Be a Savvy Traveler

Most programs will require you to purchase your round-trip airfare independently.

Hamline faculty-led programs tend to book group flights from Minneapolis to help offset the costs of studying away and studying abroad.

If you need to purchase airfare, make sure you are accepted into the program and accepted by Hamline before your purchase the flight. The Global Engagement Center also recommends purchasing travel insurance on your flight. It's not mandatory but is highly recommended.

There are sites online that assist students in finding low-cost airfare. Some of these include (but are not limited to):

• Student Universe (studentuniverse.com)

• Kayak (kayak.com)

• SkyScanner (skyscanner.com)

Youth hostels are a great way to save on safe and clean places to stay. Make sure to read the reviews to make sure you find the best fit for your travel needs. 

• Hostelworld.com has reviews, photos, and online booking

Hostels not your thing? Try discount sites like Hotels.com to find lower prices for hotels worldwide. Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak, and more also have hotel services worldwide.   

If you plan on extending your adventures away or abroad, or travel during your free time, make sure to budget lodging, food, transportation, and other costs. See money management for budget templates and online cost of living estimators.

Depending on your program, there might be a daily commute to your school, or you might want to explore other places while abroad. You can use international student discount rates for all kinds of travel.

Some resources include:

• In Europe: Eurail passes (tripsavvy.com), Ryanair, and more

Do some research on your destination and discounts on getting around. Check out websites like:

• TripSavvy.com

• LonelyPlanet.com

• TripAdvisor.com

Remember to be realistic with your time and budget on how much do or see. Make sure to take time to relax during your time abroad as well! 

The US State Department has put together important information specifically for students going abroad. Please take a moment to browse the Students Abroad (travel.state.gov) site to read up on information ranging from what kinds of travel documents you will need to how to stay healthy to driving abroad and much more!

Don't forget to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (step.state.gov) so they may reach you in the event of an emergency in the country you are visiting.

If you are going on a Hamline faculty-led program, the GEC will enroll you before departure.

You might not always have internet access while abroad. There, we said it. That's part of the adventure!

Make sure that you check your phone’s international plan and capability. Sometimes it might be cheaper and easier to get an international SIM card or buy a pre-paid phone when you arrive.

You can also use free apps that use wireless signals to text, call, and video chat, like Telegram, Kik, WhatsApp, GroupMe, and WeChat.

If you need to communicate with family while abroad, come up with a plan on how frequently you'll talk and what times work.

Don’t go into international travel without doing a bit of research on things like weather, basic country information, and things to do while there.

These links can be helpful to browse:

• StudentsAbroad.com—handbooks and good information for many countries

• Travel.State.Gov—US Department of State’s site with information on entry documents, vaccines, and country history.

• Weather.com—know what to pack with average temps and other items to bring.

• International News—News platforms like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera have news to keep you and your family in the know about current happenings in your new home country.

Cash, check, or plastic? How do people use money in your destination country?

Understanding how to use money in your host location is critical to know, as it can help you plan ahead for shopping abroad.

• Card-based

  • Bring an ATM card and a few credit cards

  • Tips for using a card in Europe (thesavvybackpacker.com)

  • Visa TravelMoney (usa.visa.com) (check with your bank for availability) 

  • Consider opening up an account with the banking app Wise to use a card abroad easily and exchange currency without having to go anywhere.

• Cash-based

  • Exchange US dollars for local currency ahead of time at your bank or at the airport

  • Use ATMs for getting cash in-country

• Traveler’s checks are still available at most banks but are no longer widely or easily accepted

• Always have emergency funds in the form of cash and/or a credit card

  • Don’t place all your money in one place—spread out the money in different bags and places

  • Use hotel safes to lock up large amounts of money

• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel—you can submit a travel itinerary with most companies online

• Make a budget

  • Knowing your spending limits and sticking to a budget will help you to enjoy your full program. We don’t want you eating PB&J for the last week of your program!

Customs

It is a good idea to have a folder with you that contains all your important documents and have it handy when getting into any line for security or customs. Have your passport ready to hand over at the counter or when asked.

Always be polite and answer customs officials' questions. It's fine to take a minute, once off the plane, to refresh and then head to the customs area—it can be a bit of a wait in certain airports.

Important documents include (but are not limited to):

• Passport (consider keeping a copy in another bag or online for easy access)

• Visa or travel documents (letter of invitation/program information)

• Plane itinerary

• Contact info for home, program officials, and Hamline GEC

• Insurance information/medication documents