best apps for student travel discounts

Best Apps for Student Travel Discounts

1. Student Universe

Overview: Student Universe caters specifically to students and youth travelers, offering exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and packages that are hard to find elsewhere.
Features:

• Exclusive Deals: Discounts up to 30% on selected flights and up to 40% off hotels.
• Flexibility: Options for flexible travel dates to get the best deals.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive layout for easy navigation.
• Booking Extras: Provides options for add-ons such as travel insurance at competitive rates.

2. STA Travel

Overview: With over 35 years in student travel, STA Travel provides a trusted source for student discounts.
Features:

• Global Reach: Access to a vast network of airlines and hotels worldwide.
• Adventure Trips: Specially curated student-focused travel experiences, including volunteering and tours.
• Loyalty Programs: Earn points with bookings that can be redeemed for future discounts.
• Expert Advice: Travel agents available for personalized trip planning.

3. Skyscanner

Overview: Although not exclusively for students, Skyscanner is a powerful tool for finding the cheapest flights and accommodations.
Features:

• Flexible Search Options: Search by whole month or cheapest month for flights.
• Price Alerts: Set alerts for price drops on preferred routes.
• Comparison Tool: Compare prices across various platforms to find the best deal.
• Local Deals: Offers local deals if travelers search specifically for budget options.

4. Hostelworld

Overview: Perfect for the budget-conscious student traveler, Hostelworld specializes in hostels and budget accommodations globally.
Features:

• User Reviews: Detailed reviews from fellow travelers help gauge the quality of accommodations.
• Instant Booking: Quick booking process for instant confirmations.
• Mobile App: Offers a streamlined mobile app for on-the-go bookings.
• Loyalty Discounts: Earn points for discounts on future bookings with the Genius program.

5. Kayak

Overview: Kayak aggregates flight, hotel, and car rental deals, making it easier for students to find affordable options.
Features:

• Price Forecast: Offers predictions on whether prices will rise or drop, aiding students in decision-making.
• Multi-City Search: Easily plan complex itineraries with multiple destinations.
• Mobile Accessibility: Fully optimized app that allows for easy, on-the-go travel arrangements.
• Deals Alerts: Regular alerts regarding sales or discounts targeted at users.

6. Student Cards

Overview: Products like the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or the Student Advantage Card provide numerous discounts globally.
Features:

• Global Recognition: Accepted at thousands of locations to verify student status for discounts.
• App Integration: Many cards have associated apps to find nearby discounts.
• Wide Range of Discounts: From attractions to restaurants, access discounts tailored for students.
• Free Resources: Access to travel resources and guides through these apps.

7. Airbnb

Overview: Although not specifically intended for students, Airbnb’s unique lodging options can often be budget-friendly.
Features:

• Local Experiences: Bookings can include local experiences guided by hosts.
• Group Discounts: Often, renting a full place can be cheaper for groups than booking multiple hotel rooms.
• User Reviews: Previous guest feedback helps choose the best accommodation options.
• Longer Stays: Discounts may be available for longer stays, making it ideal for students studying abroad.

8. Omio

Overview: For students traveling between cities in Europe, Omio is a great app for comparing transport options.
Features:

• Flexible Travel Options: Compare trains, buses, and flights to choose the best option.
• Regional Discounts: Many regional trains and buses offer student discounts directly through the app.
• Easy Planning: Quickly find and book transportation across multiple cities in one app.
• Timely Notifications: Alerts for schedule changes and reminders for upcoming trips.

9. Citymapper

Overview: Although primarily a transport app, Citymapper can help students navigate new cities efficiently, saving both time and money.
Features:

• Real-Time Data: Updates on public transportation schedules and disruptions.
• Cost Comparisons: Provides estimates on travel costs based on selected routes.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-follow directions for navigating complex public transit systems.
• Multiple Transport Options: Integrated options for buses, subways, and even bike rentals.

10. Groupon

Overview: For students looking for discounted experiences and activities, Groupon offers a wide-array of deals in many cities.
Features:

• Local Deals: Find adventures ranging from dining to activities at reduced prices.
• User Generated Content: Reviews and ratings help identify quality services.
• App-based Convenience: Easily browse deals based on your current location.
• Time-Limited Offers: Flash deals create urgency and encourage exploration of new activities.

