Month: July 2016

How to Book The Cheapest Flight

Posted on by Lloyd C
The trickiest part about traveling on a budget is booking a flight that won’t break the bank. Between the cookies that track what you search online to the simple fact that some days are cheaper to fly than others- it can feel impossible to find the best deal on cheap flights. Don’t let yourself fall victim to overpaying for flights. Understand the process of how it works to book the cheapest possible flight for your next trip.

How to Book The Cheapest Flight

1.) Private mode

Yes, it sounds a bit creepy but there are cookies and other tracking methods that follow your internet activity. These tracking cookies can be used to tell airlines that you are currently on the market for cheap airfare, and that could prevent you from finding the cheapest flight possible. You may notice that once you search a topic online, there will be a sudden increase in the advertisements on your social media or internet accounts that relate to the search query. The best way to go around this scheme is to clear your search history and always do your travel research on ‘private mode’.

2.) GlobeTrooper.com

We just revealed the BEST flying tip there is www.globetrooper.com. Here travelers can fly from Germany to Thailand round trip for 250 Euro, or the United States to Ireland for $130! These are just a few examples of the almost unbelievable prices that this site can find. It is, however, something that must be monitored because this company works by offering specific trips for only a short period of time, so act quickly! Their Twitter page is also updated with the best deals hourly.

3.) GoEuro

GoEuro is a website and an app that travelers can use to compare flight prices. The best part is that GoEuro will also plan for the trains and busses in between the travels. For example, if you fly with RyanAir fromFrankfurt Hahn in Germany to London you may not know that the Frankfurt Hahn airport is an hour and a half away from the Frankfurt Main airport. GoEuro will book the bus for you to get not only from A to Z but to M and N which are in between but often forgotten about.

 Find Your Cheap Flight

Flying is a million-dollar industry, and as technology has evolved so has its tactics for increasing prices and making more of a profit. Don’t allow yourself to be a victim of overpaying for flights ever again! Flying can be more affordable than you may think! So grab your passport (and check your visa requirements)! You should now have some new tools to book the cheapest flight possible.

International Driving Permit

Planning on driving once you get there? Make sure you order an International Driving Permit before you go. The IDP allows you to drive in over 150 countries around the world! All you need is your valid US driver’s license to get started.

4 Things You Will Forget Before Studying Abroad

Posted on by Lloyd C

The first time you go abroad is nothing short of overwhelming! Besides the obvious essentials such as a valid passport, luggage, and researching your host country there are a few vital things you may easily forget to do before your departure! Studying abroad is already a stressful enough experience just getting through the applications and planning. But don’t let the stress of studying abroad cause you to forget some of the most important things you can do before you go.

Related Read: How to Is a Passport Valid?

Read our list of 4 things you will forget before studying abroad. Travel smart and travel safely. Save our study abroad travel tips below:

4 Things You Will Forget Before Studying Abroad

Pay a visit to your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, etc.

Besides the pre-departure physical exam, you need before your trip, be sure to pay a visit to all of your doctors. You don’t want to be abroad and have an awful cavity or not enough contact lenses when you are thousands of miles away from home.

Seeing the doctor and ensuring you have all of your shots could also prevent any easily avoidable sicknesses like stomach flu from eating foreign dishes. Locals often build up an immunity to some of these bacteria that your body has not been exposed to, so plan ahead and be safe.

Study Abroad Health Insurance

Health insurance is a non-negotiable when studying abroad. Many study abroad programs will come with health insurance plans. Some insurance plans do not entirely cover what your host country may require. There are several options for travel insurance that are inexpensive and cover you enough for emergencies abroad.

In order to obtain a visa for studying abroad, you must have valid health insurance. Plan ahead on your health insurance so you can shop around for the best rates.

Study Abroad Phone Plan

Will you buy a pay-as-you-go phone abroad or does your provider allow you to use your data in a foreign country? There are too many different plans and circumstances that if you don’t follow will result in hefty fines. Find out if you can make phone calls, and how much they are. If not there are plenty of alternatives such as FaceBook and WhatsApp phone calls that are just as efficient (if you have data). Figuring this out ahead of time will save you so much money and headaches.

