Being from out-of-state can be fun and exciting. But trust me, it isn't all fun and games once you realize how frequently you'll be traveling. Sometimes you wish you can bring your laundry home for your parents to do, or pack multiple suitcases and throw them in the back of your trunk, but sorry, it just doesn't work like that. Here are some tips I have learned throughout my college years of traveling to and from college.
1. TSA Pre Is Your Best Friend
This is the easiest thing you can do and can save you so many headaches and time at the airport! It's easy to apply online and then have a quick interview to activate it. Trust me, if you've ever been to Orlando Airport, you'll thank me.
2. Check Bags Only At Small Airports
This may be a given but you never want to be in a situation where some airline loses your luggage. The airport by my house is tiny and has a total of two gates, which is why checked bags can be easy, especially after long breaks so you don't have to wait for a package from your parents weeks later.
3. Always Have A Portable Charger
It may not be the first thing on your mind, but there have been too many times where my battery has gotten so low and there was no outlet in sight. Another handy tip is to use your laptop as a portable charger as well!
4. Use Download Features On Netflix and Spotify
As you know you have to put your device on Airplane Mode once you're airborne, so download all the songs and all the shows or my personal favorite, some John Mulaney standup for the ride. My method that seems to work well is to listen to music taking off and landing and once you're airborne play your tv shows or movies to make the trip seem quicker, not finishing your movie halfway into the flight!
5. If You Do Get A Coffee Before Your Flight, Hope You Have An Aisle Seat
We all need coffee to be awake, especially being college students, but there is one important thing to remember, coffee is a diuretic. It may be TMI, but trust me this is something to think about. I can't even count the number of times I've had to ask passengers next to me to scoot in or get up because I've had to go mid-flight. Just make it easy and chose an aisle seat.
6. Belvita And Granola Bars Save You
Airports are known to be very expensive and we all have those snacks in our apartment or dorms for those mornings where we need a little fuel for our classes. Bring some of your own little snacks so you don't have to spend $20 on one granola and a bottle of water. Use your money for food at your destinations, it'll most likely be not only better food, but cheaper because anything is cheaper than the airport.
7. Reusable Water Bottles
We all know you can't bring liquids pass security, but empty water bottles are a go. You can easily fill up your bottle on the other side of security at a water fountain. Remember it must be empty before getting to security!!!
8. Pack For The Seasons!
No need to bring sweaters back to school after spring break! You may have come with your winter coat and a suitcase filled with sweaters, but there's no need to bring everything back down when the highs for the rest of the month will be in the 80s.
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10. Extra BlanketsJuwenin Home 100% Cotton Knitted Throw Blanket
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