An Introduction to Student Air Travel
Travel broadens the mind. It's an old cliché, but what does it actually mean in practical terms? Educators everywhere will testify to the benefits for young minds of experiencing foreign travel and learning about different cultures. Overseas travel makes people more tolerant of those who are different from themselves as well as introducing them to customs, traditions and beliefs that can challenge their preconceived views of the world and cause them to question their ingrained assumptions, thus promoting critical thinking skills and an intellectual curiosity that will serve them well in their academic endeavors. Having spoken of the benefits of student air travel, let us now turn to the practicalities.
Student Air Travel for the First Time Traveler
For many students, their student air travel encounters during their summer vacation or gap year can be their first time leaving the country. If this applies to you, there are certain things you need to take care of before jetting off on your first student air travel experience.
The first thing the student air traveler will need is a passport. If this is your first passport, you will need to apply in person at an acceptance facility (usually a major post office or county court) or a regional passport agency. 16 or 17 year old travelers will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or produce proof of parental consent. All applicants must produce government issued photo ID, two passport-sized photographs and the passport application fee (currently $75 for a passport book or $20 for a passport card).
It typically takes 2-4 weeks for a passport to arrive, so be sure to allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. You should also take care to ensure that you have any visas necessary for the countries you are visiting. The US Department of State has a website that gives country-specific information about entry and exit requirements for most of the world's nations.
You should also visit your doctor to ensure that you have any vaccinations that are required for the country or countries you are visiting. Your doctor should know which vaccinations are recommended for each country.
Having taken these preliminary steps, your student air travel experience now awaits you. There are websites and organizations specifically dedicated to student air travel, such as Student Universe and the Student Air Travel Association, with a host of information about destinations, backpacking and inexpensive hostel accommodation. With their help, you can have a safe and productive trip overseas to see the world in all its infinite variety. Bon voyage!