Get our Study Abroad Visa Beforehand

There are so many circumstances in which you can obtain a visa depending on what country you are a citizen of, where you wish to go, and the duration. In order to save yourself the fear of deportation, be sure to know all of the facts before you study abroad. Some countries say you can enter but then have 1 week to obtain or apply for a visa, but it is so much better to do this before your trip especially if you encounter problems with insurance coverage.

Usually, for study abroad, you will need a student visa and sometimes you may also qualify for a work visa. Check with your study abroad department for their visa assistance tips as well. If you find that you need a passport or visa fast, you should consider using an expediting service.

Enhance Drivers LicenseBonus Tip: Get an International Driving Permit

The international driving permit is a translation of your valid U.S. driver’s license. This document gives you permission to rent or drive a car overseas. If you are studying abroad, you will definitely want an international driving permit. Don’t get left behind on the road trip of a lifetime. Get your IDP so you can drive overseas on your study-abroad trip.

Related Read: How to Get a Drivers License?

 

 

Conclusion

Studying abroad can be a great experience and opportunity for growth and education. As with anything, it is important to prepare in advance so you don’t forget essential items that may be difficult to acquire while overseas. Despite your best efforts to make sure you have everything you might need, there still might be items that slip through the cracks.

However, if you take time to check off this list of 4 Things You Will Forget Before Studying Abroad, you will start your trip well-prepared and without any regrets. Traveling the world can be an amazing experience and taking time to go beyond just sight-seeing is a unique experience that can stay with you forever.

Girls Guide: Study Abroad Money Saving Information & Tips

Posted on by Lloyd C

Everyone is a travel expert when they find out you’re studying abroad.  In reality, only about 300,000 US students out of some 20 million students have the courage to spend time abroad. Instead of listening to everyone about what the best items, apps, and places to see abroad, take it from a reliable source: those that have studied abroad! Here are a few money saving tips our study abroad students have put together for you. There are many strategies for study abroad money saving tips, but these are some you may not have considered.

What Type of Power Connection?

Buy a curling iron/ straightener when you are in the host country such as China. There are 15 different types of outlet plugs used across the world, ranging from Type A- Type O., Of course, there are adaptors and such, but it is such a mess to find out the voltage of your product and the socket you are plugging into. It is also no secret that these products can be expensive, ranging from $30-$150.

It’s even worse if you purchase the wrong adaptor. Your expensive hair straightener will fry if you make this mistake. This sounds like an unnecessary purchase abroad, but leaving yours behind will make your bag a little lighter and your headaches much simpler. Purchase one for the duration of your trip when you are in your host country!

Purse Rule – What Kind of Purse Should I Take on my Travel?

The American mind is so polluted with articles and news stories of robberies, pick-pocketers, and scams abroad. However, don’t believe it all. Necessity is to have a bag with a zipper (and actually use the zipper). Bags with a magnet are not as secure and in the event of a pick pocket or if your bag flips upside down a zipper will keep your things safer longer than a magnet.

Size is also important because in some countries there may be stores that do not offer grocery bags or shopping bags for free. So if you spontaneously pick up a few items at the store, you want to make sure you can carry them home! Also, if you are a student you will need a bag for your books and notebooks. But don’t overdo it. You’ll want to have one bag that is versatile and can be used for most of your activities.

What Kind of Shoes Should I Take on my Travel? – Comfy Shoes

You may be thinking how cute your Sperry’s or white Converse may look in an Instagram, but it is not worth the pain you may endure if these shoes are not broken in. Also, heels are not as easy to maneuver in on cobblestone. Make sure you pack light to save money on baggage. But most importantly, you won’t need all the shoes you think you’ll need. Just grab your favorites and most comfortable.

Learn the Language!

Even if you can only say “Hi my name is ________, and I am learning the language”, you will be far better off. Foreign people have more respect for your poor attempts than they do for you expecting them to speak English. Of course, the majority of the world knows English, at least to some degree. But remember- you are entering their country and these customs which require a certain level of respect! This will save you money because language courses abroad may be pricey.

Apply for Your Passport, Visa Early and STEP Program early!

