If you are a normal 20-something riding on the high of roaming the world, making a name for yourself, and concurring the unknown, you probably feel pretty invincible.  All it takes though is having your pocket picked, camera stolen, or loosing a tooth from that surf board to REALLY bring your trip to an all time low.

When you set out on your grand adventure, there is a good chance that you spent more time researching the clubs than you did looking into travel insurance. Normally, travel agencies tend to supply their own (available at an additional charge) and will offer some form of discount. Since, hey, you need it anyways, and who’s to argue with getting a deal, you’ll probably get it.

My big tip: Look around. If you are going internationally, you probably spent close to $1500 on a ticket, in your bag you have that nice new camera and the laptop/ipad to skype home, and that adds up. Loose your luggage, or miss your flight, or come down with food poisoning while trying that strange market cuisine, and you’re screwed.

Now, this fun fact was only discovered just before I left the U.S.; ISIC, the International Student ID Card, that gives you a wide range of traveling deals, also offers insurance. When you apply to the Student, Youth (<30), or Teacher card, the $25 gets you a basic insurance for a year on all cards issued in the U.S. They offer more “advanced” plans too, that cover belongings, and range of health issues. Even the most expensive (~$200) is a greater coverage that what is offered as a minimum at some travel agencies.  And what I love most about them, they cater to youth travelers. Adventure travel? No problem. Want a deal on a train ticket? The card gets you all kinds of fun discounts. You cant go wrong. You can get them at the STA Travel shops and online at STATravel.com. Also directly through ISIC at http://www.myisic.com/isic-card/ISIC-Points-of-Sale.html

Happy travels!