TOP 10 STUDENT TRAVEL TIPS
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of American Citizens Services

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.

As the time approaches for spring or summer breaks, many college students are getting ready for that much anticipated trip abroad. Most will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, but for some, the trip will become a nightmare. A number of ruined vacations are caused by one or more of the following: drugs, alcohol and disorderly behavior.

Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad—about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances. A drug that may be legal in one country may not be legal in a neighboring nation. Some young people are victimized because they may be unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the country they are visiting.

Besides drugs, alcohol can also get U.S. citizens in trouble abroad. Students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas, underage drinking, and for drunk driving. Some young Americans go abroad assuming that local authorities will overlook such conduct. Many believe that they are immune from prosecution in foreign lands because they are American citizens. The truth is that Americans are expected to obey all of the laws of the countries they visit, and those who break these laws sometimes face severe penalties.

Disorderly or reckless behavior is also to be avoided. In many countries, conduct that would not result in an arrest here in the U.S. constitutes a violation of local law. It is crucial that young Americans be aware of this risk as they are enjoying their time abroad.

Being arrested is not the only thing that can happen on a foreign vacation. Young Americans have been killed in automobile accidents, drownings, and falls because of heavy drinking and drug use. Sadly, others have been raped or robbed because they have found themselves in unfamiliar locales and incapable of exercising prudent judgment.

Remember: Reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin your vacation: it can land you in a foreign jail or worse! To have a safe trip, avoid risky behavior and become familiar with the basic laws and customs of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Students who chose less expensive, often less reliable, methods of local travel while in foreign countries should be aware of the potential danger. Be aware of the dangers of potentially reckless behavior, including careless driving or driving under the influence. Penalties for persons judged responsible for automobile accidents resulting in injury or fatalities are treated very seriously by foreign authorities and can result in extremely stiff prison sentences.

Why not give your parents a big break for Spring Break? Buy international medical insurance and trip protection from WorldTravelCenter.com and give them peace of mind! Top

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