What You Need to Know About a Passport

There are many additional costs if you need a visa or passport quickly. Do yourself a favor and apply early for your passport and visas. Government fees are added when you need your passport faster than the routine processing time.

Normal passport processing is 4-6 weeks or longer. If you need a passport expedited, then you will pay more for the services. Generally, prices start at an additional $60 and can quickly go up hundreds of dollars. Of course, an expedited service is worth it if you need your passport or visa right away. But as a student, you’ll want to save money any way you can. And that’s why we will keep bringing you more Study Abroad Money Saving Tips! You could learn more about the STEP program here.

How to Register to Vote Online

Posted on by Lloyd C

Do you know how to register to vote online? It’s simple and quick. You can register to vote online by submitting a quick voter’s registration form. Voting is critical for a successful democracy. We depend on our voters to help keep our country running by the voice of the people. Registering to vote is easy when you register to vote online through the Rock the Vote Form. Voting is available to all U.S. citizens aged 18 and older. Some states may allow a 17-year-old to vote, so check your local State’s voting requirements. State Voting Requirements are listed at the bottom of this page. If you’re ready to register to vote online now, you can submit the form below:

 

How to Register to Vote Online

Register to vote online is as simple as completing the voter registration form. Click the button below. The link will bring you to the voter registration form for your state. It shouldn’t be confusing to register to vote.  Follow the button and register to vote in minutes!


 

How to Register To Vote in Person

If you’d prefer to register to vote in person, please visit your local public facility. There are many locations in your local area to register to vote in person. However, registering to vote online is even easier so if you want to register to vote quickly, click the button above.

How to Register to Vote Overseas

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) can provide you with the information needed to register to vote from overseas. Many international travelers and citizens living abroad will still want to vote. Don’t let an additional step dissuade you from registering to vote from overseas.

How to Register to Vote in Other Languages

The National Mail Voter Registration Form provides voters with options to cast a vote in Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.  A Voter’s Guide is also available and provides information on registering to vote in Cherokee, Dakota, Navajo, and Yupik, as well as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. You can vote in most languages so find out how to register to vote in other languages.

Register to Vote Deadlines and Requirements

How to Register to Vote Online
How to Register to Vote Online

All states require voters to register before you can cast your vote, with the sole exception of North Dakota. Voter registration deadlines vary from state to state. Some states close registration 30 days before the election, while others allow voters to register up to Election Day. Proper identification is often required at the polling place so bring your passport, drivers license, or state ID when voting. There are also state by state variations in requirements for ex-felons voting rights. Please check with your state election requirements for more information.

Help! My Dog Ate My Passport!

Posted on by Lloyd C

As most travelers know, life is full of unpredictable moments. Many times the hiccups we experience while traveling are the stories that make the trip memorable. But what happens when something bad happens before the trip? What happens if your dog chews on your passport? What happens if your dog eats your passport? Can you travel with a damaged passport? Find out what you need to do to replace a damaged passport.

Help! My Dog ate my Passport!

Any damage to your passport can ruin a potential trip. The U.S. Department of State and all immigration officials take passport damage very seriously. If your dog chewed on the corner of one page of your passport, that might still be enough damage for your passport to be considered ‘invalid’. Simply yelling, ‘Help! My dog ate my passport!’ will not fix this issue. You will need to replace your passport immediately.

A routine passport replacement can take up to six weeks or longer. Fortunately, for those that need a passport faster, you can use a private expediting service or you can contact your closest Regional Passport Agency. If you are abroad and your passport is damaged, you should go to your closest embassy or consulate.

Can you Travel with a Chew Up Passport?

No. A chewed-upon passport is considered invalid for travel, and you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country with a damaged passport. The Department of States considers a passport that is chewing up to be damaged and you will need to get a passport replacement to travel.

What if my dog only chewed on my passport?

There really isn’t any way to get official verification that the border agents will accept your passport. If you have any doubts about the condition of your passport, you should seek to replace it immediately.

When you replace your damaged passport, you should also include a letter explaining the damage. You may also want to include a request that your original damaged passport be returned to you. Many travelers keep their old passports as a keepsake or memory of the visas and stamps accrued.

Help! My Passport has some minor wear and tear!

