Student Travel Tips

The permission slips are signed, your bags are packed and you're, like, so ready to ditch the classroom and head out on your class trip. Travel is an exciting opportunity to experience different places and wondrous cultures, so the key is not to blow it by doing something that will ruin the trip for yourself and others.

While it's tempting to forget about all the rules as soon as your chaperones turn their backs, you should keep in mind these tips from ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know that studying for your upcoming trip is a homework assignment you'll actually enjoy.

Before you go, learn about the local 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, and you can be arrested.

Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. It's hard to enjoy the sights when you can't see them.

Pack a simple first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream and pain relievers. It's a good thing to have "just in case." And tell your trip leaders about any medications you're taking.

Give your parents the phone and fax number of your hotel, the cell phone numbers of the chaperones and a full itinerary of your trip. If anything changes during the trip, 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.

While You're There
Do not carry all your cash at once, especially if all you need is enough to buy lunch and a few sodas. And keep your wallet in a zippered pocket, preferably inside your jacket. If you need to exchange money in a foreign country, only use authorized vendors like banks.

Don't be flashy. Wear an old, inexpensive watch and leave the bling at home. You don't want to be a walking target for thieves. If you bring a fancy digital camera or an MP3 player, don't flaunt them.

When you check in at your hotel, grab a card from the counter with the hotel's name, address and phone number on it. Keep this card on you at all times.

Look both ways before crossing the streets. Yes, you've heard that a billion times, but you'll be surprised how easy it is to step into oncoming traffic in foreign countries, especially the ones where they drive on the other side of the road.
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How To Make a Zoo Trip Even More Educational for your Preschooler

A trip to the zoo is an enjoyable way to spend the day with your child. If you have a preschool aged child, a visit to the zoo is a great way to open your child’s eyes to an entirely new world. Elephants, tigers and lions will literally come to life before your child and it’s a great way to cultivate his interest in animals and nature.

When going to the zoo, maximize the experience with a few preparations. This way, the trip to the zoo will not only be enjoyable but educational as well.

    * Read books before you go. Build up a trip to the zoo by reading books about different animals he’s likely to see at the zoo. You can also get stories that feature animals as main characters. Baby Einstein books on animals are great because it uses real animals in their pictures along with small tidbits of trivia regarding each animal. When you get home from the zoo, pass by the library and borrow more books on animals to further reinforce what your child has seen and learned. Strike while the interest is high!
    * Watch nature and wild life shows. Watch National Geographic specials. Indulge your child in Dora the Explorer and Go! Diego! or even Wonderpets. These shows feature animals prominently in their storylines so it’s a great way to generate interest and educate your child about different trivia and things on animals.
    * Take the tour. Take advantage of the free guided tour at the zoo. This way, you have a knowledgeable resource person who you can ask questions and give you a short spiel on each animal you visit. Some tours even let you touch the animals. If your child shows an interest about a certain animal, let him ask the tour guide questions.
    * Schedule your trip. Visit the zoo website to find out if there are any animal shows on the day of your visit. Some animals are taken out during specific hours and may be allowed to roam free. Other times, zoo visitors can even watch the animals get fed. Keep in mind that some nocturnal animals may be asleep during midday, such as lions, so you may want to visit when it’s most likely that these animals are awake.
    * Read the information plaques. Read the information printed in front of each cage or section. Point out to the child any specific markings that distinguish a particular animal from another. For example, point out the large furry mane of the lion, or show the interesting spots on the cheetah.


Show enthusiasm when you go to the zoo so your child can be excited about the trip as well. Take advantage of days when the entrance is free. Arrange the trip with another child of the same age so your child can have more fun going around the zoo. If you plan the trip properly, your preschooler is sure to have fun while learning about the different animals. Let his visit to the zoo be a magical experience for him!
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