If you are one of the lucky ones who does not have to worry about working all summer, dragging around at Staples or McDonald’s to get some extra cash, then maybe you want to know about different travel opportunities.
First of all, keep in mind that the whole world’s travel has changed since last year, because of Sept. 11. The airports in the United States may seem strict on security checks and passport control, but it is nothing compared to the security over in Europe. A passenger may be asked to show a ticket four times, a passport five times, and to take off his or her shoes or prepare to be searched.
Backpacking in Europe has always been popular in the past, and is now made easier than ever because of the Euro, which has been accepted as the common currency in 12 of the European Union member countries.
Even the countries not currently using the Euro are most willing to accept it as means of payment, and as a traveler, that means getting by easier and not having to exchange money in every country.
In addition to paying the flight over Europe, a rail pass needs to be purchased. There are several versions available depending on how many countries you want to visit and how long you want to stay in each country.
For example, a Eurail pass that is good for one month and makes 17 European countries available, can be purchased at $644.
If choosing to travel only five days within two months, there is a pass called Eurail Select, and the price is only $243.
If you only want to travel in certain countries, a separate pass can be purchased for this at a less expensive price.
A good purchase, no matter where you chose to travel, is an international student ID card. It can be attained through Council Travel, one of the largest travel agencies serving students in particular.
With an international ID card, you will be able to get discounts all around the world, and you will also be able to prove who you are and how old you are without having to flash your passport.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, but you still want to go some place, you can join a volunteer program called International Volunteer Projects. Choosing from 600 projects in 30 countries, you might end up restoring a historic village in Greenland or protecting turtle nests in Costa Rica.
There are also volunteer projects available throughout the United States.
For more information about this go to http://us.council exchanges.org/opportunities/ivp/index.html
Countries that should be avoided this summer, according to the US government, are Israel, Venezuela and Madagascar, because of unstable political conditions.
As an American citizen, travels in the Middle East in general should be reconsidered at this time because of the heightened risk of a terrorist attack.
For information about the country you plan to travel to and their current situation, go to http: //travel.state.gov/
It is also recommended to look up the address for the American Embassy in the area where you are going. In case of an emergency, these are the people you need to turn to, and it might put you at ease knowing how to contact the embassy.