BackPacking in Europe...Backpacking and hostelling information, tips, and links for student and
budget travelers planning a trip to Europe. Excellent source of first-hand
travel knowledge from an experienced budget traveler.

Bestfares...budget travelers may be interested in this site. Requires a $60 annual membership to get great deals.

BestHotels

British Travel Site … basic info. on travel to about anywhere

Assisting with classroom and school maintence in Malaysia. Photo Credit ~ L. Elgar

Budget Travel Web....a worldwide travel destination and informational web site. It was developed for all travelers who enjoy travel and adventure but don't want to pay five star prices.

Bureau of Consular Affairs Home Page

Canuck Abroad ...geared towards Canadian backpackers and expats.

Consumer Information Center...US Government consumer information services.

Center for International Education at the U of CA at Irvine

Center for International Policy... source of information on Latin American Political Issues

CIA Factbook ... facts and figures for every country on the planet

Couchsurfing ... is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.

Fodors...tried and true travel advice.

Free Travel Guide

Global Citizen ...A Guide to Creating an International Life and Career.

Globe Corner Bookstore ...guidebooks, maps, travel literature.

Green Travel Network...Active Travel Center Created by Travelers for Travelers

Hostels.com...Internet Guide to Hostelling

hotelguide...largest international directory of hotels found on the Internet

Hotel Reservation Service...discount rates for Europe & worldwide.

At a Refugee Camp in Palestine. Photo Credit ~ A. Sayles

Hotwire ... you can't choose travel times or airline, but unlike Priceline, Hotwire doesn't ask you to bid - the site shows you the best price for that route. Purchasers must be flexible, since your flight may leave anytime between early morning and late evening, though Hotwire will not put you on an overnight flight unless you agree.

How to See the World ... a very informative online book!

www.fidelche.com on-line catalogue of printed t-shirts, which focus on themes: including anti-capitalism; racism; climate change; human rights and third world debt, etc.

Impact Publications...Quick and easy online ordering of publications on international travel & jobs, employment, study and business resources.

International Center for Journalists

International Insurance Consultants ...or 1-800-576-2674

International Mailing Website

International Student Travel Center at the U of MN Twin Cities

International Youth Hostel Association Website

InterRailNet ..rail passes

JohnnyJet all sorts of useful travel-related links

Library of Congress Country Studies

Lonely Planet Website

The Map Guide

MAPS---Perry-Casteneda Library at the University of Texas...keeps a pretty large collection of online maps, many or most of which come from the CIA. The national maps are not so detailed that you can find small towns, but they probably show towns larger than perhaps 10,000 people.

Australian Travel Maps ....includes an Australian Embassy Guide.

Maporama ...has street-level directional maps for the U.S., fifteen European nations, and most of Canada (more countries are being added). Maps are available in normal, high definition, and interactive formats that include weather, local time, and longitude and latitude. You can get driving directions, and even real-time traffic information about your route. You can save your maps, e-mail them, or send them to a Palm Pilot or some other PDA

All the World's Maps ...a collection of links to every map source on the Internet for each country. This is truly a mammoth resource

http://digital-vector-maps.com...a new map site that has editable royalty free maps. Great for journal and publication work.

maps.com ...has a great selection of maps to take traveling or to hang on your wall.

Nicaragua Spanish School (NSS)

NiceHostels ...offers backpackers the most comprehensive directory of independent hostels located all over the world. Browse our selection of hostels in the world's largest cities and top off-the-beaten track locations.

International volunteers work with orphaned children in the agricultural fields on a project near Buhug river-Mongolia in 2005. Photo Credit: Q. Situ

NiceHostels - Worldwide Hostel Reservation

Partners in Responsible Tourism (PIRT)

The Thoughtful Traveler

Rec.Travel Library...leading source for alternative and budget travel.

RoughGuides...covers over 10,000 destinations, geared towards budget travellers.

San Francisco International Program ... brings individuals and groups of professionals from around the world to Northern California for cultural exchange and individualized professional training in nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies.

The Savvy Traveller ...travel books, maps, magazines.

Servas Website...arranging home stays worldwide

South American Explorers Club … offers up-to-date information such as recommended places to stay, highly recommended tour operators, language schools, research, volunteer opportunities and more.

Spanish school in Buenos Aires Argentina

Transitions Abroad Website....a travel magazine

Trains in Europe...access to train schedules and reservations throughout Europe via German Rail.

Trip Advisor Website

German Rail in English

European Rail ....train/rail passes and more

Britain On Track...Britain With Britrail

Europrail ...Europe With Eurail.

French Railways ...access to train schedules and reservations throughout Europe

Travel to Russia...American managed Russian travel agency offers quality sightseeing and unique adventure tours to Russia. Full travel packages available INCLUDING TRAIN TICKET BOOKINGS.

