This chapter will discuss travel to and from the US and travel once you are abroad, review several different travel guidebooks, and provide some useful packing tips. Hostels Hostels are low-cost overnight accommodations where travelers can sleep and eat. Accommodations are dormitory style with separate bedrooms and bathrooms for males and females. Many hostels offer private and family accommodations as well. A self-service kitchen where meals can be prepared and common rooms for socializing create an atmosphere that encourages travelers to share experiences.
Some hostels have mail pick-up service, laundry facilities, baggage and bicycle storage.
Information on hostels can be found in Hostelling International Budget Accommodation Guides. Check at a student travel agency. Packing tips and suggestions Packing all of your personal belongings that are essential to your survival for a semester or year into the weight and luggage constraints enforced by the airline companies will be the first big challenge of your study abroad experience. This section will provide you with some hints on how get through this frustrating endeavor. The first thing you should do is call your airline company and find out the exact luggage restrictions.