Traveling around the world as a student is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways to find affordable round-the-world (RTW) travel deals tailored specifically for students. Many airlines, agencies, and programs offer discounts, flexible tickets, and resources that can help you save money while exploring the world. Here’s a guide to the best round-the-world travel deals for students:
1. Student Travel Agencies
Several travel agencies specialize in providing discounted RTW tickets for students. These agencies work with airline alliances and offer flexible itineraries to help you travel affordably.
- STA Travel: STA is one of the largest student travel agencies and offers a variety of RTW flight options at discounted prices. They offer tailored itineraries for students, which include flexible dates, multiple stopovers, and special student discounts.
- Student Advantage: STA often has a Student Advantage card that provides additional discounts on travel services, accommodations, and activities.
- StudentUniverse: This popular travel agency offers special flight deals and discounted RTW tickets for students, often with the option to pay in installments. They partner with major airlines to offer affordable travel routes with flexible departure dates.
- Promo Codes: Check out their site regularly for special promo codes or sales on student flights.
- Flight Centre: Flight Centre offers a “Round the World” flight service with discounts for students, as well as the ability to build a custom travel route. You can book a ticket with up to 15 stops on one ticket, with flexible travel dates.
- GAP Year Travel: If you’re planning to take a gap year, some agencies offer exclusive RTW packages for students looking to travel for extended periods. These can include both flight tickets and accommodation deals, perfect for longer-term trips.
2. Airline Alliances with Student Discounts
Airline alliances provide some of the best ways to book RTW trips, as they allow you to book multiple stops on a single ticket. Many of these alliances offer special deals for students, including discounts and additional stopovers.
- Star Alliance: The Star Alliance RTW ticket offers students the ability to visit multiple destinations across the globe. Star Alliance has an extensive network of airlines, making it easier to travel to many countries. They also offer special rates for students and young travelers under 26.
- How to Save: Look for promotions and sales for young travelers, which offer extra discounts on RTW tickets.
- Oneworld: Oneworld’s RTW program is known for its flexibility and pricing options. They allow students to choose from multiple routes, and sometimes offer discounts or special deals for young travelers.
- How to Save: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales or partner promotions with Oneworld’s member airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, or Cathay Pacific.
- SkyTeam: SkyTeam also offers RTW tickets and often has student-specific discounts. Similar to the other alliances, SkyTeam gives flexibility with the number of stops and destinations. Booking a SkyTeam RTW ticket also gives you access to exclusive student pricing.
3. Youth and Student Discount Programs
Many airlines and travel programs have dedicated discounts for youth and students, especially those under 26. These programs help make RTW flights more affordable.
- ISIC (International Student Identity Card): The ISIC card is one of the most widely accepted student cards in the world and offers discounts on flights, accommodations, and tours. Many airlines provide special rates for ISIC cardholders, and it can often be used to access RTW tickets at discounted prices.
- How to Save: Obtain an ISIC card, which can help you save on flights, and check for special offers when booking your RTW trip with airlines like Emirates, Air France, or Qatar Airways.
- Student Advantage Card: Available in various countries, this card gives you access to student discounts on flights, travel insurance, and accommodations. Certain agencies or airlines will offer further discounts if you present the Student Advantage card.
- Youth Travel Card: Similar to the ISIC card, the Youth Travel Card (available through organizations like YHA or Hostelling International) gives access to student discounts on international flights, transportation, and other travel-related services.
4. Flexible RTW Flight Deals for Students
Many RTW tickets offer flexibility in terms of dates, routes, and stops. This is perfect for students who might need to adjust their travel plans during their trip.
- Flexible Date RTW Tickets: Look for RTW tickets that allow you to change travel dates with minimal fees. Many student-focused RTW tickets offer the ability to shift your schedule without incurring expensive penalties, which is useful if you need to make changes mid-trip.
- Airline Stopover Deals: Some airlines allow you to include extra stopovers in your RTW ticket at no additional cost. These stopovers can be in major hub cities like Dubai, Singapore, or Istanbul, allowing you to explore more locations for the same price.
5. Special Deals During Sale Seasons
Booking your RTW ticket during special sale seasons can save you hundreds of dollars. Many airlines and agencies offer massive discounts during specific times of the year.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These two major sale days often feature significant discounts on RTW flights. Many student-focused agencies, like STA Travel and StudentUniverse, participate in these sales, making it a perfect time to book your RTW tickets.
- End-of-Year Sales: As airlines make room for new schedules, many offer end-of-year or early-year discounts. You can find these discounts if you book ahead, sometimes even up to a year in advance.
- Spring and Fall Promotions: Some travel agencies release spring or fall promotions aimed at students, with discounts on RTW tickets for travelers booking their trips in advance.
6. Backpacking Deals and RTW Trip Packages
If you’re a student looking to combine your RTW flight with affordable accommodation and activities, there are backpacking-focused RTW trip packages that offer all-in-one deals. These packages often include flights, accommodation, and activities, which are perfect for students traveling on a budget.
- Contiki Tours: Contiki offers group travel tours for people aged 18-35 and provides various RTW packages with included transportation, accommodation, and experiences.
- How to Save: Contiki often has sales that give extra discounts for early bookings or students traveling on a budget.
- G Adventures: Similar to Contiki, G Adventures provides guided tours around the world with flexible options for students. You can book a multi-country RTW tour that includes flights and unique experiences tailored to student budgets.
7. Student-Friendly Accommodation and Budget Airlines
While not directly related to RTW flights, student travelers can save money by booking budget accommodations and flying with low-cost carriers for short-haul flights between major destinations during their RTW trip.
- Budget Accommodation: Consider booking hostels, budget hotels, or Couchsurfing (free stays with locals) to save money on lodging. Websites like Booking.com and Hostelworld offer student discounts for accommodations.
- Budget Airlines for Regional Hops: When traveling between continents, budget airlines like AirAsia, Ryanair, and EasyJet are perfect for short-haul flights, helping to keep travel costs low.
