Making Travel Arrangements
Airline tickets may have been already purchased for you in advance by your program leader, especially if you are participating in a short-term group program. If you are responsible for making your own flight arrangements, you will want to start making phone inquiries as soon as you know your required arrival date. Perhaps you have a travel agent you have worked in the past. In that case, contact that office and see what is available on the dates you require. Several agencies give discounts to students; ask for this when you contact your agent. For more information about airlines and discount travel agencies, see the Resources section of the handbook. Also consider contacting some or all travel agencies that specialize in discounted fares for students and may also handle Eurail Passes, bus tickets, etc. Many people prefer to do business with a particular airline(s) in order to receive frequent flyer benefits. Be sure to check out internet-only fares but be careful: checking the agency’s reputation and credibility is always a good idea. Rail passes are another consideration, especially if you will be doing any traveling on your own before, during, and/or after your program. Certain passes are only available for purchase in the US (you can’t get them in Europe, though other rail passes and tickets are available there). Several different types of passes exist, and which one you need depends on how much traveling you plan to do over what period of time. Your agent will be able to help you determine what kind of pass, if any, will be best for you. Discounts are available to students for all kinds of travel-related services. Several – but not all – travel agencies give students discounts on airfare, rail passes, and other transportation. The agency used most often by UNI students is: STA Travel has access to blocks of seats from various airlines and then resells the seats to students at prices that are usually lower than those available from commercial travel agencies or from the airlines. Because one agency might have sold out its seats on a certain flight while another may still have seats available, it is always a good idea to contact more than one discount agency when making flight arrangements. When talking with travel agencies, ask about rail passes, bus schedules, etc. Packing Above all else, pack light. You’ll be lifting your bag out of the trunk of the car, through the airport, off the luggage carousel, to the train station, to the bus stop, onto the bus, off the bus, back a few kilometers because you missed you stop, up six flights of stairs, and onto the dresser. As a wise man once said, “Leave the bowling ball at home.” Suggested Packing List
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