Discounts for Students in Europe

My son who is a college sophomore will be going to Europe this fall. Are there any discounts available for college students? He will be on a tight budget. -- Conscious of Money
Answer: There are loads of discounts available for students. Your son should begin his research well before he leaves home. Much of it can be done on the Internet. The International Student Travel Confederation's Web site at www.istc.org would be a good starting point. Visiting the Hostelling International Web site, www.HIhostels.com, will let him find out where hostels are and what individual hostels are like. For the student perspective, he should talk to students who have traveled to Europe. Knowing where he wants to travel will make your son's research more effective.
Some airlines offer youth fares for college students to make travel to Europe less expensive for them. Charter flights also typically offer cheaper fares. If your son will be traveling frequently or any distance by train in Europe, he needs to find out about getting some type of Eurailpass. These passes must be purchased outside of Europe and can be quite a bargain.
Your son should investigate the possibility of getting an International Student Identity Card. This card can be used for discounts on admissions to museums and other sights as well as discounts on accommodations and transportation. It is an internationally recognized proof of student status. The card also offers discounts on airfares plus sickness and accident insurance. It is available at more than 400 issuing offices on college campuses as well as Council Travel offices. Your son can get information on where the nearest office is by visiting the ISTC Web site.