Make travel reservations well in advance of your departure date.
This is especially important if you travel in the United States
during peak tourist seasons or holidays. These include the Easter
observance (either in March or April); the summer months of June
through August; and the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
holidays in November, December, and January. There are ten U.S.
Federal holidays:
New Year's Day — January 1
Martin Luther King Day — observed the third Monday in January
Presidents' Day — observed the third Monday in February
Memorial Day — observed the fourth Monday in May
Independence Day — July 4
Labor Day — observed the first Monday in September
Columbus Day — observed the second Monday in October
Veteran's Day — November 11
Thanksgiving Day — observed the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day — December 25
Probably the most efficient and convenient way to make your travel
arrangements is through a travel agency. Travel agents are usually
knowledgeable about conditions in various countries and make
specialized travel arrangements adapted to your needs. They can
advise you on airlines, fares, and routes; compare prices; and
confirm or change reservations. If you have dietary restrictions for
religious or health reasons, the travel agent will also be able to
order you a special, in-flight meal.
You may not have to pay a fee for these services. In many countries,
you pay no more than you would if you dealt directly with the
airlines, purchased your own ticket, and made your own hotel
reservations. In fact, because they have access to current specials
or sales, travel agents may save you money. They also are aware of
which airlines offer reduced student rates or special student
packages, including round-trip international fares and domestic U.S.
fares.
NOTE: Students sponsored by the U.S. government may be required to
travel on U.S. airlines wherever possible. Check with your
sponsoring agency regarding this and other travel arrangements.
Certain organizations in your country may specialize in charter
flights and other low-cost travel to the United States. Sometimes
these organizations advertise in local publications and student
newspapers, but students usually learn about them from other people
who have dealt with them. Some travel clubs require that you join
their club and pay a membership fee before you are eligible to take
advantage of their charter flights. It is a good idea to check on
the organization's reputation before you pay a fee or make
reservations. When you call for information, ask whether fares,
departure dates, and connections are reliable. Sometimes, if the
carrier does not sell enough seats, charter flights are cancelled or
rescheduled.
If you want to make your own reservations, you can deal directly
with an international airline by phone, mail, or Internet. Most
airline agents also can advise you on other travel matters, such as
baggage allowances, airport and customs procedures, vaccination and
health requirements, and so on. In addition, there are many travel
websites where you can compare prices, create your own itinerary,
and buy your tickets on-line. Making reservations in this way can be
a bit more risky since you do not have the expertise of the travel
agent at your service, but it can also save you time if you know
exactly what you are looking for.
If you are being sponsored by your home country government, a
government official may make travel arrangements for you. If so, you
will be informed by your sponsor. If you have a sponsor other than
your home country government, write to that sponsor and ask for
advice. You may want to share with your sponsor the travel
information sent to you by the college or university you will
attend. In any case, make sure that arrangements are made for you to
arrive at the city nearest your university, not just your first
point of entry. If your sponsor cannot arrange travel plans beyond
your first point of entry, be sure to make onward arrangements
before you leave home. |
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