Discount card for travelling: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?

What is a discount card?

• Discount cards give you access to deals on accommodation, museums, tours, transport or even (delicious) food.
• Discount cards have been pushed into the background in the digital age. Many organisations abroad use direct discount schemes, loyalty cards or give discounts based on your age.
• Examples of discount cards from the past and present: StayOkay, ISIC, JoHo, NKBV membership card.
• Also inquire locally about regional or local discount cards

What can you use a discount card for when travelling and backpacking?

• Accommodation: think of hostels that are partners of StayOkay, YHA, Hostelling International. Or mountain huts, where you get a discount if you are a member of the NKBV.
• Public transport: in Europe you sometimes get a big student discount on trains or buses.
• Museums and sights: ISIC, student and age cards often give discounts on entrance fees.
• Food and drinks: sometimes there are partner restaurants or chains that give discounts through loyalty cards

When do you take a discount card with you when traveling or backpacking?

• If you are still a student or of a certain (senior) age.
• If you know in advance that you are going to visit many cultural attractions, hostels or organized activities.
• If you value money over freedom of choice when selecting activities, accommodation or shops
• If you already have an ISIC, Youth Card, or other international discount card.

Where can you also buy a discount card locally in the world?

• Often in larger cities at tourist information centers, hostels or stations.
• Some countries have national discount cards, such as:
  • Japan Rail Pass, for foreigners, not available locally!
  • Swiss Travel Pass
  • Australian Backpacker Cards (varies per region)
  • **India: no card, but standard discount for students and locals
  • **The Philippines: no(t always) card (needed), but standard privileges and discounts for the "elderly"
• Ask locally, for example at information centers, about city passes or regional passes (for example “I Amsterdam Card” or “Berlin Welcome Card”).
• Many cards are now available digitally. A good online search can therefore do no harm.