🎒✈️ What’s in My Student Backpack? 7 Unexpected Things That Got Me Through Europe (Besides My Passport)

You’ve read the packing lists. You know to bring your charger, your passport, and that one hoodie you’ll wear everywhere.But if you're a student traveller with an ISIC card in your pocket, you’re not just carrying essentials — you’re carrying power.

From free museum entries to saving 10% on flights and scoring late-night food deals, here’s a not-so-obvious packing list that actually changed my Eurotrip.

🛂 1. My ISIC Card (a.k.a. My Secret Weapon)

No, this isn’t a sponsored flex — this card saved me real money.I got 10% off my Emirates flight ✈️, discounts on museum tickets 🎟️ in Berlin, and cheaper Interrail bookings.Also? Some hostels in Amsterdam gave me free breakfast just for flashing it.

Packing tip: Keep it in an easy-to-reach pocket. You’ll use it more than you think.

🎧 2. A Spotify Playlist Called “Borderless Bops”

Because when you’re on a 7-hour train from Paris to Berlin, the vibe matters.Pack your own soundtrack — bonus points if it includes local artists you’ll discover on the road.

🍜 3. A Fork. Yes, a Fork.

When you’re saving money and grabbing discounted takeout (thanks to student apps or Too Good To Go), you’ll thank past-you for tossing one in. ISIC helped me get cheap meals. The fork made them edible.

🏷️ 4. Digital Copies of My Discounts

Pro tip: Screenshot your ISIC perks in each country before you lose Wi-Fi.

From fashion discounts in Milan to bus fare deals in Prague — there’s more value than you think.

💬 5. 5 Words in Every Language I Encountered

Not a “thing” per se — but knowing how to say "thank you" and "student discount?" in local languages worked wonders.Bonus: locals smiled more, and I got a free pastry once.

🧴 6. A Mini Bag of Essentials I Couldn’t Find Abroad

Looking at you, specific moisturiser I can’t live without. Also: student discounts don’t apply to your sanity, so take that comfort item — trust me.

🧠 7. Curiosity. (And a Google Doc of ISIC Travel Deals)

Before I left, I made a doc of all the cool ISIC discounts in Europe — and used more than I expected.Hostel stays, walking tours, SIM cards, even airport lounge access. Yep, your student card can do that.

Travelling as a student is half budget, half magic — and having an ISIC card makes both a whole lot easier. From saving money to opening doors (literally and figuratively), this tiny piece of plastic is the most valuable thing I packed that wasn’t my passport.

🎒 Don’t have your ISIC yet?Get it now and start packing for smarter travel.