It’s almost that time of year again when school is out. Spring is here and the time has come for students to begin packing their bags for travel!

Lee University has a lot planned for Global Perspective trips this summer, and with all of the excitement, it can be easy to forget things we swore we never would. So how can students stay on top of things?

Below is a list of top 5 things to consider before leaving the country, comprised by some of Lee University’s experienced professors, seasoned veterans in travel.

1. Packing: The key to packing when traveling overseas is pack light! By packing light, this means there is no need for the high heels in assorted colors or a million t-shirts and jeans. According to Dr. Richard Jones, associate professor of anthropology, one pair of shoes, two changes of clothing (plus the one you are wearing), a jacket/coat (if needed) and your toiletries are the basics. If you take anything else, ask yourself if you really need it.

2. Touring: Get a travel guide like “Let’s GO!” or “Lonely Planet.” This will not only point you in the right direction, but will also reduce your time of figuring out where you are going and give you more time for travel.

3. Finances: Make sure you either take converted cash or that you call your credit/debit card company and tell them you will be using it overseas. Credit cards may not work otherwise.

4. Safety: Make sure someone at home has your itinerary and a photo copy of your passport.

5. Transportation: Check the airline website to make sure your luggage meets size and weight restrictions as many airlines have made recent changes.

6. Electronics: Of course, we all need our handy digital camera and perhaps iPod for the plane ride. Dr. Jones suggests also that you leave all the electronic entertainment stuff at home. Look for other opportunities to occupy your time as you travel. I mean, how often is it that you are hundreds of miles overseas?

7. Carry-on: Get a neck pouch or money belt to wear under your clothes. Keep your valuables in these. Once you are at the place you are going, put your passport in the same place. You never can tell who is a “pick-pocket.”

8. Medications: You might consider taking some of the following items that are frequently useful: Pepto-Bismol tablets, Alka-Seltzer, tissues, waterless hand cleaner, gum, Band-Aids, snacks, pen and a small traveler’s sewing kit. You never know how valuable these are until you don’t have them.

9. Of course, nothing is more important than having a good hat when you travel.

If you’re frazzled and need some direction on how to travel, contact a Lee faculty familiar with world travel, like Dr. Jones or Beth Thompson, or check out www.1000tips4trips.com.