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> Travel
During U.S. Holidays
> Travel
Agencies
> Travel
Clubs and Charter Organizations
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Making Your Own Reservations
> Travel
Arrangements Made by Sponsors
More than likely you will arrive in the United States by
airplane. If you do not receive travel information from your
U.S. college or university, you should get in contact with
your international student adviser to find out the best way
to reach your final destination. He or she can tell you which
airlines serve the nearest airports and if you will have to
transfer airplanes or take alternate forms of transportation
to reach the school. Many U.S. colleges and universities are
located away from urban centers or in small cities, so local
directions will be very helpful in planning your itinerary.
It is also important to find out the best days and times to
arrive. Notify your international student adviser of your
arrival date and time, since he or she may meet you at the
airport.
Do not forget to bring at least $100 to $200 in small cash
denominations with you, in case you need U.S. money before
you reach a currency exchange center.
Travel During
U.S. Holidays
Make travel reservations well in advance of your departure
date. This is especially important if you travel in the United
States during peak tourist seasons or holidays. These include
the Easter observance (either in March or April); the summer
months of June through August; and the Thanksgiving, Christmas,
and New Year's Day holidays in November, December, and January.
There are ten U.S. Federal holidays:
New Year's Day — January 1
Martin Luther King Day — observed the third Monday in January
Presidents' Day — observed the third Monday in February
Memorial Day — observed the fourth Monday in May
Independence Day — July 4
Labor Day — observed the first Monday in September
Columbus Day — observed the second Monday in October
Veteran's Day — November 11
Thanksgiving Day — observed the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day — December 25
Check the following Web site for more information on U.S.
holidays:
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/factover/holidays.htm
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Travel Agencies
Probably the most efficient and convenient way to make your
travel arrangements is through a travel agency. Travel agents
are usually knowledgeable about conditions in various countries
and make specialized travel arrangements adapted to your needs.
They can advise you on airlines, fares, and routes; compare
prices; and confirm or change reservations. If you have dietary
restrictions for religious or health reasons, the travel agent
will also be able to order you a special, in-flight meal.
You may not have to pay a fee for these services. In many
countries, you pay no more than you would if you dealt directly
with the airlines, purchased your own ticket, and made your
own hotel reservations. In fact, because they have access
to current specials or sales, travel agents may save you money.
They also are aware of which airlines offer reduced student
rates or special student packages, including round-trip international
fares and domestic U.S. fares.
NOTE: Students sponsored by the U.S. government may be required
to travel on U.S. airlines wherever possible. Check with your
sponsoring agency regarding this and other travel arrangements.
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Travel Clubs and
Charter Organizations
Certain organizations in your country may specialize in charter
flights and other low-cost travel to the United States. Sometimes
these organizations advertise in local publications and student
newspapers, but students usually learn about them from other
people who have dealt with them. Some travel clubs require
that you join their club and pay a membership fee before you
are eligible to take advantage of their charter flights. It
is a good idea to check on the organization's reputation before
you pay a fee or make reservations. When you call for information,
ask whether fares, departure dates, and connections are reliable.
Sometimes, if the carrier does not sell enough seats, charter
flights are cancelled or rescheduled.
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Making Your Own Reservations
If you want to make your own reservations, you can deal directly
with an international airline by phone, mail, or Internet.
Most airline agents also can advise you on other travel matters,
such as baggage allowances, airport and customs procedures,
vaccination and health requirements, and so on. In addition,
there are many travel Web sites where you can compare prices,
create your own itinerary, and buy your tickets on-line. Making
reservations in this way can be a bit more risky since you
do not have the expertise of the travel agent at your service,
but it can also save you time if you know exactly what you
are looking for.
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Travel Arrangements
Made by Sponsors
If you are being sponsored by your home country government,
a government official may make travel arrangements for you.
If so, you will be informed by your sponsor. If you have a
sponsor other than your home country government, write to
that sponsor and ask for advice. You may want to share with
your sponsor the travel information sent to you by the college
or university you will attend. In any case, make sure that
arrangements are made for you to arrive at the city nearest
your university, not just your first point of entry. If your
sponsor cannot arrange travel plans beyond your first point
of entry, be sure to make onward arrangements before you leave
home.
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