* Travel 101

Spring 2015 Study Abroad Optional Workshop

* Purpose and Goals

* Purpose

* To maximize your travel experience to the host country by raising your awareness of the dynamics associated with air travel

* Goal

* To prepare you for study abroad travel by providing essential logistical information

* Objectives

* By the end of the Travel 101 Workshop you will:

* Be able to navigate airfare search engines to find the best flight at the best price with the best seats available (but we will not be booking tickets!)

* Know what to expect from airport security

* Know what to pack in carry-on luggage, including essential travel documents (but we will not be covering what to pack in general – each student has different needs)

* Be familiar with best practices for a comfortable and restful flight

* Objectives

* By the end of the Travel 101 Workshop students will:

* Better understand what to expect from immigration control and customs in host country

* Be aware of the first steps to take after landing

* Have worries, fears and concerns addressed

* Overview *  Flights

*  Luggage & Packing

*  Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

*  Travel Documents

*  Carry-on Essentials

*  In-flight Dos and Don’ts

*  Passport Control and Customs

*  What happens next?

* Flights, etc.

* Flight Search Engines

ò http://www.studentuniverse.com/

ò http://www.statravel.com/

ò http://skyscanner.com

ò http://www.kayak.com/

ò http://www.bing.com/travel/flights

ò Within Europe- Ryanair, Vueling & Rumbo

* Flights, etc.

* Keep in mind….

* Direct flight or one with 1 or more stops

* Total length of flight

* For flights with one or more stops, is there enough time to get from landing gate to new departure gate?

* Available seats

* Flights, etc.

* Seat Selection

* www.seatguru.com

* Baggage Fees and Other Miscellaneous Charges

* Each airline sets fees – be sure to check the website under “baggage”

* Airport Terminal Maps

* Search by airport code - www.world-airport-codes.com then search for terminal maps for your connecting

airports

* Luggage

* Luggage restrictions (size, number of pieces, cost to check, etc.) – check with your airline <American> <Delta/KLM> <United>

* Take photo of your luggage just in case it gets lost/delayed

* Keep baggage claim tag in a safe place

* Make your luggage easy to identify

* At least 2 sturdy, legible luggage tags

*  Post contact information inside too

* Add colorful strap to your bag

* Packing

* How to Pack Like a Pro (it really works!)

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIk8v__Osm8

* Clown Car Packing

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJvpOOjXkow

* Ultimate Packing List

* http://ultimatepackinglist.com/ultimate-travel-packing-lis/

* Airport Security: TSA

* What to expect at security check-point

* 3-1-1 rule (liquids/gels/creams)

* Carry-on vs checked bag restrictions

* Have your boarding pass and passport in hand

* What needs to go in the bins?

*  1-quart bag with liquids/gels/creams

*  Laptop (but iPad can stay in your bag)

*  Remove shoes, jacket/coat, belt, heavy jewelry

*  Empty pockets of coins, metal objects

* TSA – Useful Links

* http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information

* http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/my-tsa-mobile-application

* TSA Three Simple Steps

* Laptops and Electronics

* Important Travel Documents

* Important Travel Documents

*  Passport and visa (plus photocopies)

*  Acceptance letter

*  Immigration letter (if applicable)

*  Boarding pass

*  Baggage claim check (keep this in a safe place)

*  Travel itinerary

*  Contact information – both stateside and at destination

*  If on prescription meds, letter from M.D. saying what you are on, the dosage and why

* Other carry-on essentials

ü  Neck pillow

ü  Slippers or socks

ü  Eye mask

ü  Prescription medications

ü  OTC meds – ibuprofen/

antacids/immodium

ü  Travel Kleenex

ü  Change of clothing

ü  Hand sanitizer or hand

wipes

ü  iPod/Headphones

ü  Laptop/iPad

ü  Rechargers/adaptor plug

ü  Reading material

* DOS AND DON’TS

DOS

ò  Drink plenty of water

ò  Try to get some sleep even though in-flight movies are tempting J

ò  Plan your visits to the restroom before or after meal/drink service

DON’TS

ò  Don’t drink alcohol – it dehydrates you and will not help with jet lag

ò  Do not put your seat into the full recline position – it is rude to the person behind you

* Passport Control and Customs

q  Have passport/customs declaration in hand when leaving plane

q  Have immigration documents ready

q  Be sure to get passport stamped – look for line that is for non-citizens

q  Be polite, open passport to photo page

q  It is prohibited to use your camera or phone in Customs!

* What happens next?

*  Luggage – find out which carousel your luggage will be on

*  Know what to do if your luggage does not arrive (save your claim tag – you will need it when filing a lost luggage claim form)

* Finding your way to your residence hall/apartment/host family – before leaving ask your study abroad advisor, ask returnees, read all program material regarding arrivals and keep it handy

*  Taxis/airport shuttles/mass transit

* Obtain local currency (all airports have ATMs)

*  Let your family know that you have arrived safely

*  Jet Lag – how to handle it – best advice: do NOT take a nap!

Questions?