travel resources

Travel Documents

If your AICAD Exchange is outside of the U.S. it is important for you to obtain the appropriate travel documents for your time abroad.

-Passport

All students participating in an international AICAD Exchange program will need to carry a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Visit the U.S. passports application/renewal page for more information.
Non-U.S. citizens participating in an AICAD Exchange can usually renew their passport within the U.S. Contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate to determine your specific process and timing for renewal.

-International Student ID Card (ISIC)

An ISIC card can offer student discounts both abroad and locally and only costs $22.

Practical Planning

U.S. State Department Passport information, visa requirements, and government announcements and warnings about your destination

xe.com: A useful tool that allows you to convert U.S. dollars to foreign currency and vice versa

Le Travel Store: Figure out if you need a voltage converter or adapter for the appliances you plan to take abroad

Students Abroad: A website developed by the U.S. State Department for students traveling and studying abroad

Monetos European Guide: A guide for living and traveling in Europe

Travel Agencies

STA Travel (specializes in student travel)
267 University Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301-1714
(650) 322-4790

Online Travel Search Engines

travelocity.com Discounted prices on air, car, and hotels

expedia.com Discounted prices on air, car, and hotels

justfares.com Excellent prices for many regions of the world

studentuniverse.com Discounted airfare just for students

kayak.com A great site that searches multiple airlines consecutively

orbitz.com Discounted prices on air, car, and hotels

Tips for Booking Flights

  • Flight prices are highly contingent on the season—consider going during off-peak season.
  • Flights are usually cheaper during mid-week travel.
  • Airfare Watchdog offers a great Q&A section with tips on finding the cheapest flights through online search engines.
  • When buying tickets for extended travel, look into buying an open-ended ticket and thoroughly evaluate the airline's policies regarding changing ticket return dates.
  • When flying into large cities, check flights coming into different airports for cheaper alternatives.

Special Interests and Needs

Mobility International USA: Advice for travelers with disabilities