There is no need to make travel arrangements before late November or December or even January--especially since our schedule is still very tentative. But it is time to begin thinking and looking.

This early, the information on March discount air fares is still sketchy. Based on preliminary findings, there is the expected range of prices. For instance, Council Travel can now offer space on Delta or Lufthansa Monday through Thursday, round-trip Chicago/Athens at $630 plus fees of about $60. There would be a necessary change of planes in Cincinnati or Atlanta (for Delta) or Frankfurt or Munich (for Lufthansa.) Council may have flights at similar rates available with other airlines (e.g., British Air), but not all have established prices for next spring. A number of students used Council Travel last year. Note that Council's discounts require an International Student ID; you will need this for the program anyway. The airlines (we've contacted Sabena, British Air, and American Airlines) are quoting standard fares between $1000 and $1100, but these may change in time.

We will continue to check with several agencies during and will pass information on to you as different airlines begin to extend their discount options to cover March departures. You will want to do your own checking with these or other agents. Please be on the lookout for any information concerning inexpensive airfares, and let us know if you come up with anything.

Here are some agencies which have been used by students in the recent past (the asterisked ones have been the most helpful):

*CHIPS TRAVEL, 3950 Church, Evanston (Call Shirley or Abby, 673-5660)

*COUNCIL TRAVEL, 1153 No. Dearborn, Chicago (312-951-0585)

HOMERIC TOURS (800-223-5570) Students have used this in the past, but they will not have information for March flights until January; current fares from Chicago, involving a change in New York, are running $833 round trip.

We have also heard about another agency that specializes in student discounts: Acotra World USA (marketing arm of Academic Travel in Michigan): 888-332-2687. They list a fare of $640 (plus $48 tax), roundtrip, on Sabena between Chicago and Athens, with a change in Brussels. We do not have any experience with Acotra, so if you try them, let us know.

Meanwhile, here are some general thoughts. In making travel plans to Greece, keep the following things in mind:

--You should plan to arrive in Athens at least a day or two before the start of the Program, now scheduled for Sunday, March 16th. We will circulate in advance a list of some interesting things to do in and around Athens if you arrive early.

--You might want to arrange to travel together with one or two other students. We will provide advance information to help you get oriented, find hotel accommodations, etc., but it is less hassle to sort out a strange city with a companion or two. Also, hotel costs for two or three persons sharing a room are less than for singles.

--You should plan to arrive before dark, especially if you plan to look for a hotel on arrival. Even if you have a reservation, it is much easier and safer to negotiate an unfamiliar city in daylight.

--You might want to consider making one-way flight arrangements to Greece in order to allow more flexibility for your return travel.

In making your return travel arrangements, note that Gk Civ 203 will end on the coast of Turkey and Gk Civ 204 will end at Monemvasia, far down on the Peloponnesian coast. Do not plan to be able to fly out of Athens earlier than two days after the last day of the course, now scheduled for May 11 for Gk Civ 203 and June 4 for Gk Civ 204. Thus, assuming the dates on our tentative schedule, May 13 (for students leaving after Gk Civ 203) and June 6 (for those staying through Gk Civ 204) are as early as you should plan on leaving. A few days later in either case would be more comfortable, since weather or ferry schedules can slow your return to Athens. Again, remember that our schedule is still tentative; we expect to have a more settled schedule in about a month.