Guide to worry-free spring break traveling

As countdowns reach the single digits, excitement settles in. Memories are yet to be made with the best of friends on sandy beaches, somewhere far south of UW-Whitewater. Although your hotel may be booked, and your luggage may be packed, are you sure you aren't forgetting something?

Here's a check list of travel tips not to forget.

1.) Prep your home. Make sure all appliances are unplugged. Put a timer or a motion sensor on outdoor lights and keep valuable or expensive items away from windows. Additionally, have a hold put on mail and newspapers until you return by stopping into the post office or visiting the U.S. Post Office web site. These precautions will help to keep burglars away.

2.) Road-trip. With gas prices increasing, all forms of traveling are becoming more expensive. Junior David Milz is driving to Florida with his family over spring break.

"My mom is making my brothers and I practice siphoning gas from other cars," Milz said jokingly, "But seriously each day the vacation seems to be getting a little more expensive."

While some choose to drive, instead of fly, it's important to prepare for a road-trip. Divide up who's driving, and make sure whoever is seated co-pilot is awake to keep the driver attentive. Have maps and directions figured out prior to departure. And include a solid set of directions for the ride home as well. Not all directions work in reverse. Check to be sure a copy of the registration is in the vehicle, and that all drivers have their state-issued IDs. Lastly, make the trip memorable by creating a playlist, or devising a game to pass the time.

3.) Pack light. Pack smart. Traveling with cumbersome luggage is annoying, so use discretion when choosing what to bring along. Although style is typically a plus, multi-purpose clothing equals less space. So pack clothing that can be worn on the beach and out to the club. Keep shoes to a minimum. They inevitably take up space. The shoes you do bring, stuff with toiletries, socks, swimsuits, etc. Be aware, weight and dimension policies differ from airline to airline. If luggage is over the limit, upgrading can be quite expensive. Lastly, don't forget to leave a little room for souvenirs.

4.) Checking Luggage. Be sure that luggage has a tag on it including your name, address, and phone number. Tie a colorful bow or string around your bag, to make it especially noticeable in a busy airport, and avoid any issues about similar bags. Use a camera or cell phone to take a picture of your suit case in case it gets lost, you can show the airlines what you are looking for. And don't forget to keep documentation of your checked baggage.

5.) Carry-on Craze. Recently airport security has taken yet another precaution to ensure ultimate consumer safety. All liquids and gels must be less than three ounces and kept separately in a clear plastic zip-lock style bag. That includes all, lipsticks, perfumes, medications, and lotions. Senior Jamie Overman knew to pack the essentials when she traveled to Florida over this past winter break.

"I packed my computer, a book, and an extra change of clothes all in my backpack," Overman said. She also researched what the airline policies were prior to leaving so that she didn't run into any dilemmas.

"But I did have extra baggies with just in case I wanted to bring anything back," Overman said.

6.) International Traveling. Become familiarized with local laws before leaving the country. To build the immune system, and avoid common illnesses such as "Montezuma's Revenge," eat foods such as yogurt the week prior to departure. Have your passport ready, and a second form of identification such as a state issued drivers license, or birth certificate.

7.) Use common sense. Spring break is commonly associated with heavy drinking on a daily basis. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly. Dawn Ingenthrone of Whitewater Travel Agency encourages students to be safe.

"Be aware of your surroundings and be alert," Ingenthrone said. "When going out try to travel as a group, and use the 'Buddy System.' And leave a copy of your itinerary and hotel information with someone at home."