As spring break and summer trips are fast approaching, many of you out there are probably thinking of setting out abroad.  For those who've never been to another country, it can be a rewarding and daunting experience all at the same time.  Fortunately, once you get past the ubiquitous details such as packing, communicating and logistics, venturing out of borders can be an unforgettable experience.

First things first... To pack or not to pack?

For many of us, not just girls, the temptation to pack everything is hard to resist.  Traveling to unfamiliar destinations seems to inspire us to pack for every possible contingency.  This isn't a bad practice in itself, but it can backfire if one isn't careful.  Take it from personal experience that you don't want to be lugging three suitcases on a train, precariously stuffing a bag above the head of the old woman glaring at you for taking up so much room in the first place, only to have it nearly crush her.  Try laying out everything you "think" that you need on the bed and divide it by half.  You'd be surprised how little you can get by with.  For my own personal suggestions on what to take, see the list below.

• Take two or three pairs of jeans.  You're a college student, you can go a couple of days without washing them.
• Take about one shirt for every day, with maybe a couple extra for spillage incidents.
• Take a comfy pair of shoes, especially if you're going to be doing lots of walking.  A pair of flip flops might be advisable as well, depending on your destination. 
• With respect to toiletries, pack light.  If you can't live without it, then get a small size.  Overweight luggage is unhappy luggage.
• Speaking of toiletries, pack a small bag in your carry on bag along with an extra change of clothes.  Lost luggage is also unhappy luggage, but it happens.
• It doesn't hurt to take something nice.  You never know where you might wind up, and some places have dress codes.
• Take clean underwear.  Seriously, your mother would be ashamed if you didn't.
• Take a sweater or a jacket (or whatever appropriate weather gear).  Even if it's supposedly a warm destination, you don't want to get stuck freezing should the weather decide to behave strangely.

Secondly, the linguistic issue...

As places like Mexico and France are popular spots for American college students, the linguistic barrier is inevitable in many cases.  There are those who have horror stories after thinking they could manage with nothing but English.  In a lot of cases, you can, but be prepared for some dirty looks.  That said, it's advisable to try to learn some useful phrases at the very least.  You would be surprised how even a butchered "hola" or "bon jour" can endear you to our international brethren.  If you're not a foreign language geek, as I am, you can always invest in one of those handy phrasebooks.  Lonely Planet has a pretty decent assortment. 

One really quick, but important, note is to really know what language the country you're visiting speaks.  Don't go somewhere like Brazil and expect people to speak Spanish.  It will not be pleasant.

Third, how to get where you're going and make it in one piece...

The obvious first step here is to pick a country.  Next you make sure you have your passport and any necessary documents you need.  Look at the consulate websites for more specific information.  Now that this part is over, you can narrow it down a bit.  Make sure you know what city or cities you're going to.  A map helps here.  If it suits you, make a list of what you want to see.  Others are going to be more content just going with the flow.  Either is fine, but my personal suggestion, if for no other reason than to avoid headaches, is to plan out as much as you can with respect to accommodations and travel arrangements.  First of all, it's a lot cheaper to buy in advance.  Secondly, it's a lot less stressful.  It's better to book ahead when possible instead of running the risk of getting stuck without a room or a train when you really need one.

Also important here, especially in non-English speaking places, is to learn those useful phrases.  Don't want to get on the wrong train, do you?

Lastly, money and safety...

The first thing I have to say is to carry only as much cash as you need.  Petty theft can happen in even the most developed nations, and it does.  Don't flash a lot of money around in public either.  Don't leave valuable things lying around where others can get at them.  This is all to say that you shouldn't do anything you wouldn't do here! 

With respect to money itself, especially where foreign currency is concerned, the ATM is going to be your best bet.  Most bank cards will work everywhere, but they carry charges.  To minimize them, as they can add up, pull out large amounts rather than smaller amounts more often.  Don't be a victim here either.  Watch yourself, and don't talk to strangers while you're getting cash. 

The other thing to be careful about is getting sick.  We've all heard of Moctezuma's Revenge.  The first step is to be careful about what you eat.  When in doubt, ask.  If other people are eating it, it's probably ok.  Some of the best food out there is street food.  Still, things happen, so it's good to have basic medicine on hand: aspirin, antacid, etc.  It's also important to make sure you have sufficient supplies of prescription meds.  You never know!

Don't let the unknown scare you.  True, it can be daunting, and no trip is ever perfect.  Traveling is about living out of your comfort zone.  You come back from one adventure and the next one is usually easier.  Everybody learns how to survive while on the road by some degree of trial and error, but these few suggestions can make the experience a little less hectic.