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7 Things to Do Before Leaving the Country

By U.S. News & World Report

As any seasoned traveler can attest, the 48 hours before any international trip tends to be chaotic. From wrapping up loose ends at home and work to ensuring your credit card will work in the country you’re visiting and prepping your carry-on, the days before a long international getaway can be a hectic yet exciting time, whether you’re planning a leisure or business trip. To help make travel smoother and stress-free, cross these seven steps off your to-do list before traveling abroad.

[Read: 7 Affordable Places in Europe to Visit Right Now.]

Visit the U.S. State Department’s Site for Real-Time Alerts and Warnings

Enrolling in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a smart move before any trip abroad. This free service alerts the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you’ll be in the area. After you’ve registered and provided need-to-know information, such as an emergency contact and your passport number, you’ll be emailed travel alerts and warnings specific to your destination, so you can stay up to speed on the latest security or safety hazards and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way. In addition to receiving notifications in the event of a crisis, STEP can also help the nearest embassy find you in an emergency situation.

Contact Your Credit Card Provider

Dealing with easily preventable hiccups does not rank high on things to take care of when away from home. A simple phone call with your bank or credit card provider to notify them of the dates of your trip and the countries you’ll be visiting takes just a few minutes and offers peace of mind that your card won’t be denied as a security precaution. Also, keep in mind that many international banks across Europe use chip-and-PIN technology as an added security measure, so cards with a magnetic strip may not be accepted at some establishments.

Set Your Out-of-Office Message

Aside from packing strategically and ensuring you have copies of essential documents, it’s critical to switch your email auto-response on to alert colleagues and clients that you’ll be away. Sometimes, even if you’re planning to stay connected on the road, a spotty internet connection will prohibit you from completing tasks while abroad. Plan ahead by letting key contacts know you will have limited access to email and ensure your message includes the date you’ll return to the office and how frequently you’ll check your inbox.

[See: 10 Frequent Flier Secrets Every Traveler Should Know.]

Unplug Extraneous Cords and Get Your Home in Order

Make sure to get rid or perishable products in your fridge, clean your home and unplug any laptop chargers, shredders, coffee makers and other small appliances that are not necessary to keep plugged in while you’re away. It’s also a smart idea to switch your sheets and tidy up your home, so you can arrive home feeling fresh and relaxed.

Check In for Your Flight Ahead of Time

There are plenty of reasons why you should check in for your flight before you get to the airport. From bypassing the check-in counter (especially if you aren’t checking luggage) to securing a better seat and lowering your odds of getting bumped due to an overbooked flight, checking in early can help mitigate unnecessary hassle. And perhaps most importantly, checking in for your flights ahead of time offers the chance to double-check your flight details in case your airline made a last-minute change to your itinerary. And, if you’re in an area with multiple airports, such as New York City, Chicago or Paris, checking in early allows you to confirm important details such as your terminal and the nearest airport lounge.

Share Your Itinerary with Loved Ones

It’s always a good idea to send your trip details to an emergency contact at home. Even if you’re planning a spontaneous trip, sharing the destinations you’ll be visiting and the tentative places you’ll be staying can help family members and friends ensure you’re safe in the event of an emergency. If nothing else, make sure to circulate your outbound and return flight details to help loved ones know if your plans are delayed, disrupted or your schedule changes on the fly.

[See: 9 Ways to Travel Better.]

Scan and Email Copies of Important Travel Documents to Yourself

Beyond ensuring you have many copies of your passport with you to easily pinpoint need-to-know information if you’re in a bind, it’s also critical that you carry copies of any visas, vaccination records (if they’re a mandatory entry and exit requirement) and your driver’s license. If you need to replace your passport on the fly, you’ll have the information to expedite the process. Also, make ensure you carry multiple copies of any visas, vaccination records and your driver’s license as an additional form of identification since lacking these materials can impact your ability to prove citizenship and meet entry and exit requirements when returning back to the U.S.

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7 Things to Do Before Leaving the Country originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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