11. Viator

Overview: Viator specializes in tours and activities globally, offering students opportunities to experience local culture at a discount.
Features:

• Discounted Passes: Many tours offer student pricing or group discounts.
• Comprehensive Listings: A vast selection of activities from sightseeing tours to cooking classes.
• User Reviews: Transparent insights from previous travelers.
• Mobile Accessibility: Easy booking and management through the mobile app.

12. Google Flights

Overview: Not a conventional discount app, but Google Flights allows students to find the best pricing from various airlines.
Features:

• Explore Destinations: View prices on a map based on flexible travel dates.
• Price Tracking: Set alerts for fare changes on specific routes.
• Filters for Budget: Easily filter searches by departure times and price ranges.
• Simple Interface: Clean design that emphasizes ease of use and quick decision-making.

13. Hopper

Overview: Hopper uses predictive technology to help travelers find the best times to book flights and hotels.
Features:

• Price Predictions: AI-driven analysis shows trends in ticket prices.
• Watchlist Feature: Create watchlists for multiple routes and receive notifications when prices drop.
• User-Centric Design: Simple navigation tailored to maximize user experience.
• Exclusive Offers: Occasionally partners with airlines for exclusive discounts.

14. Eventbrite

Overview: While primarily used for event ticketing, Eventbrite often offers discounted or free events in popular student destinations.
Features:

• Local Experiences: Search for free or discounted local events based on location.
• Social Functionality: Easily share event details with friends.
• Wide Range: From concerts to workshops, plentiful options ensure affordable entertainment.
• Personalized Recommendations: Recommended events based on user preferences and previous attendance.

15. Traveloka

Overview: Traveloka is especially popular in Southeast Asia for booking flights and hotels at discounted rates for students.
Features:

• Local Language Options: Offers user interface in several local languages.
• Exclusive Student Promotions: User verification features unlock special discounts.
• Easy Payment Options: Multiple payment methods, including installments, support budget planning.
• Robust Customer Support: Comprehensive support through online chat for student inquiries.

16. FlixBus

Overview: FlixBus is perfect for bus travel across Europe, offering low-cost connections between major cities.
Features:

• Regular Discounts: Often have student-specific discounts available.
• Comfortable Travel: Modern buses with Wi-Fi and charging ports enhance travel experience.
• Affordable Pricing: Year-round low rates make it budget-friendly.
• Mobile-Friendly: Book tickets through a well-designed mobile app.

17. RideShare Apps (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Overview: While primarily transport services, ridesharing apps can offer discounts and shared rides for students.
Features:

• Affordability: Shared rides can be budget-friendly.
• Promotional Codes: Regular discounts for new users or during specific time frames.
• Safe Travel Options: Reliable transportation in foreign cities.
• Convenient Payment Options: Easy payment through the app makes it accessible.

18. Travelzoo

Overview: Travelzoo offers curated travel deals, including discounts on flights, hotels, and activities.
Features:

• Expert Picks: Travel deals vetted for quality by a team of travel experts.
• Time-Sensitive Offers: Limited-time offers create urgency to take advantage of deals.
• Weekly Deals: Consistent updates and fresh listings keep users engaged.
• User-Friendly Platform: Clear and easy-to-navigate website and app.

19. Today Tix

Overview: Ideal for students interested in arts and culture, Today Tix offers discounted theater tickets.
Features:

• Last-Minute Deals: Discount availability for various shows and performances.
• Local Events Listing: Keep up with local theatrical presentations.
• User Reviews: Feedback and ratings help gauge the quality of performances.
• Simple Booking System: Easy purchase flow designed for efficiency.

20. Travel + Leisure App

Overview: This app offers not only travel deals but also tips on budget traveling, perfect for students.
Features:

• Rich Content: Articles, photos, and details about travel destinations tailored for the budget traveler.
• Travel Insights: Regular features on budget travel tips help students save money.
• Loyalty Program Information: Details on travel loyalty programs to enhance savings.
• Visual Inspiration: Stunning travel photography and guides inspire and inform travel decisions.

Adopting these apps into their travel toolkit can significantly enhance a student’s travel experience, allowing them to explore more for less. With the combination of transportation, accommodation, activities, and financial management, these platforms make student travel not just accessible but also enjoyable. Students can save money, ensure they are getting the best value, and have memorable experiences while navigating through their educational journeys.