Regular wear and tear may not mean you need to replace your passport. While there is no official description of what constitutes wear and tear, your passport will usually have some minor wear marks after a few trips abroad. We highly recommend keeping your passport in a safe place at all times. Invest in a passport protector case and try to make sure you aren’t leaving your passport in your pocket or luggage unprotected. If you do feel your passport is starting to show signs of heavy use, you may want to renew it or replace it before your next trip.

Conclusion

If you’ve experienced an unfortunate passport-eating incident like the one we just discussed, don’t panic! It is essential to contact the proper contacts and organizations as soon as possible and keep track of any paperwork or receipts that document your efforts to locate a replacement.

Ultimately, whether you end up needing a new passport or just experiencing a close call can depend on a variety of factors. Do all you can to mitigate potential risks by taking safety measures with your passport, such as carefully storing it away from curious mouths. However, if something happens, remember that help is out there!

How to Become an Au Pair?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you ready for an adventure? Perhaps looking for a way to justify living abroad and indulging in a “gap year”?  Becoming an au pair is the perfect way to find out to travel and live abroad. At the same time, you can figure out what you want to do in the future. This experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That is to live in a family setting (which may ease homesickness) while living like a local. You don’t have to justify to anyone why taking 2-24 months off life is a good idea because we totally agree. But where to begin? Follow these steps to start your journey.

How to Become an Au Pair?

There are several options when deciding what site to create a profile on. But, how do you know which one is the best? While they all claim to be secure and prove to work, you need to choose which one is best for you. Use caution before you pay to create a profile. It may not actually be the best option. There are plenty of great options that have free profiles.

Create a personal profile

Tip: NEVER pay for creating a profile!

We suggest using www.aupairworld.com to begin your search. This site is easy to use. It allows you to list what you are seeking to match you with potential families. It asks you to formulate 3 short essays. The first is to explain your past. Second, your experience. Last, your desires to be an au pair.

The best part is you can find families in the exact city or area they live in. You’ll find there are so many families searching for au pairs. So, it’s convenient to be able to narrow the search a little bit by choosing one city or area, to begin with.

Decide what you want from your experience

Tip: Create perimeters & be a realist!

Once you open the flood gate into this au pair world, you will find that there are SO many options regarding families, cities, countries, and expectations! It can be overwhelming if you are not honest with yourself about what you want and can handle in regards to your willingness to help with housework, homework, disabilities, the number of children, and hours of work. Therefore, before you begin your search, set your perimeters.

Because when you start to see photos and read profiles, you’re going to want to think you can do it all. And you might be able to, but remember to pull from your experience with child care before you fall in love with these families!

Also, it is quite easy to feel persuaded from the connection you may have with a family you meet online. Or, from the compensation they may offer you.

However, if you said beforehand that residing in a big city was important to you because of its central location and sightseeing, do not compromise this for a family who will offer you a competitive compensation package to live in the middle of nowhere on the side of a mountain. (Unless that’s what you want of course).

Related Read: Traveling with Kids and Disabilities

Write essays from the heart & be honest

Remember that you can’t redo a first impression!

These families read what feels like hundreds of essays and profiles each month, so what can you say that sets you apart? The best thing you can say comes when you speak from your heart. No one else will say the same thing when you write with personal honesty. One key tip that every site will tell you is: Do not begin your essay with “Hi, my name is and I come from…”. This gets redundant to families and does not say anything about your personality.

Most families want an au pair that step in as an older brother/sister figure to their children, so you want to showcase that your personality in hopes that you are a good fit for that special family. Also, honesty is HUGE! A single au pair experience can last anywhere from 2-24 months.

The au pair horror stories you read about usually stem from one or both sides of this being dishonest. If you pretend or claim that you love ‘animals’  and speak German, then arrive and fear that their ‘animals’ include a goat and a snake you have to feed daily then you will have problems if what you meant by “animals” is cats.

Also, language is a quite obvious key component for communication. If your host family wants to brush up on their German skills and you are hardly at an  A1 level, you both will be disappointed.

Skype, Skype, Skype!

