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There are several documents that you will need.
- ISIC Student card, or GO25 card.
- IYHF Hostel card, and/or Hostels of Europe card.
- Health insurance card. You can get one at ISIS.
- Drivers license.
- Passports/Visa.
- Photocopies of ALL your documents
ISIC Student Card, or GO25 card.
With these cards you will get discounts in museums and attractions. The ISIC card requires that you study a minimum of 15 hours per week. If you are not a student, but you are 25 years old or younger, then you qualify for the GO25 card.
If you qualify for both, then my recommendation is that you get the ISIC card, it has your birth date on it, and people in Europe is used to see the date if the discount only applies for the young travelers.
Generally speaking, the ISIC is more accepted than the GO25. For instance, in Spain it does not matter how old you are, as long as you are a student, you'll receive a discount. In Paris, they only care that you are 25 or younger, but your birth date on the card is enough to grant the discount. However, Italy does not accept any card unless you are a citizen of the European Union.
Normally, you can get any of these cards (and the hostel card) in the same youth travel agency in your country.
Hostel Card.
If you are staying on hostels of the IYHF then it is a must. You can buy it on your home country or when you check in the first time on a hostel. The first choice is always preferred. This card will allow you to have access to the hostels of the IYHF. If you wish to stay on a independent hostel you don't need it, but you can buy a discount card from Hostels of Europe and get better prices.
Insurance Card.
The best way to spoil your trip is to get sick, or loosing your luggage. Why you shouldn't be ready for that? ISIS has a travel insurance for people who feel young!
Drivers License.
Even if you don't plan to rent a car, it is always a good idea to carry it... you might use it after all and it works as an alternative ID.
Passport and Visa.
In most countries of Western Europe you might not need a Visa, in the East some countries require it. But also, some exceptions apply depending on your nationality, for instance: Mexicans do not need a visa to go to Prague, but U.S. citizens do need it.
Photocopies.
This is very important! Copy everything: credit cards, traveler checks, IDs, etc... everything! and put them on a safe place while you travel. Also, leave some at home with some emergency phones to report them if they are lost or stolen.
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