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When in doubt, call the airline to ask about the weight/size/number limits on luggage. Those who exceed the limits must pay more.

Other Things to Arrange

Try to Make Lodging Reservations in Advance

Many travelers wait until they reach their destination before making hotel reservations. Some train stations and airports have travel desks to assist you in finding lodging. However, when you arrive, you may be tired and unfamiliar with your surroundings, and could have difficulty locating a hotel to suit your needs. Therefore, when possible, reserve your lodging in advance and confirm your reservations along the way. During peak tourist season, it is important to have a hotel reservation for at least the first night that you arrive in a foreign city.

An alternative to hotels and pensions is the youth hostel system, which offers travelers of all ages clean, inexpensive, overnight accommodations in more than 6,000 locations in over 70 countries worldwide. Hostels provide dormitory-style accommodations with separate facilities for males and females. Some hostels have family rooms that can be reserved in advance. Curfews are often imposed and membership is frequently required. For more information, you may contact: American Youth Hostels, P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013-7613; telephone (202) 783-6161.

Organized Programs

The majority of private programs for vacation, study, or work abroad are reputable and financially sound. However, some charge exorbitant fees, use deliberately false "educational" claims, and provide working conditions far different from those advertised. Even programs of legitimate organizations can be poorly administered. Be cautious. Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about the organization and what it offers.

Travel Benefits for Students and Teachers

Students and teachers can save money on transportation and accommodations, and obtain other discounts if they have one of the following:

An International Student Identity Card - for students age 12 and older. You must be a junior high school, high school, college, university or vocational school student at least 12 years of age. Also, you must be enrolled in a study program leading to a diploma or degree at an accredited institution.

An International Teacher Identity Card - for full-time teachers and faculty at an accredited institution.

A GO 25 International Youth Travel Card - for youths ages 12 - 25. You must be at least 12 years of age, but not over 25 at the time that you apply.

These cards are available with proof of your status and a small fee from: Council on International Educational Exchange; 205 East 42nd Street; New York, New York 10017; telephone 1-888-COUNCIL.

The international identity cards offer the following benefits:

· Reduced airfares on major international airlines

· Discounts in the United States and abroad, including transportation, accommodations, international phone calls, car rentals and museum admissions

· Toll-free, 24-hour, emergency Help Line

· Basic insurance to cover sickness, accident and emergency evacuation while traveling outside the United States (only for cards purchased in the United States.)

· International student/teacher/youth recognition.

For more details and information about applying for international identity cards, contact the Council on International Educational Exchange as listed above.