College students routinely flock to Europe during school breaks hoping to expose themselves to new cultures. Travel isn’t always easy. You must first determine your destination, the people with whom you will travel and the duration of your trip. A variety of factors, including your budget and other obligations, can affect your choices. Once you’ve made these decisions, you can undertake some basic preparations to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.
No trip abroad can commence without a passport, making it imperative that you apply for one as soon as possible if you do not already possess a valid passport. You can fill out an application at designated application facilities, including post offices, libraries and courthouses. The U.S. State Department recommends that you complete the application at least 10 weeks before your trip to ensure that you will receive your passport in time.
Depending on the country you choose, you may need to secure a visa by applying to the country's nearest consulate in the U.S. Most European countries require a visa only if you stay for more than 90 days.
The State Department encourages Americans to register with the nearest American Embassy while abroad. Registration ensures that the embassy will be able to assist you if you lose your passport. The embassy also can provide you with updates such as travel alerts specific to the area you are visiting.
American travelers to Europe can benefit by getting a student identification card, such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). These cards procure discounts on airfare, transportation and accommodations and also provide basic health insurance. The State Department has endorsed both cards as a valid way of saving money abroad. As of 2010, both cards cost $22 and are valid for one year.
Airfare forms the bulk of your travel expense, so to secure the best deal, try to book your flight as soon as possible, as airfare increases as your date of departure approaches. Keep in mind that tickets are usually most expensive in the summer when travel to Europe peaks.
Student ID cards, such as the ISIC and IYTC, can secure discounts on airfare from selected airlines. Additionally, some travel companies targeted at students, such as STA Travel and Student Universe, provide discounts on student airfare, although their prices may not necessarily be cheaper than those found elsewhere.
You can use debit and credit cards abroad. Be sure to tell your bank that you will be overseas, as your account otherwise may be frozen for suspicious activity. When getting money from banks and ATMs abroad, your card issuer usually will charge small fees for withdrawal and currency conversion.
Try to book your accommodations before beginning your trip in order to avoid the hassle of finding a hotel. Student ID cards can secure discounts at major hotel chains. Hostels may prove an attractive choice to students looking to save money, as they tend to be cheaper than hotels, although they often do not provide the same amenities.
Most European countries simply require you to hold a valid American driver's license In order for you to drive a car there, although some may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can acquire this permit at your local department of motor vehicles. Keep in mind, however, that many car rental agencies have age restrictions, with some companies requiring that you be as old as 25 to rent a car. Europe is well-known for its extensive rail system. All major cities are connected by train, and many have more than one train station. Paris, for instance, has six.
