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Issue for Financial Aid Dependent Students Click HERE to learn about a financial problem that students who rely on financial aid to cover the costs should keep in mind when preparing traveling arrangements.
Reservations Click HERE to go to our "Travel Tools" page Click HERE to go to our page on arranging your Plane Tickets/Reservations Click HERE to go to our page on Housing Information
Packing and Preparation
Travel Light--You never know when your hotel is going to be at the top of a set of stairs or on a mountain you have to climb. Don't carry more than you can lug a long way.
Attach Name/Address cards inside your suitcases - Most airlines require them on the outside, but these may easily be torn off inflight. In case your luggage is lost, have these inside so the airlines can find them.
Have all your Paperwork in a file folder - Don't have all your paperwork floating around in a mess. Carefully place it in a binder/folder in order. Tabbing the different flights/legs of your trip can be helpful too!
File all your Passport/VISA information early on - As soon as you know you are leaving the country, get your passport/VISA paperwork updated. Many countries require 6 months left on your passport and all the filing may take 6 or more weeks.
Use a Backpack as your purse when flying - it counts as a purse but can hold a lot more. Plus, it makes a better place to stash your paperwork, food, and other necessities. You can easily remove things for security from the bag as well, while leaving the clumsier carry-on suitcase closed except when necessary.
Staying Healthy
Drink Lots of Water - Hydration is key to a healthy and happy trip abroad. De-Hydration is also a great danger especially for tourists out traveling in the sun.
Talk to Your Doctor - Talk with your doctor before and after your trip and alert them to your illnesses, allergies, and anything else you may need medication for. Consider looking into a travel-doctor as well; some medical professionals specialize in travel medicine, and universities often have at least one in their health department.
Be aware of the Health Risks - Unless your doctor specializes in travel medicine, they may not be up-to-date on the current problems in the particular region you are visiting. So research this ahead of time and be informed yourself on what's going on.
Don't Touch Dangerous Things (DUH!)
Communication
Have a Map on Hand - Figure out your most frequent stops and circle them on the foreign map. Then you'll be able to show driver's how to reach most of the places you visit and you'll have fewer communication issues.
Use Apps Judiciously - There are tons of I-Pod/Android apps available for translating; pick a good one and actually use it.