Variety of discounts for students available

If you are the parent of a college student, you’ll no doubt be happy to save money any way you can. The costs of tuition and room and board can really add up, and if your child is living far from home, you’ll have to contend with spending for travel.

Not many airlines have special fares for students these days, but Southwest offers youth fares for fliers ages 12 to 21. You should be able to find advance-purchase fares that are more economical, but if students need to travel at the last minute, or they want a fully refundable fare, these fares will offer a savings.

The fares cannot be purchased online, so contact a travel agent or Southwest at (800) 435-9792.

Discounts often exist even when they are not advertised. Many are available with a school ID, but some, such as 15 percent off Amtrak, require a Student Advantage or International Student Identity Card.

The Student Advantage card has savings on travel such as reduced rates on Amtrak, Greyhound, Choice Hotels and more, plus many discounts at retailers such as Toshiba, Target and Drugstore.com. Go to www.studentadvantage.com.

The ISIC cards offer discounts on travel, shopping and more. Go to www.isic.org.

Hostels are often the cheapest lodging option. Hostelling International (www.hihostels.com) has a network of hostels.

Parents can often save money with special parent rates at hotels near campus. Be sure to ask when booking and also check Web sites or call the town’s chamber of commerce or visitors bureau. Special rates may also be available for students and alumni.

Many students don’t have credit cards, and they can find it challenging to pay for expenses while they travel. I recommend getting a prepaid debit card like the Visa TravelMoney card instead of carrying a lot of cash.

This card allows students to be responsible for budgeting, won’t affect credit history and will give you the peace of mind that if your child is traveling and needs gas, to fix a flat, stay at a hotel or book a last-minute airfare, they’re covered.

When purchasing cards, be sure to shop around for the best deal. Go to www.visa.com/travelmoney.

Remember that these offers can change at any time. If you are offered a special rate, be sure to compare it to other deals.