Discount cards available to students

International Student Identification Card (ISIC)

The ISIC is the only internationally recognized proof of full-time student status. It is available to students studying at a recognized educational establishment for the current academic year. With an ISIC card, you have access to 15,000 discounts in over 90 countries. You can also get reduced rates for accommodations as well as admission to some of the world’s most renowned museums, historical sights and entertainment attractions. The ISIC is available from student unions and Travel CUTS offices for a low price. If you’re a part-time student, taking evening classes, or an apprentice, you can’t get the card.

Studentsaver

Studentsaver is Canada’s only student owned and operated national student discount program. With thousands of discounts across Canada, Studentsaver helps students save money on everyday purchases like books, clothing, food and entertainment.

International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)

If you are under 26 years of age, you can apply for an IYTC. The IYTC is officially endorsed by international organizations, national governments and student organizations. With the card, you’ll have access to special discounts on airfare, accommodations, transportation and much more! It’s valid for one year from the purchase date. For more information or to apply, visit their website.

Student Price Card (SPC)

SPC holders can get discounts with over 200 national retailers from coast-to-coast, leading packaged goods companies and government ministries and agencies. You get a gift and coupon booklet free with the purchase of a card. The SPC is valid for one year and costs only $8.50.

The Student Price Card has an interactive website, providing members with special offers, music videos, concerts, fashion, partner news, SPC Points and participation in a national contest. SPC also offers a National Bursary Program for post-secondary students.

Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)

The cost of the ISIC is included with membership in the Canadian Federation of Students. Their members also receive the Studentsaver card through their local student union each year. Simply use the card at any of the participating businesses to receive discounts ranging from 10% to 35% off purchased goods and services.

Travel

Bus

Greyhound: Get 25% off with your ISIC and 10% off with other recognized student cards such as VIP, Nomad and Euro 26/U26. If you buy one Greyhound full price adult ticket, one child under 16 years of age rides free. Greyhound also offers companion (buy-one-get-one-free) fares on certain routes. For more information, call (800) 661-TRIP or visit their web site.

Students can also receive a reduced rate when it comes to public transportation. Many cities offer monthly and semester passes at a reduced price with proof of enrolment, while some post-secondary institutions offer public transportation as part of the cost of tuition.

Train

VIA Rail: Students can save 35% in Economy class if they are a full-time student with an ISIC, regardless of age. If you travel all the time between the same two stations, your discount goes up to 50% with the VIA 6 Pak. In first class, students with an ISIC are entitled to a 10% discount. Students 17 and under are also eligible for discounts. VIA Rail offers youth between 12 and 17 years old a 35% discount in economy class, and 10% in first class. You can explore all of Canada at a low cost by purchasing a Canrailpass. You get 12 days of free travel within a 30-day period.

With VIA Preference, every trip gets you bonus points that can be exchanged for free train tickets. All you need do is enroll. VIA Preference offers rewards and there are no registration fees. If you’re a resident of Canada and at least two years of age, you can join and start earning points towards free travel.

Hostels

Hostels are friendly, inexpensive lodgings for young travellers. Located worldwide, they are consistently clean and affordable. Rooms range from dormitory-style with separate quarters for males and females – including bunk beds and a shared bathroom – to places that resemble a country inn with balconies. Hostels are generally located in renovated historic buildings or right in the city centre. You can stay in a lighthouse on the California coast, a historic building in New York City, a castle in Germany, a chalet in Switzerland or a former one-room schoolhouse in the Australian bush.

Many hostels also have private/family rooms, which can be reserved in advance. You usually don’t need to make a reservation, but it’s a good idea to call ahead of time to make sure there is space available. Also, keep in mind that during peak periods such as the summer, reservations are required at some of the busier youth hostels in locations like London and Paris. Hostels offer unbeatable savings on overnight lodging. Overnight fees range between $7 to $18 per person per night in South America and Asia and between $20 to $35 for Europe and Australia.

You can also buy a membership for Hostelling International (HI- Canada Membership). Members can benefit from even lower hostel rates, discounts at local restaurants, admission to attractions and bus transportation.

Beds come with blankets and a pillow. Most hostels also have self-service kitchens or cafeterias, dining areas, secure storage and common rooms for relaxing and socializing with other travellers from around the world. Some have laundry facilities, travel libraries and concierge service. A few even have such unexpected amenities as hot tubs, swimming pools and barbecues. Most major urban hostels have 24-hour access.

Hostels are open to travellers of all ages, except in Bavaria and Germany, where the age limit is 26 unless you are a youth group leader or the head of a family. Individual travellers under 18 years of age may be asked to provide written parental permission in order to check in at many hostels. Travellers under 18 years of age should contact individual hostels to check on guidelines regarding their stay.

For more information, visit STA Travel or to make a reservation, call Hostelling International at (202) 783-6161.

Links

ISIC Card
Travel CUTS
International Youth Travelers Card
Studentsaver
SPC
Greyhound
Via Rail