A little bit of planning can result in a big increase in security and satisfaction when it comes to student travel.
Here are some tips from experts on how to prepare for a student trip:
• Before you go, learn about the laws and customs of the countries you’re visiting, especially those concerning drinking age, drugs and curfews. You are not immune to a country’s laws just because you’re a visitor.
• Tell your trip leaders about any medications you’re taking. (Medication should be in the original containers and you should take the actual prescriptions with you when traveling overseas.)
• Play by the numbers. Give your parents the phone and fax numbers of your hotel, the cell phone numbers of the chaperones and a full itinerary of your trip. If anything changes, e-mail your parents immediately with the new info.
• Pack all valuables, medications, travel documents and passport in your carry-on bag. Occasionally, checked luggage gets lost at airports, so you want to have your important items on you.
• Do not carry all your cash at once. Keep your wallet in a zippered pocket, preferably...