General Travel Resources
- Review this list of resources to prepare students for cross-cultural experiences and mission trips: Resources – Preparing for Cross Cultural Experiences
- Consider ordering CultureGrams for a comprehensive overview of the people and culture of your intended destination country.
Flights:
- All travelers will need a REAL ID to board flights starting May 7, 2025. Learn more here
- Check out domestic and international airfare deals for college age individuals and groups through BYOJet or Fly My Group.
- World of Travel out of St. Paul, MN specializes in international group travel and can lock in rates 11 months in advance.
- If you have at least 10 in a group you can contact Southwest Group Sales or United Group Sales.
- Concordia works with MNT Travel for international airfare reservations for individuals or groups. Angela Campos-Johnson is our campus designated agent but anyone can assist in finding affordable options and ticketing. You can contact her at Angela.Campos@flymnt.com or 954-526-7947.
Getting a passport or visa or travel authorization:
- Demand for passports can cause delays! Apply early! See details on how to renew or apply for a passport: U.S. Department of State – Passports
- Find out if you need a visa for travel to specific countries: Travisa
- Travelers going to or through the U.K. will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) a few weeks prior to travel.
- New requirements are coming to travel to Europe, including a new Entry/Exit System (EES) starting in October 2025 and getting an ETIAS for travel to the European Union (EU) in 2026.
Health & medical:
- Review health issues or any shots needed for specific countries abroad: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Research health issues related to your destination country: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Emergency medical and travel insurance for a Concordia sponsored international trip is available through iNext Travel/Medical Insurance Coverage . Check with the Director of Global Opportunities to order coverage for your group.
Housing:
- Hostels are available in major cities in the US: HI USA
- Hostels could be an option in other parts of the world: Hosteling International
Safety and security:
- Check for any travel advisories for specific countries: U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
- All travelers should register with the local U.S. embassy or consulate in STEP. Trip leaders can do this on behalf of a travel group: U.S. Department of State – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- Sign up to get current warnings (related to crime, political, weather, travel, health, etc.) specific countries around the world: OSAC
