One of the delightful perks of enrolling in online classes is that you can travel and study at the same time. However, it does take thoughtful planning to insure that things go smoothly on the road. Here are five suggestions:
1- Choose hotels or other lodging that include free or reasonably-priced Internet service. Read reviews from travel sites that describe the quality of the Internet connection at your chosen place of lodging, so you will not be disappointed when you arrive. If your lodging is fixed and does not include Internet service, look for Internet accessibility that may be conveniently located near your destination – whether it is in a coffee shop, an Internet café, a public library, a copy shop or a WiFi hotspot. Some of these places rent computer time as well if your computer becomes disabled while you are traveling.
2- Avoid purchasing travel packages that include daily guided sightseeing tours. Instead, opt for a la carte tours that give you flexible choices about how to spend your time, especially if you are in a different time zone. This allows you to take required tests and finish homework assignments while rested and without feeling hurried.
3- Purchase an extra laptop battery and a travel adapter, if needed. And be sure to pack any necessary input/output cords or surge protection devices. Some Internet connections on the road may also require an ethernet cord as well; so purchase one before you leave, rather than paying top dollar for one somewhere else.
4- Make a copy of any textbook or resource materials you will need to complete your assignments while you are away. Rather than packing heavy textbooks, just copy the chapters and other information needed. Keep this material with your laptop as a carry-on, just in case your luggage is lost. Double-check your syllabus and take a copy of that with you as well. If carrying the copies or packing them constitutes a problem, consider scanning these materials into your computer.
5- Research the time difference between where your assignments need to go and your travel destination. This will allow you to plan your homework in a way that will avoid penalties for late submissions. To further avoid any due date snafus, try to turn in assignments a day early.
Travel and online classes are made for each other as long as the proper preparation is undertaken beforehand. So follow these guidelines and bon voyage!
Vida Olivier is a contributing writer to Directory of Schools, the only resource you will ever need for online education information. The DirectoryofSchools.com one-stop website offers over 9,000 online degree programs; 1,400 online colleges and universities; a national Directory of U.S. High Schools; helpful education articles; and an exciting new Education Blog with up-to-date education news. It is the website you can trust for your education needs.
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