Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need passport to travel abroad?
You will always need a passport to travel abroad and you will often need a visa. A passport is an internationally-recognized ID issued by the national government of your home country.
Should I get a cell phone?
The best source is STA Travel, which has special student-rate airfares. STA also sells railpasses, can make reservations in youth hostels, and offers student tours.
Do I need a railpass to travel in Europe?
No, although if you decide you want one, you’ll need to purchase it in the U.S. Tickets can be purchased for each individual train trip, but there are certain advantages to having a rail pass. First, there is the peace-of-mind of not worrying about buying tickets every time you want to travel.
Will my health insurance cover me while abroad?
Don’t assume that your insurance will cover you while abroad. The U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance is a required purchase for students traveling for university-related purposes and is strongly recommended for personal/leisure travel. See our article on Health Insurance Abroad.
How do I find information on safety and health conditions abroad?
See UM’s Travel Policy which lists countries with warnings. The U.S. Department of State’s Country Specific Travel Information assesses safety and health conditions for every country in the world, and issues a travel advisory.
Where can I find the cheapest Airfares and where can I buy a railpass?
The best source is STA Travel, which has special student-rate airfares. STA also sells railpasses, can make reservations in youth hostels, and offers student tours.
Do I need special medications or other health precautions in order to travel abroad?
Depending on where you are traveling (especially for less-developed regions), you might need vaccines against hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, pneumonia, typhoid fever, yellow fever, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, or rabies.
Where do I go to find maps and other information?
This question emphasizes the need for a good guide book to accompany any trip. A budget-oriented guide book (such as Let’s Go, Lonely Planet, etc.) can guide you to tourist information bureaus, alert you to must-see sites, and help you find low-cost accommodations.
I am inrested in backpacking around to different places for several weeks, how much should I pack?
Not much! You aren’t going to need all of the outfits and other amenities that you are used to. Wearing the same one or two outfits while you travel is not only simpler, but no one is going to care.