Tips for Finding Super Cheap Flights

Airfare is often one of the most expensive parts of traveling. However, there are ways to make flying affordable these days. Here are a few tips to help you find the cheapest flights to your next destination

Don’t Be Afraid of Budget Airlines
 

Sure you won't be flying luxuriously and you definitely won't have much legroom, but budget airlines are great for getting you from point A to point B on a budget. RyanAir is by far the most famous budget airline in Europe (and maybe the world), connecting 33 countries across the continent for as little as $9 one way. Other popular budget airlines in Europe include EasyJet, Vueling, WizzAir, and GermanWings. Wow Air and Norwegian Airlines (my favorite!) connect Europe to several major US cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.  If you're looking for cheap flights within the US or to Latin America, check out Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier, or Southwest Airlines.

      Use the Right Sources

Skyscanner

 

Google Flights

Personally, my favorite sources for finding cheap flights are Google Flights and Skyscanner. Google Flights is really easy to use and quickly compares prices for a variety of airlines. It also has a cool map feature that allows you to look at flight prices across the world. Skyscanner is very similar to Google Flights, just with slightly different features. Skyscanner allows you to search for flights to “Everywhere” and shows you a list of destinations with the cheapest flights. Overall, I have found Google Flights works best for finding international and US domestic flights, while Skyscanner is better for finding flights within Europe. 

Another great source is an app called Hopper. Hopper allows you to track the prices of flights you’re interested in and whenever the price goes down, you'll get a notification. This app is great when you’re planning on booking an international flight and want to get the best deal possible with minimal effort.

      Be Flexible, Be Smart, Be Prepared

When looking for the flight deals, it’s best to be flexible. Of course this isn't always possible, but if you can swing leaving a few days earlier/later than originally planned, you can save quite a bit of money. Also, keep in mind you don't have to fly round trip on the same airline. Sometimes it's cheaper to book a one way ticket on one airline and then a return ticket with another airline. Just remember, remaining flexible is key!

Before you book your ticket, be sure to double check the location of the airports you're flying in and out of. Budget airlines typically fly into smaller airports to save money. However, these smaller airports can be as far as two hours away from your destination. Typically these airports are well connected by bus or train so it's easy to get to your final destination, you just want to be prepared for some extra travel time.

Once you have found a plane ticket and are ready to buy it, be smart and make sure you ALWAYS purchase it directly from the airline’s website. Booking through third parties often involves hidden fees, which can greatly increase the cost of your ticket.

Now that you have purchased your plane ticket, it's time to start preparing. Make sure you read up on your airline’s check in procedures and luggage restrictions. A lot of budget airlines make their money by charging outrageous fees for checking in at the airport or carrying on a bag that is too large. So make sure you print your ticket at home and don't over pack! Also, be sure to stock up on some snacks at the airport before boarding the plane. Although most budget airlines do serve food on board, it's usually pretty pricey.

Sign Up for Promotions and Rewards 

 

Yes, it’s annoying getting dozens of emails a day from airlines, but it's worth it because most times, these emails contain exclusive promotions that can save you lots of money. For example, one email I received from Spirit Airlines contained a promo code for a round trip flight to Chicago for only $80! Also, be sure to sign up for airlines’ reward programs so you can accumulate points/miles. These programs are usually free to join so, why not? Eventually you can exchange those points/miles for free flights!

Written by: Lauren Stuart

Common Study Abroad FAQs

When will students have time to visit home?
For First Year Abroad(FYA) students, the best time to visit home would be in December, during winter break. Visit our FYA page to see exact program dates and breaks.

 

How can I contact my student during his/her time abroad?
Michelle Futo, a Student Recruiter, wrote a great article on this earlier this summer so check out her post at this link (nolereservations.blogspot.com/2015/06/how-to-alleviate-your-parents-worries.html). When I was abroad I chose to FaceTime from my sister’s iPod with my whole family in the room. Check out your options and consider whichever is best for your situation before you go abroad.

 

What about money?
In our three Europe locations, students will need to take out local currency (Euro for Valencia and Florence and the British pound for London). Paying in cash is highly recommended since many banks and credit card companies will charge a fee for using a credit card outside of the U.S. Speaking from personal experience, I would say to go to your local bank and buy $300-400 worth of currency before you go abroad. It’s good to have some money when you arrive, so you’re not scrambling around looking for an ATM the first couple of hours in your new home.

Throughout your trip you will want to make withdrawals of currency. Make sure you do this in larger increments to make it worth the convenience fee. Keep money you won’t be using in your safe in the residence hall room and be sure not to carry more than $50 worth of money with you around town.  

I would also recommend making a budget before you go and to discuss this with your parents about money before you leave so no one is taken by surprise. Use Google Docs to write your budget written down and share it with your parents.This organization will help you keep track of spending.

Contact your bank as well so you don’t have to worry about any denied transactions while you’re abroad.

 

How many hours will I have to take abroad?
Program fees cover up to 16 hours in the Fall and Spring and 3 to 16 hours in the Summer semesters. In order to receive Bright Futures or Florida Pre Paid, you will need to enroll in a minimum of 12 hours for Fall and Spring and 6 hours for Summer. FYA student's program fees cover up to 49 credit hours. FYA students must complete minimum of 36 FSU credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA in those classes in order to receive in-state tuition upon return to FSU. Please note, credit hours vary based on programs and length of stay. Please refer to our website for the specific amount of credits included.

Closer to your program date, you will receive an email telling you to register for classes as well as specific instructions on how to find the classes offered in your abroad location on the my.fsu.edu page.

