Oceania Travel Guide

The South Pacific islands have one of the most developed backpacker industries in the world, but you won't find any student discounts.

If you're going on to New Zealand and Australia, you'd be wise to get an international student I.D. card, which offers savings on plane tickets. It also provides basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour help line. The card is available from STA Travel (tel. 800/781-4040; www.statravel.com), the world's biggest student travel agency. If you're not in North America, there's probably a local number in your country.

If you're no longer a student but are still under 26, you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for the same price from the same people. The card offers some discounts (but not on museum admissions).

Travel CUTS (tel. 800/667-2887 or 416/614-2887; www.travelcuts.com) offers similar services for both Canadians and U.S. residents. Irish students may prefer to turn to USIT (tel. 01/602-1904; www.usitnow.ie), an Ireland-based specialist in student, youth, and independent travel.