College students love to travel and they don’t mind going far from home. When they have an opportunity to take courses overseas or travel anywhere, they will generally jump at the chance. How to be prepared for this travel? The school itself can give you plenty of information. You may also do research on the web, and talk with other students who have taken the same trip. When leaving the country, you will need a current passport. You may also need a visa. It’s important to check if you require any shots before entering a foreign country. Bring along any prescriptions of medications in the original bottles or containers that you may need to take. If you have allergies, bring the medication in the original bottle. Make sure that you can use your cell phone where you’re going. Sometimes all it takes is a call to your current cell phone provider to use the phone overseas at a lower rate. Make sure you have at least one credit card, and call the company before you leave so they know you are traveling. Make copies of your passport and student ID and keep them in a separate safe place. You’ll want to check what kind of weather to expect and pack accordingly. You will need to check with the airlines you are using before you begin to pack your lightweight luggage. Find out if there are weight restrictions and or size restrictions on your bags. Usually, the 30″ size duffel on wheels is the best to pack and you can usually take along two of these. Brands like Prolite Luggage and Skyway Luggage make duffels that can hook together for ease in rolling. They will also collapse down when not in use.

If you only use certain brands of toothpaste or deodorant you’ll want to check if these are available where you are going. If not, you’ll need to pack a supply to last your trip. Remember, that you can only carry on three-ounce size containers in a one quart sized bag. You’ll also need an electrical currency converter if you are planning to use your own hairdryer, hair straightener, electric toothbrush, etc., overseas. If you have an international appliance with dual voltage, you will still need an adapter plug. Grounded plugs are especially important for laptops. Small travel umbrellas and rain jackets are handy when the weather calls for it. A lightweight travel clock is also a necessity. Many of these items may have been received as corporate gifts. They have a company name or logo imprinted on them and is very useful. Besides the TSA locks which are used on your baggage, you may want to bring along a cable lock. This will lock your belongings in your room. Another good idea is to bring along a money belt that also holds your passport. These are worn underneath your clothing and protect your valuables from being stolen. There are different models that can be worn around the neck, around the waist or shoulder, or around the leg.

Folding totes are especially handy to have to bring back any items you may purchase while you travel. These come in duffel shapes or large totes. They tuck away inside your discount luggage, and are wonderful to use for short weekend trips, and also for any gifts you may buy. These folding cases are very lightweight and you’ll make good use of them. Most of them have shoulder straps for ease in carrying. You’ll also need your backpack or school bag for books and school supplies. These can usually be carried onto the plane with you as your carry on. Be sure to check on the size requirements before leaving for the airport. Some airlines will let you carry on a small rolling piece as well as your backpack. Remember, if you bring on any liquids or gels they must be packed inside the 3-1-1 kit.

Language translators or guidebooks are helpful if you do not speak the language of the country you are studying in. Some of the newer translators will pronounce the word for you and spell the word phonetically. Among your travel accessories, make sure you have a journal to write down the many new places you’ll see and visit. You can look back in your journal years from now and remember where you’ve gone. You can also assist other students with ideas and places you especially enjoyed while in that country.

Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel business for over 38 years. She is currently working at Village Luggage and Gifts.