Travel Tips
Student Travel - Documentation
Passport
Before you leave make 2 copies of your passport. Take one copy with you but keep it in a separate place from your original passport. Leave your 2nd copy with a family member. If something should happen to your passport, lost or stolen, having this information available can make replacing a passport much easier.
Visa
Make sure you check the visa requirements of all the countries you will be visiting or transiting through. Contact the consulate of the country you plan to visit to request detailed visa information.
Student Travel - Health Tips
Some Countries require or recommend vaccinations certificates or other personal health information before entry. Contact your local public health department for specifics on the countries you plan to visit. Click here for Center for Disease Control and Prevention. For a complete list of countries with Warnings (don't go) from the State Department, click here.
For a complete list of countries with Warnings (don't go) from the State Department, click here.
Student Travel - Money Tips
The safest way to carry money is in travelers checks.
For your convenience, always have a small amount of local currency in your pocket when you enter a foreign country. For currency conversion click here
It is best to exchange your travelers check at a local bank of the country you enter or a currency exchange. Before exchanging any moneys always reconfirm the rate of exchange and any fees.
If you have an ATM Card contact your local bank for a listing of their international locations. You should be able to obtain cash easily overseas and usually at an exchange rate better than the currency exchange offices. Please note most international ATM machines only support a 4 digit pin number. For a listing of ATM machines click here.
Also, for emergency purposes have a large bill ($50.00 or $100.00USD) in a separate safe place from other moneys.
Student Travel - Customs Tips
When returning to the USA you must declare all items purchased abroad. US Citizens and US Residents are permitted $400 worth of goods duty free, if you have been out of the country at least 48 hours. In addition, you may mail packages to yourself up to $200 USD duty free and mail a package valued up to $100 USD duty free to another address. For more information contact or write the US Customs Service Office for the brochure "Know before you go", U.S. Customs & Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20229 - (202) 354-1000
Student Travel - Baggage Requirements
How much luggage can I take?
There was a time when airlines had an industry standard for luggage but all of that has changed. We suggest that you contact the airline directly or the airlines website for the latest information.
What about carry on luggage?
Again the standards have changed and each airline has individual rules please verify with your carrier.
What about items on board?
You are allowed to bring personal belongings on board with you however the Transportation Security Administration has a list of restricted items as well as other safety issue. You can access the government site at: http://www.tsa.gov
Student Travel - Inflight Travel Tips
- Eat lightly 24 hours before your flight
- Eat lightly while in-flight
- Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
- Drink one glass of water or juice every hour
- Wear eyeglasses during the flight, not contact lenses, to minimize eye irritation
- During the flight place your feet on the footrest or carry-on under the seat in front of you. This will take pressure off the back of your thighs
- Ear plugs worn during the flight relieves the stress of engine noise
Student Travel - Safety Tips
Backpack
Never leave your backpack unattended, thieves are very quick and can be very devious.
Money Belt
Protect your valuable documents by carrying them in a money belt or a wallet under your clothes.
Laptop Alert
A warning to travelers carrying laptop computers - hustlers are stealing laptops at the security inspection stations. When a traveler approaches the metal detector and puts a laptop on the x-ray conveyor, two crooks get in line immediately ahead. The first crook passes right through the metal detector, while the second crook deliberately sets off the security alarm and stalls the line. While the passenger is stuck behind the second crook, the first one snatches the laptop and vanishes!
Travel Resources
Weather Information
- The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com
Tourist Information
- Country Tourist Information http://www.officialtravelguide.com
Transportation Security Administration
Documentation
- Passport Information: http://travel.state.gov/passport
- Visa Information: http://www.embassy.org/embassies
Health Tips
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
- State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Packing Tips
Money Tips
- Currency Conversion: http://www.xe.net/currency
- ATM machines: http://www.visa.com/atms
Customs
US Customs: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel
