With the fall break quickly approaching, I thought I’d take some time and share some tips for easy traveling. You may have heard it all before, but it can never hurt to have your memory jogged a little.
Cars
Whether your road trip takes you from good old Rochester to California (or even just a few hours away), you’ll want to make sure your car is in shape to do it. Don’t assume your car is running fine just because it seems alright in the five-minute long drive from your apartment to campus.
Bring your vehicle to Pep Boys or Valvoline for a quick oil change and a tire pressure check. You’ll want to make sure those tires aren’t under (or over) inflated, as this will reduce your gas mileage and cause unnecessary wear on your car. While you’re there, the mechanics can also do a quick check to make sure everything else is running properly. Make sure your headlights are functioning correctly as well (this requires actually getting out of your car while it’s running, for all you lazy bones out there).
And, for the record, RIT: Stop signs mean stop. Try not to forget the meaning of those red signs while on break, because, unlike the sheltered environment of campus, there are consequences for running them in the outside world. Lastly, stock up on your favorite snacks and CDs, and fill up your tank beforehand so you’re all ready to go.
Flights
If you’re flying this break, make sure to read up on the TSA regulations before travel day comes around. Passengers are still not permitted to bring beverages through security checkpoints. However, the ban on lighters has been lifted and you are allowed to carry common lighters through (who knew?).
Don’t fret if you really want that soda, whipped cream, cheese, or jelly on board. Just make sure to bring it in a three-ounce or smaller container (if you’re lucky enough to find it in that size). If you’re looking to bring through any liquid or gel — be it hair spray or deodorant or what-have-you — it still must be in a three oz. or smaller container inside a quart-sized Ziploc bag.
Not near your computer and want to check on your flight? Put Google to work for you by texting 466453 with your airline carrier and flight number. You can also text to get weather information for your final destination by sending ‘weather’ or ‘w’ with a city and state or with a zip code.
Trains
Train rides are generally quite long and can take up a whole day (or even two sometimes), so be prepared as there isn’t much to do other than sit onboard. The good thing about trains is that you can bring your own food and beverages with no need to fit it in a three-ounce container. For all of you that are over 21, you can even bring alcohol onboard.
Make sure to check ahead of time to see if you will be able to check your luggage. Some trains don’t offer this (or only offer it for part of your trip if you have to make a connection). Seating is most often on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you don’t like sitting next to the restroom you’d better get in line quickly when boarding is called. Lastly, if you’re traveling Amtrak, make sure to have your government-issued ID with you, as you can’t board without it.
With all traveling, be aware of your surroundings, know where emergency exits are, and tell others when you expect to be departing and arriving. It might be tempting to wear noise-canceling headphones, or blast your music through earbuds, but you should have the volume low enough to hear what is going on around you in case an emergency does arise. Always carry your wallet, cell phone, and important documents in front of you (i.e not in the little pocket on your backpack) so they’re not susceptible to theft. After all, you don’t have eyes in the back of your head. As you hear over and over in any given terminal, never leave your baggage unattended.
- e.
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