If your student is planning to travel during Fall Break (Oct 18-21), please help him/her keep in mind these important travel tips:
Catching a Bus, Train, or Plane
Students who are traveling via mass transportation should make sure they check for any weather advisories and schedule changes before they head out. Also, they need to be sure to:
- Check that they have the correct and necessary identification. Normally, it is best to carry at least two forms of identification (i.e. Driver’s License and Bear Pass).
- Review the security guidelines and regulations. Some transportation companies do not allow passengers to bring particular items with them as they travel.
- Carry important documents (i.e. wallet, money, identification, boarding ticket) in front of their body rather than in a backpack, in order to avoid theft.
- Bring a fully charged cell-phone (if possible), a small amount of cash in a secure spot, and a credit card – in case of an emergency or sudden changes to their travel itinerary.
- Dress appropriately for the destination.
Making the Drive
Students traveling by car should be aware of hazardous weather conditions and be prepared to make changes to their itinerary. They should also be sure to:
- Get a good night’s rest before they begin their journey. For more tips and information regarding drowsy driving, please reference the Family Connection blog post, “A Dangerous Problem Among College Students” (from Oct 9).
- Check the mechanics of the car (i.e. oil, brakes, and tire pressure) to be sure that they are working properly.
- Keep their gas tank close to full, in case of traffic or unanticipated delays.
- Carry a charged cell-phone with stored emergency contact numbers, in case of an emergency.
- Allow additional stopping space between cars when driving on wet roads.
- Be aware of alternative routes, in case of construction or weather that detours traffic away from the main highway.
- Be cautious when crossing bridges or overpasses during snowy conditions, because they freeze faster than road surfaces.
- Make sure they have extra blankets, a flashlight, warm clothing, and other emergency gear in their car in case of an emergency situation.
- Carry identification and emergency money.
- Try not to travel alone, whenever possible.
Tips taken from Parent Pages (2007)