Some Helpful tips for Spring Break
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By Teena Counihan  | Published March 2008

While I don’t consider myself a travel expert, I believe I have racked up enough frequent fl yer miles to learn a few lessons, when going on a vacation. I’ve made a few mistakes, and I’ve learned to correct them over the years. So, as spring break is upon us, let me share a few helpful tips and reminders for those of you getting ready to take a trip

1. Make sure you have all documents ready! Money – check. Ticket – check. Passport – oops! Yes, your fi rst mistake is to leave behind any papers or documents you will be needing to travel domestic or abroad. Make sure not no forget any of the IDs and credentials you have to present.
2. Do not bring anything illegal or banned. I know this seems like a given, but you never know who might try to sneak what in. Security is tight in airports – yes, even in ours – especially after the 9/11 bombings, so trying to smuggle a bit of contraband is a very risky gamble. Find out what items are prohibited before packing your suitcases. For instance, (and I find this somewhat whimsical) you are not supposed to bring nail-cutters on board, as it can be used as a weapon. You’ll never really know what items are allowed in your hand-carried luggage until you do your research.
3. 3. Wear comfortable clothes. You’re going to be glued to your airplane seat for quite a while, so staying comfy is a top priority. Whether it’s a 2 or 20 hour fl ight may seem even longer in the wrong pair of shoes or pants. Sure we all want to look good when traveling, but do not sacrifi ce comfort for fashion! (As if, I have never heard this before, practice what I Some Helpful tips for Spring Break preach)
4. 4. Bring some form of entertainment. Some fl ights may seem like forever, and the in fl ight movies may not be your cup of tea. Hence, you’re going to have to fi nd a way to keep yourself busy. Bringing an IPOD, MP3 player, a laptop, magazines or a book is always a good idea.
5. 5. Carry an extra set of clothes. Some spillage may occur on the plane, or you may just want the feeling of fresh clothes on your body, so a set of spare garments may come in pretty handy. Also, if by some misfortune, your bag gets lost or delayed in the transfer, you will at least have one set of clean clothes. Oh yeah, if you’re heading for somewhere cold, you may want to pack a jacket!
6. 6. Pack a toiletry kit. As some domestic are like international fl ights which are generally long, it is always a good idea to bring along your grooming kit. Now, this doesn’t have to be a complete clean up kit, but a toothbrush, toothpaste, some facial wash and a towel will do. And for those of you with dry skin, a moisturizer is extremely valuable, as skin tends to dehydrate when flying.
7. 7. Leave space in your luggage. When traveling abroad, you may want to pack a bit light (depending on how long your trip is going to be). You won’t be needing one outfi t per day, so learning how to mix and match is essential! Plus, if you’re going to be out of the country for extended periods, you can always make your way over to a laundromat. So what is the extra space for, you may be wondering? It’s for everything you buy, of course. In fact, you may need to purchase another piece of luggage for all your purchases.

These are just a few tips and pointers for those of you planning to take a vacation in or out of the country. You may fi nd some of them useful, while the others quirky or unusual. But believe me, they may come in handy. Whatever you do (and whether you take my advice or not), just remember to have fun and enjoy your trip!