 

Is English spoken in the program locations?
All classes (except language classes) will be taught in English. Although, there is no guarantee that the citizens around you will be proficient in English. Make sure you buy a phrasebook or download an app like Duolingo to help learn some of the language. I can’t stress how important it is to learn some basic phrases (and possible responses to those phrases) in case you get lost. Most taxi drivers will not speak English so be sure you know how to get to your destination and back in the local language (including cities you visit outside of your study location); also have the address written down in case you can’t pronounce the address. Knowing those key phrases goes a long way to making a good impression on the people of your host country.

 

What can I expect in my classes when I study abroad?
When you study abroad, many of your classes will be taught by FSU professors or local faculty. These people are experts in their particular course subject . Therefore, you can expect classes to be very similar to the ones you are taking at the Tallahassee campus. Classes abroad, however, are much smaller than in Tallahassee. So small, that your absence or tardiness will be noticed and may negatively impact your grade. Textbooks are also very important when you go abroad. The best idea is to purchase them before you leave and bring your textbooks overseas. Shipping textbooks from the US is not advisable since the package will have to go through customs where you may be charged more than you paid for the textbook. Also, the book may not arrive until several weeks after your program starts (for this same reason we recommend that parents do not send their students care packages while abroad).

Since class sizes are very small and you are most likely in a city full of things to do, you will be walking around the city for a lot of your classes. Professors like take advantage of the opportunity to show students city highlights and how they apply to the course content. Bring clothes and shoes that are comfortable for walking!

 

Will I be picked up and dropped off at the airport at the beginning and end of my program?
Your program fees will include airport pickup for most locations. If, for some reason, your flight will not arrive in time for pickup, you will need to find transportation to the study center on your own. A few months before you leave, you will be emailed a pre departure information packet. In this packet there will be specific airport pickup times. The packet will also include instructions on how to get to the airport pickup location and how to get to the study center. The FSU International Programs department suggests printing out this packet and keeping it in your carry-on in case something happens to your luggage.

Since everyone will have different travel plans, there is no group drop-off at the airport at the end of the program. However, when you check out of the study center, the program assistants will call you a taxi to get you safely to the airport.  

 

What travel documents will I need to travel Europe?
To enter the country for your program, you will need a passport. When traveling outside of your host country, you will need to bring your passport as a form of identification. Before you leave, make a photocopy of your passport for your parents or guardians to keep in case of an emergency. When you get to the study center, they will also make a copy of your passport for their record. When traveling, keep your passport in a carry-on bag but not in a front pocket for maximum accident protection.

 

What do I pack?
The main thing you need to pack for your time abroad is a rain jacket (or umbrella) and a couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes (you will be walking A LOT). Do some research on what type of converter you need for electronics and bring the appropriate one. If you’re traveling in the summer, you may want to bring sunscreen and/or bug spray. You will also want to bring a laptop, many assignments need to be done online; our study centers all have wifi available for students.

Electric appliances like hair dryers, straighteners, etc. should not be brought over.

Written by: Kevin Smith, 2015-2016 Student Recruiter

Packing Tips for Studying Abroad

By Bridget O’Toole

In addition to your basic clothing and toiletries, you should consider packing (or not packing) some of the following:

1. Girls: DON’T pack a hair dryer…or a curling iron or a flat iron.

Yes, you want to make a good impression, but honestly, you will most likely never use them. By eliminating these from your packing list, you are saving yourself the trouble of dragging it around with you to every new city and also leaving room to bring gifts back home. If it really matters to you, you can find these tools abroad at great prices, or you can make a deal with some of the other girls going. Each of you can bring one of your hairstyling tools and you can share. Just be careful not to blow a fuse!

2. Girls: DON’T pack more than five pairs of shoes.

Again, save space in your suitcase! Five pairs is a lot to lug around. One pair of sandals and one pair of Keds-like gym shoes will do the trick. Neutral color, no pattern Keds go with everything, and if you’re worried about style, they are not the typical tourist gym shoe, either. So, you won’t have to worry about standing out, and your feet can be comfortable.

3. Boys and Girls: DO pack a filtered water bottle.

Free water isn’t really a “thing” in Europe. Restaurants don’t automatically have a glass of tap water waiting for you like they do here in the U.S. Instead, you have to pay for each bottle you consume, and that can get expensive because 1) the bottles are small, and 2) It’s going to be hot and you will be thirsty from walking around. Also, be sure to specify that you want still water because sparkling water just doesn’t do the trick when your sweating like a beast in the 90 degree Venice. By bringing your own filtered water bottle, you can fill it up at the public water fountains, which are always still water. That way, you don’t have to worry about a costly mix-up.

4. Boys and Girls: DO pack a rain jacket.

Despite what you may hope, you may encounter a few rainy days abroad. Therefore, it is wise to bring a rain jacket. Rain jackets not only protect you from the rain, but they can also serve as a barrier to cooler weather. Plus, they are really easy to roll up and carry in your traveling backpack. If you feel the need for extra protection, you can easily buy a fairly inexpensive umbrella from a local vendor. 

5. Girls: DO pack a cardigan.

Certain destinations are very concerned with modesty, which makes it necessary to bring a light, neutral cardigan with you from place to place so that you can cover your shoulders. Otherwise, you may be unable to see Michelangelo’s superb work in the Sistine Chapel. While the location you are visiting may signify that you are a tourist, you still don’t want your status to be so obvious that you have to be given tissue paper to wear around your shoulders.

6. Boys and Girls: DO pack one set PJs that can keep you warm and one set that can keep cool.

If you are studying abroad in a location like Switzerland, then you are living on top of a mountain. Yes, the sun will be out during the day in the summer (mostly), but the mountain does reach fairly cold temperatures at night. So, you may want to have some flannels and warm socks on hand. However, you may take side trips to destinations that are considerably warmer, or you may stay in a hostel with no air conditioning. Two separate sets of sleepwear may take up more room in your suitcase, but trust me, being prepared is better than getting sick.