Preparation

Traveling may seem like a daunting task but is a very accessible experience. If you are going on a UTSA-Led program, you most likely be traveling with your group and program leader. Nonetheless, If you are going on an exchange or affiliated program trip, you will need to make your own travel arrangements. Here are some resources and tips for first-time or experienced travelers. We have compiled them below for you to check out! We also recommend you look at this list of useful apps to have before going abroad!​

• Research budget airlines in your host region before you leave. For a better deal, be flexible and look for standby.
• Be conscious of weight restrictions for luggage.
• Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours prior to your flight. Also, if you have a connection, give yourself at least 2 hours between flights.
• You can purchase your flights through any airline or discount website. Here are some student-friendly options: 
  • GenerationFly - Lufthansa
  • Google Flights
  • Student Universe

• Know whether it is a direct bus route or one that makes frequent stops.
• Know whether there is security on the bus, such as a guard and a bag check.
• Know the different classes of buses so you can weigh the options of prices and levels of comfort.
• Check if there are bathrooms on the bus.
• For security, try to sit toward the front of the bus and the driver.
• While buses are slower than trains or planes, it might be worth the cost discount and the opportunity to slowly see more of the country.

• Inquire about a student discount.
• Rate the benefits of the intercity train vs. regional train. For example, regional trains make more stops and are slower.
• Plan to use overnight train cars and sleep on the train if you're traveling a long distance.

Below are more in-depth articles regarding travel abroad: ​

• Making the Most of Study Abroad: Using Public Transportation​
• The Smart Student's Guide to Traveling Alone

Each trip is different and requires different packing lists. If you are going on a UTSA –led program your program leader will give you some guidance about what to pack. Regardless of the program, you are participating in, here are some things to keep in mind:​

• When packing for your trip, it is helpful to have extra space in your luggage for items to bring back upon your return, so be sure to pack smartly and conservatively.
• Pack light.
  
• If you plan on side travels during your time abroad, consider bringing a large traveling or camping backpack.
• If you are staying through seasons, consider bringing several types of clothing to account for changes in weather.
• Consider cultural differences in dress and be sure to bring culturally appropriate wear (e.g. head coverings, long sleeves).
• Take extra passport photos. You will need them for transportation passes, program or institution information, etc.
• Gifts for host students and families. The gifts do not have to be expensive or bulky. It is a small gesture or a token of your appreciation. A gift that is connected to your hometown, culture, hobbies—even something that you can tell a personal story about.

 In-depth articles regarding packing for your trip abroad:

• What to Pack for Study Abroad – A Study Abroad Packing List
• Packing List for Going Abroad

With increased scrutiny at security checkpoints, both in the U.S. and at international airports, we suggest students prepare as much as possible and allow extra time at the airport for delays caused at security checkpoints. Review the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines.

If you happen to have a medical condition that may cause issues when going through airport security, TSA has Health Notification Cards that you can print, complete, and hand to TSA agents when going through security checkpoints. To find out if you have a condition that needs to be mentioned, please visit this page.

Remember: Label your bags on the outside and on the inside! Please note, however, that you should not lock your luggage until you have cleared any security stations at the airport. Some airports require you to have your luggage open and available for search.

Food, lodging, transportation, activities: Each requires you to pay. With fees, limits, percentages, and acres of fine print it’s extremely difficult to keep up with it all. Here is a quick guide that will help you avoid the dreaded fee fatigue:

1.  As a general rule, use your credit card for purchases and your debit card for cash. ​
2. You may not be able to use your credit/debit card for smaller purchases, therefore, it is a good idea to have some cash on hand at all times.​
3. Make sure to notify your bank before you depart for a foreign country as it may freeze your account when transactions appear outside of the U.S.​
4. Research currency exchange rates:​
   1. Sites like XE.com offer a currency converter that you can use to make quick comparisons between U.S. dollars and other currencies. ​
   2. Keep in mind that rates fluctuate, so you may not be able to anticipate exactly how much a future purchase made in a foreign currency will cost you.​
5. ATMs are known for giving the best exchange rate, so ATMs may be the smartest option.​
6. Cash is easy to lose. ​
   1. Carry a modest amount with you.​
   2. Do not store all your currency in one place.

Below are more in-depth articles regarding money abroad:​

• Pack These Useful Money Tips When You Study Abroad​