2008 Woodie Awards
Travel tips for summer break
Danielle Ricchini
Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Features
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Now that the spring semester is quickly coming to a close, many students are looking forward to a much-needed summer vacation. While the main objective of many students vacations is to have fun, it is important to remember that safety is always a priority. Below are some reminders and travel tips that will allow you to have a fun and safe time this summer.
If you are traveling to a foreign land, call your doctor and let him or her know. You may need to take a preventative prescription, or get updated with your shots before taking off. Also, it is important to apply for your passport at least 10 weeks before you are scheduled to leave. The U.S. Department of Travel offers expedited service for passport, but there is a $60 charge. Airlines will not let you on an international flight without a valid passport. Chances are that neither hotels nor airlines will refund your money, so allow plenty of time for your passport application to be processed. Some countries may also require a Visa. Check online for specific requirements at http://travel.state.gov.
When packing, remember to leave plenty of room in your luggage for souvenirs. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. You do not want to make yourself a target for thieves. Airlines are strict about their carry-on policies, and if you stuff your suitcase you may find yourself paying extra for an over-weight bag. When you are traveling on an airplane it also helps to tie a distinctive ribbon on the handle. This will come in handy when you find yourself at baggage claim with a bunch of similar-looking bags. Never leave your bag unattended and never accept a package from a stranger.
Before you have your luggage checked, take a quick picture of it on your cell phone. If your bag gets lost, a picture will help identify your bag sooner. If your luggage does get lost, talk to an airline customer service representative. Many airlines offer basic necessities to travelers with lost luggage, and often your luggage will be returned to you within 24 hours. In this case, it would be smart to carry a change of clothes with you in your carry-on bag. Include all of your identification, including driver's license and passport in your carry-on as well. Keep your hotel information with you in you carry-on also.
If you are traveling to a foreign land, call your doctor and let him or her know. You may need to take a preventative prescription, or get updated with your shots before taking off. Also, it is important to apply for your passport at least 10 weeks before you are scheduled to leave. The U.S. Department of Travel offers expedited service for passport, but there is a $60 charge. Airlines will not let you on an international flight without a valid passport. Chances are that neither hotels nor airlines will refund your money, so allow plenty of time for your passport application to be processed. Some countries may also require a Visa. Check online for specific requirements at http://travel.state.gov.
When packing, remember to leave plenty of room in your luggage for souvenirs. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. You do not want to make yourself a target for thieves. Airlines are strict about their carry-on policies, and if you stuff your suitcase you may find yourself paying extra for an over-weight bag. When you are traveling on an airplane it also helps to tie a distinctive ribbon on the handle. This will come in handy when you find yourself at baggage claim with a bunch of similar-looking bags. Never leave your bag unattended and never accept a package from a stranger.
Before you have your luggage checked, take a quick picture of it on your cell phone. If your bag gets lost, a picture will help identify your bag sooner. If your luggage does get lost, talk to an airline customer service representative. Many airlines offer basic necessities to travelers with lost luggage, and often your luggage will be returned to you within 24 hours. In this case, it would be smart to carry a change of clothes with you in your carry-on bag. Include all of your identification, including driver's license and passport in your carry-on as well. Keep your hotel information with you in you carry-on also.
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