2008 Woodie Awards
Spring break '08 - travel safely, on a budget
Josh Miner
Issue date: 3/14/08 Section: Fuse
Originally published: 3/13/08 at 9:00 PM EST
Last update: 3/13/08 at 7:58 PM EST
With spring break upon us, many students are getting ready to escape the harsh cold of Plattsburgh and head south.
However, there are some who believe traveling as an American can present additional dangers. Distinguished Professor of Anthropology Mark Cohen acknowledges that around the world people do hate our government, but that American students should not fear international travel.
"They don't blame the people," Cohen spoke of the attitude those in other countries have towards American citizens.
Pick-pockets can present an even more immediate danger for tourists than their particular nationality. To avoid potential problems, Cohen suggests staying in well-populated places as well as avoiding dark areas.
Another travel tip Cohen believes can help is using a safe belt strapped to your body. By putting your money, passport, and other important documents in the belt, thieves won't have very easy access to your essential belongings.
"Do not put anything you can afford to lose in a suitcase," Cohen adds about keeping track of your possessions.
Not only are your belongings important to keep track of, Cohen advises that it is important to purchase travel guides as well as lodging in advance.
Always know where you are, Cohen said. Keeping only important pages of a map or guide, ones that you plan on using, can help avoid confusion later on.
To travel cheaply, Cohen believes students can enjoy themselves in countries where hiking and camping spots are available.
By bringing a backpack and getting a student rail pass, it can be easy and relatively cheap to travel across Europe. For those who can't travel quite so far, Cohen reminds students that are options closer to home.
"If you go as far as Baltimore and Washington, it begins getting warm."
Anthropology professor Richard Robbins also agrees that you don't need to leave the country to have an enjoyable spring break.
"Don't go to Europe. See parts of the United States you haven't seen yet."
However, there are some who believe traveling as an American can present additional dangers. Distinguished Professor of Anthropology Mark Cohen acknowledges that around the world people do hate our government, but that American students should not fear international travel.
"They don't blame the people," Cohen spoke of the attitude those in other countries have towards American citizens.
Pick-pockets can present an even more immediate danger for tourists than their particular nationality. To avoid potential problems, Cohen suggests staying in well-populated places as well as avoiding dark areas.
Another travel tip Cohen believes can help is using a safe belt strapped to your body. By putting your money, passport, and other important documents in the belt, thieves won't have very easy access to your essential belongings.
"Do not put anything you can afford to lose in a suitcase," Cohen adds about keeping track of your possessions.
Not only are your belongings important to keep track of, Cohen advises that it is important to purchase travel guides as well as lodging in advance.
Always know where you are, Cohen said. Keeping only important pages of a map or guide, ones that you plan on using, can help avoid confusion later on.
To travel cheaply, Cohen believes students can enjoy themselves in countries where hiking and camping spots are available.
By bringing a backpack and getting a student rail pass, it can be easy and relatively cheap to travel across Europe. For those who can't travel quite so far, Cohen reminds students that are options closer to home.
"If you go as far as Baltimore and Washington, it begins getting warm."
Anthropology professor Richard Robbins also agrees that you don't need to leave the country to have an enjoyable spring break.
"Don't go to Europe. See parts of the United States you haven't seen yet."
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