Student Travel Tips

When you're traveling to a foreign country during spring break or at any other time of the year, be sure you have all required legal documents and ID cards with you. You don't want to delay your plans by being refused entry into a country. It could be worse, such as being hauled off to spend a night or more in the local lock-up while waiting for your parents to wire bail-out money.

Before embarking on your travels, be certain you have the following in-date and in-effect documents with you.

1. Passport: If you've never had one, check with your travel agent or the U.S. State Department on how to secure one. It's a fairly quick process, and absolutely necessary for travel and your personal protection when outside the United States.

2. Travel visa: Many countries require a visa before you enter at an airport or ship's dock. A visa is merely an endorsement stamped on your passport booklet by foreign customs officials. You can also get them online before you travel, or at an embassy or consulate of that country.

If you just plan to visit for several days, or volunteer on a short-term project, a regular visa is usually sufficient. However, if you expect to work in a foreign country for several summer break months or longer, you'll need a special work visa. You can get further information about it online or from the U.S. State Department.

3. Your passport and most other documents require a recent photo. In some offices, you must bring one of your own, or they can shoot and process them when making your document.

4. Your student ID card isn't a necessity, but you can probably get better fares on airlines, cheaper hotel rooms, restaurant discounts and other benefits. Flash it whenever you believe it can help you keep your travel budget under control.

5. A U.S. driver's license is necessary if you'll actually be behind the wheel while in a foreign country. Additionally, if you plan to do some extensive driving or rent a car, you should apply for an international driver's license before you leave home.

6. Some countries will require you to have up-to-date immunization records. Additionally, if you should fall ill in a foreign country and need to contact an American consulate or embassy for medical help, your immunization record can be helpful.

If you're planning to do some student traveling abroad, for many health and safety reasons, be sure you take along all essential documents.