Travel Tips

We have made a couple of videos for you as you prepare for travel this year. These are just general packing suggestions and all of this is on your packing list as well. One good thing to keep in mind is that if you need it to be comfortable (within reason), it is a "required item." 

For example, if you eat a specific granola bar or snack most days, wear slippers or fuzzy socks in your house, use a headband often, etc. then you should bring those items! If you have questions, ask us! 

Make sure you are also reviewing your individual packing lists as this will vary between programs. These are found under "Packing List and Helpful Hints" on your program page. Your luggage is limited to one large suitcase (or travel backpack) and one backpack for daily use. Most program locations do not have space in the transportation and housing for students to bring more than this. Your weight restrictions are found on your ticket and will also vary between programs. A general, all-programs packing list below has all the items you may need abroad. You are only required to pack the required items listed on your program page and on the all programs packing list. 

This is helpful information for your flights and travel day. We recommend saving this on your phone or printing out this information and all your Travel Day information from the email sent to you two days before your program.

Bring to the airport:

• Passport

• All your bags

• Charged phone and phone charger 

Prepare to show immigration (Most of the time they don’t ask for any of these, but some immigration officers require them):

• A printed round trip flight itinerary

• Proof that you have $400 available to you (either cash, credit card, or bank account statement)

• Note: it is your responsibility to meet any additional entry requirements based on your citizenship and the country from which you are traveling

Boarding the plane:

• Do not make any jokes in security or immigration.

• Make sure that your bags are checked to your final destination or you know when you’ll need to re-check them for the next flight

On the plane:

• Do not put your passport, phone, medication or other important items in the seat pocket in front of you – too easy to forget them!

• Ask a flight attendant if you need water, food, or assistance.

• Stretch, wiggle your legs, and walk around periodically. Drink water.

• Keep your tickets, baggage claim receipts, and any other receipts or information you receive until your trip is safely completed.

On the layover (if you have one):

• Grab all your stuff and exit the plane. Make sure you have everything, especially your passport and phone, before exiting the plane.

• Go to your next gate and check the flight time before using the restroom or shopping

• If your flight has changed or you otherwise have a problem before you arrive, you can call the on-call flights assistance in your travel day email.

Arriving in you program country:

When you arrive, be sure to check under your seat, your seat pockets, and the overhead compartment for your personal belongings. BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT. 

Exit the plane and proceed to Immigration. Your purpose of travel is HOLIDAY and you will be visiting your program locations as a tourist (not volunteer, not education, not school, not Loop Abroad). They may also ask where you are staying (listed in Travel Day email).

Once you are through immigration, you can proceed to baggage claim.

Once through customs, safely store your passport so that you cannot lose it (low in your backpack, carried on your front, is a good idea). Keep watch of your belongings and do not leave your personal items unattended. 

Go out the exit door to meet Loop Abroad staff at the location designated in the travel day email.

Once you’re in your program country, please call or text the in-country staff listed as “Airport pick up in-country” in your travel day email if you need assistance. 

If you miss your flight first and foremost, do not panic! Everything will work out. 

Immediately go to the nearest airline desk and have them rebook you on the next flight out. If you have travel insurance be sure you are familiar with your travel insurance policies. 

Once you have your flight rebooked, please text/call Loop Abroad Admissions with your new flight plan.