Traveling can be a rewarding and an exciting opportunity for a college student. It is a chance you get to experience and learn about all the beautiful cultures around the world. However, it can be quite scary sometimes bearing in mind that you are landing in a foreign place for the first time. It is vital to observe safety and health concerns to ensure that you have a positive experience full of memorable moments in your life.

The tips below will help you as a student prepare before and during your travel:

1. Get Travel Insurance and a Check Up

You would be surprised at how many students get so caught up in their itinerary plans that they forget to think of travel insurance. However, this is an important thing that needs taking care of. Check online with different agencies that provide international health insurance, consult them and buy the best insurance.

You should schedule a doctor’s appointment at least a month before you leave to make sure you have the right immunizations. If you have prescription medications;

• Carry all the medication in the original labeled containers. Make sure you pack them in your carry-on luggage as your checked bags may get lost or arrive late.
• Pack enough medication for your entire trip and include some extra just in case you spend more time on your travel than you originally planned.
• Get a letter from your doctor just in case you get questioned about your medications. Also, make sure to leave a copy at home with someone who can scan and send it in case of anything.
• Bring your personalized first aid kit with you and keep it with you at all times.

2. Check In With the State Department

Are you aware that the State Department provides updated safety information for all the countries in the world? Now you know. Your country’s embassy in foreign countries can be helpful in so many unexpected situations.

You should know the embassy location and contact information. Better yet, sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service provided by the US government where you can register your travel plans. In the event of an emergency, they will be able to contact you and help you stay in contact with your family.

3. Protect Important Documents and Your Money

A student’s passport is the most important document to keep safe while traveling. Make sure to have multiple copies of all the relevant documents like your passport, ID, travel tickets, health insurance cards and driver’s license in case of loss or theft. Leave copies with your parents or guardian to mail them to you in case the copies go missing.

You should not be flashy with your money as you are likely to attract thieves and pickpockets. Make sure to keep small amounts of cash with you at all times. For the money that you’re not using, keep it in a safe and secure place.

Your wallets should not be in your back pockets or accessible areas, and girls should carry bags with zippers. If you are carrying backpacks, ensure that you fit them with small locks.

4. Research and Stock Food Upon Arrival

It would be better for a student to do research beforehand to maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. Try to find the nearest health food stores and grocery stores near the place where you’ll stay. Check the well-rated hotels and restaurants nearby that offer healthy choices. Also, try getting a place with a fridge to stock up healthy foods.

5. Keep Your Breakfasts and Lunches Healthy

Traveling to a new country means sampling exotic and exciting new foods. However, be sure to exert control over your food choices. Make sure to make your breakfast each morning, pack lunch and go out for dinner while away. It makes you able to stay on track while on your vacation.

Don’t worry yourself if you can’t access a fridge; you can always find healthy packaged options that make a meal. Just be sure to not eat out breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your entire trip; you might hurt your wallet and waistline in the process.

6. Get Enough Sleep

While on transit and when you arrive, getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep is essential to your body. Students might be tempted to party hard and want to have it all and deprive themselves of sleep in the process. However, if you make it your priority, you can quickly achieve your sleep goals.

Try to stay awake on the first day if you are adjusting to a new time zone and go for a full night’s sleep to adapt to the new place quickly. Getting enough sleep helps your immune system stay strong and promotes recovery, therefore, prioritize accordingly.

7. Stay Hydrated

The key to feeling at your best is staying hydrated. You need to stay ahead of dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. You should take an empty water bottle with you when traveling and fill it up once you pass the security.

If your destination is somewhere more humid than your general climate, take in extra water. After all, you don’t want to confuse your body being thirsty with being famished and end up consuming too much.

Conclusion

Traveling around the globe is one of the most rewarding experiences that a student can have. If you take precautionary measures before and during your travel, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable time. There are other tips to consider, but the above points are crucial to keep in mind while planning your trip. Bon Voyage!

Kara Erhart is a professional team building coach, ethics teacher and content marketer with 5 years of experience. Also, she works as a web analyst for bid4papers. Follow her on Twitter.