apply to you, unless you are over 35. Two of these types of hostels are in Munich, located not very far from the train station, have an age range from 18-35.
