College Ready, Set, Go
By Maxine Greco

It seems every college student longs to travel.
If it's far away from home the better. How can you
plan for this and what do you need to know? The
college itself can give you plenty of information.

Since it will be a learning experience in every sense
of the word, there will be plenty of information available.
Besides the information that the college will supply, you
can research on the Internet, speak with other students
who have attended this college before, and speak to
the student advisor.

If you are attending a school out of the country, you'll
need to know if you will require a passport and/or a visa.
You may need to receive inoculations prior to your trip.
You'll have to establish a way to receive money. You
might want to research if your cell phone will be of use.
Begin by learning all that you can about the area where
you will be staying. Check if you will be able to purchase
medication or cosmetics that you cannot do without.
If you have any allergies, be sure to address them before
your trip. You may have to bring along a supply of
cosmetics with you or send it on ahead, if you must
have a particular brand. Don't speak the language?
You may need guide books, translators or a word guide.
After you've completed your research, you can begin to
get organized.

It's impractical to take everything you own with you.
You will do laundry and you will still purchase new things.
Research the weather so you'll be packing the appropriate
clothing and shoes. Dormitory rooms are usually small, so the
collapsible duffels on wheels are the best choice. This type
of discount luggage is unstructured and lightweight.
You'll also need a smaller case for weekend trips. This
could double as your lightweight luggage carryon piece,
or it could be a folding backpack. Many of these wheeled
duffels can piggyback smaller pieces. Mosaic travelgear
and Coronado are two very popular and durable rolling
brands of luggage used by students. A fold-up rain jacket
and small umbrella is often a must. Lightweight travel alarm
clocks are another necessity. They do not require electricity
and are small and compact. If there's a traveler in the family,
t hese are often received as corporate gifts. Be careful that
you can handle everything by yourself that you decide to
take along.

You'll want to be sure to have small cable locks with you
to secure any of your belongings when necessary. They can
also be handy when taking small trips or sleeping on buses or
trains. You'll also need a under-the-clothing travel wallet or
money belt to keep your important papers secure when
traveling in some areas. Always make a copy of
everything and keep it in a separate place in case
papers are lost or stolen. Especially when traveling
in a foreign country, you want to be prepared. Keep in
mind also that foreign electricity will be different from the
United States. You will probably need an electrical
converter and adapters for many of the items you do
not want to be without. Newer laptop computers are
usually dual voltage, but you will still need a grounded
adapter to plug into the socket and many travelers
swear by a foreign electric surge protector. You
burn out your appliance if you plug a low American
voltage item into the higher voltage foreign electricity.
There are many travel accessories that make travel
more pleasant and you'll want to
choose what will work for your particular needs. Of course,
it’s easier if you’re in the states and not in a foreign country

One of the most important things is to keep a journal.
Whether you take notes electronically, or just write in a
book, you'll have so many new experiences, you'll want to
record them. Next time, you'll be the one coaching someone
else who’s getting ready for the college experience.

Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel
business for over 37 years. She currently works at
Village Luggage & Gifts.

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