Student outing tips

By Virgil Lopez


Students are really looking forward to their semestral break after all the work that they have done. Thoughts of having a barkada out-of-town trip this coming sembreak are springing out of their minds because they need to give themselves a break from the grueling challenges in school.
Your traveling must be planned ahead of time to ensure a fun, safe, and memorable outing with your buddies. Arm yourselves with these tips for your much awaited backpacking:

• Pick your top three destinations and research on the possible locations of your outing. Ask your parents or call some relatives and friends who can help you learn more about the places your group wishes to visit.
• Take into consideration your financial situation and the possible expenses in your outing. Do you have your own money to spend for your trip? How much would you ask from your parents?
• To help you determine the cost of the trip, list down the travel expenses: food, lodging, transportation, pocket money (for souvenirs and other items to be bought), medical expenses (just to be sure in case any emergency arises) and safety money (this is not meant to be spent unless for urgent situations such as increase in the room rates, or additional transportation expense.)
• To make sure your estimated budget for the trip is enough, better call the hotel or your choice of board and lodging to know their room rates. Also call the bus terminal or the airline (if traveling outside Manila or out of the country) to provide you the prices of the transportation plus the travel tax.
• Since most student outings are on a small budget, make sure you pack all your necessities to cut down on miscellaneous expenses.
• You and your barkada can create an itinerary to make the most of your trip. An itinerary is helpful so that you will not miss any famous or historical spots to be seen.
• As much as possible, leave your official school identification card at home and bring other valid IDs. This will prevent the hassles of going through the slow and tedious process of having your ID replaced if ever you lose it during the trip.
• Secure all your documents and tickets in a pouch. It is easier to find and present the necessary travel documents if you place them in a separate bag.
• Double-check your belongings before you leave the house. Make a checklist beforehand to help you locate items inside your bag. The checklist also helps in making sure that you forget no items for your travel.
• Bring a small phonebook containing all the phone numbers (both landline and mobile) of your loved ones. Call them often and let them know where exactly you and your friends are. This gesture will lessen their worries while you are having fun.
  

These are just some of the pointers to take into consideration before you travel with your buddies. Traveling is one of the best learning experiences a person can have since he or she will be acquainted with different places, cultures, and events in different travel destinations. So what are you waiting for? Biyahe na!