TravelDir.org ...Online travel & discount hotels guide - Discount Hotel Reservation Online - Online world travel guide presents lots of useful info, facts, hotels and accommodation links in top world travel destinations.

Travel.Org. ...directory of travel services.

U of MI - International Service and Travel Center...has good guide for general travel abroad with lots of links.

US State Dept background notes on each country on the planet

Verge Magazine ...explores global opportunities for students to travel, work,study and volunteer abroad. World events, reviews and top-tips for people who want to do something different and make a difference doing it.

Way to Russia

Wide World Books and Maps

World Citizen Web

www.netcafes.com - A list of cyber cafes around the world
www.whatsgoingon.com - great site for parties and festivals around the world
www.StudentAbroad.com - the cool new site for students planning to travel abroad
www.AccentsAbroad.com - Listings of Language programs worldwide

Currency Converters

Currency Conversion

Travlang ...has good currency converter, and other travel info.

Language Studies

The Language Travel Company ~ Representatives from this Boston-based company have travelled to many countries and have personally selected the best language schools and accomodations, with a focus on matching students with highly qualified instructors in courses that are at the right level for them.

Eurolingua Institute ....the most extensive organisation of its kind, offering language programmes in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish

Say Hello to the World: A fantastic, easy to use basic guide to many languages.

International Center of New York...English language and cultural programs for people new to the United States.

Language Translation Website

Language Study Materials and ESL Resources: World of Reading

Language Conversion Site

Interactive CD-ROM Language Instruction...or call 800/332-8851

Spanish Language Schools Throughout Latin America and Spain

Travel Advisories & Regional Information

Federal Aviation Administration Website

Fielding's DangerFinder...Black Flag Cafe lists world's most dangerous places

Travel Warnings from the Australian Government's perspective
Travel Warnings from the British Government's perspective
Travel Warnings from the Canadian Government's perspective

US State Dept. Consular Info Sheets and Travel Warnings

Publications (country reports, embassy information)
Yahoo Travel Support Center Website

Foreign Entry Visa Requirements

FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS These requirements are now included as part of the Consular Information Sheets issued by the US Department of State.

US Passport Information

www.Embassy.org contacts for every embassy in Washington D.C.

http://www.embassiesabroad.com GoAbroad embassy database

http://www.embassyworld.com contacts for every embassy on the planet

http://foreignborn.com foreign Embassies & Consulates in the USA, etc.

Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts (contact information for all overseas U.S. embassies and consulates),
Online US Embassies, Consulates, and other Missions
Foreign Consular Offices in the US

Health / Insurance

Center for Disease Control and Prevention...travel health information

Travel Health Online

http://www.healthopedia.com

IAMAT: International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers

Insurance Services of America...travel insurance.

Access America 800/284-8300

CSA Travel Insurance

eGlobalHealth Insurers "Providing the Best Travel Insurance on the Globe"

International volunteers helped local villagers in Botswana during a project centered on sustainable agriculture. Photo Credit: A. McEnroy.

Expatriate Insurance Website

Insurance Consultants International
17101 Kuykendahl
Suite 255
Houston, TX 77068
Phone: 281-516-3633 Toll Free: 800-576-2674 Fax: 603-843-6662

Website: www.globalhealthinsurance.com e-mail:

linda@globalhealthinsurance.com

Travel Insurance Services
2930 Camino Diablo
STE 200
Box 299
Walnut Creek CA 94596-3912
Tel: 800-937-1387 or 925-932-1387 Fax: 925-932-0442

www.travelinsure.com

Wallach & Co.
P.O. Box 480
Middleburg VA 20118
Tel: 800-237-6615 or 540/687-3166 FAX: 540/687-3172
Email: info@wallach.com

Insurance Services of America
ATTN Adam Bates
Tel: 800-647-4589 Fax: 480-821-9297 (local) 480-821-9052 (outside the USA)
Email: adam@worldwidemedical.com
Web: www.overseashealth.com

http://www.worldtravelcenter.com

Travmark.com, Inc.
P.O. Box 881
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 1 800 358 0779 x121 or 1 212 683 4394 x121
Fax: 212 779 7731
Email: mark@travmark.com

Global Medical International

HTH Worldwide travel insurance

Health Insurance Advice Site

Global Rescue: Offers a discount for VFP volunteers. Please call them for information.

Financing Your Trip

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

SU-LAIR Africa South of the Sahara

Travel is Education Scholarship for Grades 7-12

The American-Scandinavian Foundation

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

Rotary International Service Opportunities

The World at your Fingertips

Travel Agencies

VFP does not receive any "kickback" from any of these agencies. We try to keep abreast of companies that have been noted for good deals as a service to our members. Please tell them VFP referred you. We always welcome your feedback!

Side Step ~ The Travelers Search Engine ~ They search over 200 travel venues to bring you the best travel deals on the web.

