Now that you have decided to travel with us, we are happy to provide you with all the information and tools necessary to make your educational travel experience a relaxed and memorable one. Whether you are traveling to China with National Geographic, Egypt with Smithsonian Journeys, or Greece with Grinnell College, this webpage will provide useful tips to ease your preparations for your travels with Academic Travel Abroad.
Personal Information
Please remember to mail, fax, or e-mail the Information Form (provided in your confirmation packet) to ATA. This form allows us to become more familiar with our travelers and their needs. Remember to include details on any dietary restriction or medical concerns you might have.
Travel Arrangements
About four months prior to your departure, you will receive information on flights and extra hotel arrangements. If you choose to use ATA’s Travel Services Department to help you with travel plans to and from your destination, please complete the Travel Arrangements Form or call our toll free number, 800-556-7896 to speak to a Travel Counselor. If you have made your own arrangements please provide us with your planned itinerary.
Vaccinations
We recommend that your routine vaccinations be up-to-date before you travel. Consult with your doctor to determine whether you require boosters or any additional vaccinations. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel) for current information on required and recommended vaccinations for your destination.
Your Carry-On Bag
Keep in mind the Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines for carrying liquids in your carry-on bag: Each container of liquids (gels and aerosols included) must be 3 ounces or less. There are exceptions for some essential medications. All liquid containers must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. There is a limit of one zip-top bag per traveler. This bag should be removed from your carry-on and placed on the conveyor belt when going through security. Prescription liquid medications and diabetic glucose treatments in excess of 3 ounces are allowed if declared to Transportation Security Officers at the security checkpoint. Check the Transportation Security Administration’s website at www.tsa.gov for the latest updates to travel regulations. Pack any prescription medications in their original containers, a change of clothes, and a snack in your carry-on bag.
Leaving Home
Before you leave for the airport, remember to leave a copy of the Hotel Contact List that was provided in your final mailing with a family member or friend. Call your credit card company to alert them that you will be making overseas charges and make photocopies of your cards and passport to keep separate from the originals while you are on tour.
Make sure that your passport is valid for six months after your scheduled return to the U.S. If a visa is required for your destination, you will receive a Visa Kit from ATA three to four months prior to departure. This packet will contain a visa application and instructions for submission to Generations Visa Service. We highly recommend using Generations Visa to ensure you obtain the proper permissions. If you need your passport to travel during the time your visa is being processed, Generations Visa can assist you in getting a duplicate passport. You can also familiarize yourself with what visas will be necessary for your upcoming travels with the tool below.