Tip: Trust your gut

You can’t believe everything you read on the internet, so that’s why you’ll have to get over your fear of Skype. Remember, it will be slightly awkward for both sides at first. But, be yourself because it will ease tensions and is the only way to truly get to know a family before you arrive. Instantly you’ll both get a feel for one another along with the environment you chose to meet at. (So make sure you chose a clean room with nothing that isn’t true to your character in the background!)

It often is the case that a family is perfect on paper. But maybe, once you meet them the connection isn’t there. Remember, you’ll be living with this family. So, you have to feel comfortable enough to talk to them. Ask them questions. Or abide by the rules of their home. Also, children have that inapt way of feeling out people’s vibes and energy. So, it will be a good way to see if you like them or if they’re a total brat!

Related Read: Five Countries You could Travel without a Visa

Get a Course on English Language and Obtain a Visa to the United States

What Should I do with old passport?This process isn’t all fun and games, but that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. Once you decide on a host family, you will have to look into their countries embassy and rules for entry and for your stay. This will depend greatly on where you are a citizen from as well.

If you are a natural born US citizen, you can stay in any country in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you choose to stay for a longer time you will need to obtain a visa. Of course, you will ALWAYS need a valid passport. Make sure you have at least six months of validity; otherwise you may get turned away at the airport!

Vaguely put, you have options! There are work visas (which are the hardest to obtain), student visas (simpler to obtain), or some countries offer an “Au pair” visa. It is more likely than not you will have to apply for a student visa. This will require you to enroll in a language course in your host country which will then give you a paper to declare that you can enroll for a student visa.

Conclusion

Becoming an Au Pair can be a thrilling adventure that gives you the opportunity to travel, learn, and experience a new culture. By researching the different criteria for becoming an Au Pair, staying organized throughout the application process, and honing your communication skills, you could soon find yourself embarking on a unique journey that will be packed with memories you’ll never forget.

 

The Benefits of Embracing the Unknown – Tips for Comfortable and Enjoyable Travel With Strangers

Posted on by Lloyd C

Traveling is an inherently exciting experience, allowing us to explore new cultures and see different parts of the world. However, it can also be intimidating when you’re embarking on a journey with no one to share it with. But what if you embraced the unknown instead of limiting yourself in these situations?

By taking a chance on traveling with strangers, not only can you learn more about yourself, but you open up opportunities for enriching experiences that would’ve otherwise been impossible.

Is It ok to Travel with Strangers?

Yes! It can be a great way to explore different parts of the world while also meeting new people and bonding over shared experiences. You can travel with strangers in many ways, such as joining a group tour or finding other travelers on social media sites like Reddit. You may even find yourself forming lifelong friendships through these kinds of experiences.

Traveling with strangers can also offer financial benefits. By sharing accommodation, meals, and transportation costs among a group of travelers, you could save money that you would’ve otherwise spent on your own. Plus, with more people around you to provide support and company, you can feel safer and more secure while traveling in unfamiliar places.

What is the Pro and Cons of Traveling with Strangers?

Pros:

  •  Cost-effective – Sharing travel and accommodation costs can make your budget go further.
  • Bonding opportunities – You might make lifelong friends through shared experiences.
  • Security – Having a few extra people around can provide safety in unfamiliar places.

Cons:

  • Lack of privacy – Being with strangers means you won’t have the same level of privacy as you would enjoy traveling alone.
  • Compatibility issues – Different personality types can lead to tension and arguments.
  • Time constraints – Traveling with a group often means having to compromise on activities, schedules, and itineraries.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not traveling with strangers is the right choice for you. Make sure to set expectations with your group and communicate openly to ensure a successful trip. With a little bit of effort, traveling with strangers can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Conclusion

We all need to challenge ourselves in order to grow, and travel provides one of the best opportunities to do this. Whether you are jetting off around the world or going on a weekend camping trip, embrace the unknown of meeting new people. Remember the tips outlined above to remain comfortable and stress-free during your travels with strangers.

Ultimately, don’t be afraid of what could happen when we leave our comfort zone – it can lead us to amazing people, unexpected stories, and incredible places that will leave us feeling enriched and enlightened. Do not miss out on these epic experiences by reaching out for them!