There are many important considerations in preparing for your travel abroad. Finding the right airplane ticket, getting the necessary travel documents, and planning for healthy and safe travel are some of the most important of these.

We suggest you read the OCSPublication, "Before You Go." It is also available in pdf format for printing.

Local travel agencies, student travel agencies such as Council Travel or STA, Harvard International Centers and language departments, and other students, faculty and staff who have recently traveled abroad are all excellent sources of information when you are considering your travel plans.

The appearance of any particular company or service on this site does not imply our endorsement of it nor does it imply our preference for any of these companies or services over those which may be found elsewhere. These links are provided merely for your convenience.

Getting There
Shop around and talk to as many people as possible before making a major purchase of a non-refundable ticket. Consider the different ways you can break up your trip (an indirect route may sometimes cost less than the direct one) and ways you can save money by switching days or times of flights. Student fares are sometimes the most affordable option, but not always. Courier services or charter companies may provide cost effective options for travel. Also consider the different modes of transportation available to you, and local versus national or large commercial airlines

Student Universe
STA Travel
Travelocity
Sidestep
Orbitz
Mobissimo

Foreign Currency Exchange
There are several options for taking money with you, keeping it when you get there, and changing it from one currency into another. Travelers checks have traditionally been a popular option; shop around to find ones that are free. You may find that you save money on commissions and get a better exchange rate by using a credit card or ATM card to withdraw cash directly in the currency of the country you are in. Check with your bank to find out what the fees charged for this may be. Depending on how long you may be staying in another country and whether you will be earning money, it may also be advisable to open a bank account there. The value of the US $ or other currencies against the currency of any other country can fluctuate, so be sure you know what the current exchange rate is.

Universal Currency Converter
Interactive Currency Table