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For the travel-savvy collegiette, packing can be a breeze. But for many collegiettes, the sight of an empty suitcase is a little nerve-racking. What are you supposed to pack for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the top six travel must-haves you need to bring with you on your next trip, thanks to suggestions from awesome Her Campus readers. Check them out below, and be sure to pack these when you take your next train trip with Amtrak (since they allow TWO free carry-on bags!).
1. Your passport
For this study abroad student from Australia, a passport is essential for exploring the U.S. And for you collegiettes who just want to travel around your home country, a cute mail-themed notebook and an HC pen like the one above are perfect for keeping track of where you’ve been and the memories you’ve made!
2. Entertainment and snacks
You’ve got to stay hydrated and full when you’re on the go! If you don’t feel like bringing your own snacks and drinks, be sure to stop by Amtrak’s dining car or café car on shorter trips and check out their awesome selection. This collegiette keeps herself entertained with magazines and headphones. Be sure to bring your laptop for entertainment, too—Amtrak trains have free Wi-Fi and outlets to plug in all of your devices!
3. Comfortable clothes
Speaking of snacks… don’t forget your “eating pants” as well! Full stomachs aside, you’ll want to stay comfy on your train ride, and maybe even take a nap or two if it’s a long journey, so comfortable clothes are a must. Good thing there’s a ton of space on Amtrak trains, so you can spread out while you nod off.
4. Cute luggage
Chic suitcases and totes are the ultimate in traveling in style. And since you can bring two carry-ons and check two bags for free on Amtrak, you won’t even have to choose among your cutest luggage. (Hey, a collegiette needs outfit options when she’s on the go!)
5. A travel buddy
Although we wouldn’t recommend trying to fit him or her in your suitcase (as you can see above, it doesn’t work too well), a friend is always a good thing to bring when you’re traveling. With your BFF at your side, exploring new places, trying new food and taking ridiculous selfies in front of landmarks is just that much more fun.
6. Your (cheap!) train tickets
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to forget to pack this small yet majorly important travel item when you’re busy worrying about outfit choices and snack options! And while you’re at it, make sure that when you buy your train tickets you take advantage of Amtrak’s amazing student discount! If you book your next Amtrak trip with a Student Advantage card, you’ll get 15 percent off most routes. At only $20 a year, the card also allows you to become eligible for 1,000 bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards enrollment points once you complete your first round-trip on Amtrak.
So when you book your tickets online on Amtrak.com, go to the “Passenger Discounts” page under the “Deals” tab, where you can select “Student Advantage” as your discount type. Enter your Student Advantage number, and you’ll instantly have dozens of discounted Amtrak routes at your fingertips.
If you want to have the best trip ever, don’t forget these six things! And to get wherever you want to go, check out Amtrak for an awesome train travel experience. With Amtrak, it’s super convenient to get from city center to city center. What’s your travel must-have, collegiettes? Let us know in the comments below!