Plenty of Discount Rates Offered for Foreign Travel

Several simple steps can be taken before you leave home to help stretch your budget during a foreign adventure. Here are some ideas:

--Make sure you will be able to take advantage of all the discounts for which you are eligible. There are thousands of reduced rates for transportation, accommodations and cultural and tourism services available to students traveling in more than 60 countries around the world. However, you can’t count on using your school identification as proof of student status.

You’ll usually need an International Student Identity Card. It’s a photo-identity card that costs $19 and is administered by the International Student Travel Conference. For details on obtaining one, contact Council Travel, 1093 Broxton Ave., Suite 220, Los Angeles 90815, (213) 598-3338.

Nonstudents under 26 years of age also are eligible for special discounts on transportation, accommodations and cultural/tourism services. Some reductions are limited to persons carrying an International Youth Card, which is administered by the Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations. This photo-identity card also costs $14 and is available through Travel Cuts.

When you purchase either card, make sure that you get a free directory of the discounts available in foreign countries as well as the foreign youth travel agencies you can contact for further assistance. Often, these foreign student travel services offer short tour programs of their area suited to student-style travelers.

--One of the best investments you can make is to buy a good guidebook, specifically researched for your style of travel. You’ll need to know about youth hostels, student hotels, youth and student discounts on sightseeing and transportation, how to make an economical phone call home, where to eat at reasonable prices, whom to contact in an emergency, even how to do your laundry.

Fortunately, hardly an area of the world hasn’t been researched for student-style travelers. Ask for advice on what to buy from a student travel agency, or a bookstore that specializes in travel.

--Canvass the tourist information offices of the countries you intend to visit for free maps and brochures. You can locate their offices through your telephone directory or travel agent.

--Pack a good novel. Buying English-language books in foreign countries can be very expensive. You’ll probably be able to trade it with another English-speaking traveler after you’re finished.

--Take a journal so that you can note recommendations by other travelers you meet. They can often be an excellent source for tips on where to stay and dine.

--To get good value out of your investment in a backpack, consider buying one that you can convert to look like a canvas suitcase. Get one with a hip belt, which will distribute the weight to a comfortable position. Have a knowledgeable staff person help you find the right size and fit.

--Purchase a money belt or neck pouch that can hold your tickets and money under your clothing and out of the reach of thieves. This is especially important for napping on trains and buses and walking around crowded tourist sites.

--Transfer your money into traveler’s checks, and make several photocopies of the numbers on those checks and all other tickets and documentation. Put one copy in a separate area of your luggage, and leave another copy with family or friends at home. That way, if you manage to lose everything, you are only a telephone call away from the information you’ll need to make a report and arrange replacements.