Travel Tips
To and From Campus
Whether your child is visiting potential schools or is traveling to or from a chosen school, there are factors that you and your child should consider when it comes to making travel arrangements.
Student Discounts
There are lots of discounts for students traveling within the U.S. or abroad. They're generally for students between the ages of 18 and 25. For example, United Airlines offers a program called United College Plus, a frequent flyer program developed for full-time students to gain miles toward free travel.
Your child's college may recommend programs or let you know about special promotions. Be aware that the student discount may not be the best price. Your child will still need to comparison shop.
By Car
- Get directions. Most colleges have them posted on their website or in their college catalog.
- Map out your family's trip ahead of time. If you're a member of any clubs, like AAA, they will help you plan your route. Web mapping programs, too, can give you routes and travel times.
- Use your time wisely. If your family is visiting campuses, try to visit several in the same area. Remember to plan some alternate activities for the rest of the family.
- Thinking about renting a car or van? At many car rental places, your child may have to be 25 or older to do so.
By Air, Rail, or Bus
- Your child should ask the college if there's a shuttle service to take students to and from the airport or station.
- Your child should try to plan early. Fares increase exponentially the closer you get to your travel time.
- Pay attention to holidays and local events. On the one hand, it can be harder for your child to get affordable fares, for example, when visiting Tulane University during Mardi Gras. On the other hand, there can be special offers, for example, on trips to spring break destinations.
- Many of the major airlines offer last-minute airfare deals for those who may be more spontaneous when traveling. Most of the specials only pertain to specific dates and are subject to restrictions.
- You and your child can check out websites for the airlines he will fly most often and sign up for their email newsletters, which can feature sale prices.
Your family should be sure to keep the cost of travel in mind when considering the overall cost of college. If the college doesn't provide an estimate, you and your child can make your own based on how and how often your child plans to travel.