Air Ninja shows budget airlines that are not found on most booking engines (about 100 exist). It also allows the user to check several booking engines with only a few clicks. Basically, it provides a more complete picture of available flight options. AirNinja.com does not sell tickets. They only provide information on where to find the best flight.

All airline telephone numbers and websites

A Travel A ...online source for discount travel and travel accessories!

CheapFlights ...price comparison of US domestic and international flight fares.

Cheaptickets In 2004, we've found this site to have competitive fares. They issue 750,000 discounted airfares annually...has a good fare search engine and you can actually call them and speak with a human being at their toll free number....888.922.8849...24/7.

Cheap Hotels Airline Tickets - Explore our travel forums and directory of travel resources.

Student Flights offers discounts to students and Student ID cards - 800-255-8000

Ticket Spinners

Cheap Airline Tickets ...search over 500 airlines for cheap airline tickets

http://www.air-costarica.com ...for Costa Rica flights

Airline Consolidator.com ...Discount International Airfares

Expedia...Easy way to find transportation, accommodations, and low fares. An entertaining Web site to explore.

FareMax ...airline tickets. millions of unpublished airfares. hotels, car rental and all-inclusive vacations.

In August of 2004, Michael Huck participated on a construction project in Lithuania.

FlyForLess ....Canadian based - Offers "Discount airline tickets & last minute airfares.
Travel with Air Canada, CanJet, JetsGo, and more. Get the cheapest airfares on all international airlines".

Kenya.com ...discounts to African destinations

Lowest Fare ...Up-to-date bargains on destinations.

Travelosophy ...discounted airfares to Europe, Africa, The Middle East and Asia. Offers special fares for students, youths and teachers. 800.332.2687

www.goabroad.com/travelagent Student Universe Travel Deals

1st in Travel ...based in New York City, with excellent customer service. Email: xavier@1stinservice.com.

1st in Service Travel If you're going anywhere in Latin America...contact Fernando Gonzalez at 1st in Service Travel. They have all kinds of wonderful discount contracts to Central and South America and they are professional and very reliable. His telephone number is 212/398-6555 and his email is fernando@1stinservice.com.

AESU Consolidators Tel: 800/638-7640

AirFare.com

AccessAmerica provides a well organized, comprehensive, and easy to navigate directory and guide to: The Best of the Web for travel and community information.

AfricaPoint.com ...specializes in inter-African airfares.

Hotwire.com ...VERY competive fares, but you have to be willing to leave at ANY time of day and won't know when until you already have paid for your ticket!

AirBrokers...helps create your itinerary..

AirDeals ...foreign airfares to countries everywhere.

AirGorilla.com ...web based consolidator fares

AirTreks...helps create world-tour itineraries.

Airhitch.org Probably the cheapest flights if you are VERY flexible. airhitch@airhitch.org...Tel: 1-877-AIR-HITCH.

Bestfares Top 25 bargain fares, weekly specials, and links to hotel, car rental, airplane, and cruise Web sites.

Cheaptrips.com...Air courier association. Pay a small membership fee and get great deals on round trip airfare all over the world.

CheapOnlineFlights ...UK based travel agency

Frommers...6,000 pages of bargain-price tickets and tips from travel guru Arthur Frommer's "Outspoken Encyclopedia of Travel."

Hostelling International Travel 202/783-4943 Give them your itinerary and they'll do the research for you.

Intermeet Travel Agency

JustFares...will help you set up a world itinerary

OneTravel.com

Orbitz ... there are no bargains on airline tickets here, but it is a consortium of major airlines, and a good place to survey prices. The search mechanism is very effective, and shows more options than other leading travel sites. Right now, it has no booking capability.

Priceline.com lets you name your price.

Red Victorian Guest House in SF A famous place to stay in SF which also has a Peace Arts exhibit.

Sidestep.com ...automatically searches for alternate airports to find lower fares.

Smarterliving...a consolidator with great deals.

Spector Travel of Boston..a consolidator specializing in affordable airfares to African destinations.

STA Travel...World's largest student travel organization with over 100 offices. Tel: 800/777-0112

Flights.com Claims "lowest airfares available on the web."

http://travel.in-russia.com

TravelAscending

Travelocity....is a completely interactive website that lets you make plane, hotel, car rental, cruise reservations and provides comprehensive info on travel destinations and up-to-date travel news. One of the best sites on the Web for travel deals and information.

TravelNewsletter A good site for general travel info. called Travel Tools...including a useful World Clock.

www.trip.com....may provide low fares, but you have to register with them first.

Volunteer's Websites

Gabriel Rincon-Mora - Tanzania 2005 Photos from her travels in 20+ countries

Cory Adamski - Bosnia - 2004

Dean Oman's travel adventures...VFP Advisory Board member who has traveled in 90 countries...lots of photos.

Jody Kent...Mexico 2002

Links

Travel Preparation & Resources

Resources: Travel Guides & Maps