- 1). Map out a budget, so you'll know how much expendable income you can devote to the travel arrangements. For students, there are organizations like the Circumnavigators Club and the Council on International Educational Exchange that fund travel-study grants. Whether you procure grant funds or must go out-of-pocket, don't forget to factor in lodging, meals, entertainment and shopping. Another cost to consider on trips abroad is an international cell phone plan or calling card.
- 2). Determine the destination, keeping in mind that you could have multiple destinations within one trip. Your budget may influence this decision. Look for bargains and package deals on student-oriented travel websites like STATravel.com. Many major air carriers offer deals on student travel.
- 3). Schedule tentatively the arrival and departure dates for each leg of the trip. Factors to be considered include seasonal weather conditions, such as the monsoon seasons in Australia and India. The length of stay in a given region may be affected by the time needed to meet business appointments, visit with relatives or simply by the time it will take to explore the city's cultural offerings you wish to experience.
- 4). Research and purchase your fare for transportation. Websites like STATravel.com frequently offer attractive prices. Whether you are travelling by plane, train or automobile --- or even cruise ship --- it's a good idea to purchase tickets at least a month to three weeks before the scheduled departure. Otherwise, you risk paying extra for the last-minute booking. Make sure the travel itinerary meets all your requirements before clicking the "buy" button.
- 5). Make the most of travel time. Students with flexible schedules can take advantage of layovers by extending them as opportunities to explore a city other than the final destination.
- 6). Round up the documents that are required for travel, such as government-issued identification, study visas, proof of vaccination or passports. Don't wait until the last minute to gather these critical documents. There's nothing worse than discovering your passport is missing the morning of an international flight.
- 7). Book your lodging or accommodations for each portion of the trip. Besides hotels, motels and inns, most major cities have budget-friendly options that cater to young travelers and students. Hostels, where you bunk with others and share a common bathroom, are one the most popular ways for students to tour Europe. The website CouchSurfing.com connects travelers with residents in destination cities who will offer a place to crash for free or very cheap.
- 8). Delve into guidebooks to learn about the attractions, restaurants and nightlife offered in the destination city. The most reputable tourist guidebooks include Frommer's, Fodor's, Zagat and Lonely Planet, and each has a website with informative tips, student traveler forums and maps.
- 9). Formulate a plan for getting around once you arrive at your destination. This may include a rental car, metropolitan transport systems or rail passes, particularly for transport in Europe. Look for available student discounts. For example, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority offers steep discounts on student fares in the Washington, D.C., area. In Europe, there are also low-cost air carriers like Ryan Air that will help you get quickly from one city to another.
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