| Study Abroad: Luggage and Travel Tips
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International and domestic U.S. flights usually allow
70 pounds;
however, the 44-pound limit is highly recommended. Domestic charter flights in your host country may impose a
44-pound weight limit. Less luggage is better. You alone must carry your
belongings - often a long distance. Rule of thumb: carry your
luggage around four blocks. If you cannot, remove some of your luggage
contents and carry it once again. In addition, you may be traveling
before or after your studies. Less is usually better. If
you are going for a semester or full academic year, you can have extra
clothing sent. Be aware if you do this, you will need to send it back or
leave it in the country. Also, in some countries, you may have to pay a
duty to pick up a package. Check customs
regulations if you plan to bring back anything exotic. Generally, food
or organic matter cannot be brought into the U.S. Also, keep a record of
the cost of gifts you have bought; receipts are handy to have. If you
want more information on Customs Regulations when entering the U.S., review the brochure "Know Before you
Go." A printed copy of the brochure is available from the Bureau of
Customs, 1301 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20229. Telephone 202-566-8195. Place unexposed
film in a separate bag (a plastic bag works well) and ask airport x-ray
operators to hand-check it. However, some airports do not allow this
hand check. You may also place your film in a lead-foil bag. The
higher the film speed (e.g., ASA1000), the more vulnerable the film is. Most airports in the U.S. have low intensity x-ray scanners; however, there is
no guarantee that airports overseas use the same intensity. Also, you
can have your camera registered at a domestic airport to obtain proof of
ownership. Include a small empty bag inside your luggage to use for
short trips within your country or to bring back extra belongings. Small
backpacks are a great carry-on. Keep all
important papers (e.g., passport, medical information, telephone numbers,
etc.) and some currency of your host country, as well as U.S. traveler's
checks and cash on your body. A passport case that goes around your neck
and under your clothing, a money belt, or a waist pack are very handy. U.S. passports are valuable commodities overseas, so keep them handy, but
safe. Make a copy of your passport, in case you lost it, as it is much
easier to get another one. For the return
trip, write your family's name and address on the piece of paper, and place it
inside your luggage.
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