You’ve raised the money, 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. Learning about your upcoming trip is a homework assignment that is actually fun.

Before You Go

·      Before you go, learn about the local laws and customs of your destination. Visitors are not immune or pardoned for unlawful infractions.

·      Scan passports, student IDs, and paper documents. Store them in your web based email account.

·      Give your parents or guardians the phone and fax number of your hotel(s), the cell phone numbers of the chaperones and a full itinerary of your trip. If anything changes during the trip, e-mail or text your parents or guardians immediately with the new info.

·      When packing split up your valuables between suitcases and carry-on, different pockets, different wallets. Leave the bling at home. It will single you out as a target to potential thieves.

·      Dress for the season and be prepared for possible inclement weather (avoid the temptation of packing too much).

·      Ensure bags carried on the motorcoach will fit in the overhead compartments or under the seats. You don’t want to be traveling with a large bag in your lap throughout your tour.

·      If you have a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom so the bag will feel lighter resting against your lower back. Place frequently used items near the top.

·      It’s handy to have plastic bags or zip lock bags around anything that may leak.

·      If you pack in clear plastic zip lock bags you can see the item you want right way.

·      Pack only the clothing items you will need.

·      If you are traveling with a companion, split some of your clothes between bags. This way if a bag is mislaid or doesn’t arrive when you do (it does happen) you will have something to change into.

·      Don’t pre-wrap anything if you anticipate going through security checks.

·      Keep all medicines and important papers in your carry-on bag.

·      Carry a sweater or jacket on the motorcoach. It can be used as a pillow; knee pad/warmer; or put it on if you’re chilly.

·       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 if they haven’t already asked, tell your trip leaders about any medications you're taking.

·      If traveling by air, 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.

Reaching Your Destination

·      Do not carry all your cash at once, especially if all you need is enough to buy lunch and a few sodas. 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.

·      Travel with a buddy at all times and never wander off alone from the group.

·      Be respectful around others, and ask permission before taking photographs of churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other religious sites. Also, ask permission before taking photographs of military installations. In some countries you can be detained for taking a picture of the wrong building.

·      Talk to your trip leader or to a travel professional about types of food or beverages to avoid, and don't buy food from street vendors.

Hotel Hints

·      Tag your luggage inside and out.

·      Linens, robes, hair dryers, radios, remote controls, books, etc. located in hotel rooms are the property of the hotel. The hotel will bill you if these items are taken.

·      There is a fee for items the hotel supplies in a mini fridge or for a mini bar (this can include bottled water).

·      Most coffee and tea supplied in the room are complimentary. Coffee pots, china cups, glasses, and ice buckets are not complimentary (the hotel will bill you if these items are taken).

·      Some hotels charge for using the phone in your room (even local calls).

·      Small toiletries supplied by the hotel are free for you to use (soap, shampoo, lotions).

Departing for Home

·         Going on an extended class trip may be the most fun you'll ever have while actually learning something. If you follow the rules above, the only memories you'll bring back are good ones.

At 206.6 passenger miles per gallon, motorcoaches are the most efficient fuel saving way to travel. Travel with Scholastic Journeys and help save an ice cap or two.