Wanderlust:
itchy feet; desire to travel
—Roget's Thesaurus.

For those of you without itchy feet, I urge you to cultivate them. As Ralph Cranshaw says, "Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel's immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way."

There is, as well, the sheer delight of seeing things one has only read about: the hippodrome of old Byzantium (now Istanbul, Turkey), where chariots raced in the bloody dust to the lusty cries of different factions in Emperor Justinian's time; the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, where the glorious annual wildebeest migration can be viewed; and the paradisiacal flora and fauna of lush New Zealand country.

Some of the sweetest returns of being a backpacking student have been the friends I have made, the hospitality I have received from strangers, and the images burned on my brain.

It is my belief that it is best to travel when one is a student—you have guaranteed long vacations, the energy to travel rough, a hunger for new experiences, and hopefully a little spending money. You can also get great deals as a student that you can't once you're out in the "adult" world.

This is how I normally plan my adventures. First, I choose where I want to go. I either go to the National Geographic's Web page (www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/intro.html) or I open an atlas, close my eyes, and put my finger on the map.

I then proceed to do my research about the country, via the Internet or Lonely Planet travel books. (I find the latter comprehensive and user-friendly.) I investigate the best time to travel, where to stay, the currency, the culture, the places to visit, the food, the health regulations, the local facilities, and things I need to be wary of. Do not underestimate the time and energy it takes to do this (and the payoff it has in reduced stress, better finances, and maximized use of time at your desired destination).

The next step involves ticketing and visas. I have found some fantastic deals through travel agencies listed in the back of The Village Voice; they frequently offer lower fares than you would get on the Internet, and once you build a relationship with an agency, you can actually get them to push for better rates for you. The other advantage is that you can earn frequent-flier miles this way.

Another way to finagle cheap tickets is via courier flights. Air-freight companies expedite delivery of urgent items by sending them with you as your baggage allowance. You are permitted to bring along a carry-on bag, but that's all. In return, you get a steeply discounted ticket. These flights usually operate only on the major air routes. For more information, visit www.courier.org.

Obtaining visas for overseas travel is an especially important issue for international students. Americans can frequently (not always, so please check!) get their visas at the port of entry. Foreign students must refer to the consulates or embassies of the countries they wish to travel to, for visa-related procedures. Since immigration laws are currently in flux, it is imperative for all international students to verify steps with Juilliard's International Advisement Office before they plan any trips (see box below). In any case, it is advisable for all potential sojourners to research visa protocol before tickets are bought.

After having bought my ticket and obtained my visa, I make copies of all my documents, which I secrete in various places, lest I lose the originals. (I also request either the International Advisement Office or a relative keep a copy for me.) I ensure that I have an international student ID card (enter cyberspace for more information on this) and a letter from school stating that I am a currently enrolled student, and check that my backpack is still sturdy and my sleeping bag unripped.

When packing, I include only essential clothing and toiletries. One rule of thumb is, travel light-you never know when and for how long you'll have to lug your backpack, and the last thing you want is a heavy burden on your back. And, if (like me) you like to pick up rocks and leaves from the various places you visit, you will need space in your bag. I also include emergency contact information, my health insurance card, a guidebook/phrasebook, disinfectant/bedding spray, antiseptic hand gel, water purifier, a water bottle, pepper spray, toilet paper, a Swiss army knife, twine (in case you need to wash and dry clothes), a wash basin plug, mosquito repellent, medicines, a camera, and my journal.

Once I reach my destination, I shop around for hostels. I rarely book my hotel/bed prior to travel, unless I am on a tight schedule. One can find (and bargain for) rooms in places not listed in the guidebooks. I do, however, always know which areas have accommodation.

My stay is marked by discoveries. I try to do everything. I usually get up early (don't forget to pack an alarm clock) and wander around when the place is just waking up. I try to take in the regular tourist spots as well as the unusual sites. Walking is the best means of getting around in urban centers; it helps one imbibe the spirit and culture of the people. I try to visit the markets where people shop for everyday items, parks, pubs and bars (but be cautious of these), and religious centers. A note on the latter: Please be deferential of times of prayer, appropriate clothing, gender segregation, volume of voice, and camera regulations. Remember, you are a guest in someone else's home, and you would wish them to treat your spiritual sanctuary with equal respect. Whether you like it or not, the way you comport yourself in another country is frequently taken as representative of your entire nation's mores.

I am always alert to my surroundings; as a single female traveler, I have to be. (Ladies, check Web sites on women and travel for handy tips). However, being vigilant is an asset for everybody.

Not being trigger-happy, I take few photographs—it helps me pay more attention to moments, rather than trying to file them away for the future.

Some of the sweetest returns of being a backpacking student have been the friends I have made, the hospitality I have received from strangers, and the images burned on my brain. Robert Louis Stevenson put it succinctly: "The great affair is to move." Need I say more?

Mahira Kakkar is a third-year drama student.

TRAVEL Q&A'S FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Q: Do I need to renew my visa? A: Check your visa (F-1 or J-1) in your passport. If your visa has expired, or will expire soon, and you're traveling abroad, you will need to renew it. You are now required to complete a new visa procedure before going to the U.S. embassy/consulate. Talk to Lily Lin or Kofi Amouzou in the International Advisement Office (Room 245) at least 15 days prior to your departure. They will help you with the necessary paperwork. If you show up at the U.S. embassy/consulate without completing this new procedure in advance, no visa will be issued. Q: What documents do I need to bring with me to renew my visa at the U.S. embassy/consulate? A: Every U.S. embassy/consulate has slightly different requirements. Check the requirements before you depart on the Links to United States Embassies and Consulates Worldwide Web site (http://travel.state.gov/links.html). Below are basic items you must bring: I-20 Form (for F visa) or DS-2019 Form (formerly IAP-66); for J visa. Make sure the back of your I-20 or DS-2019 is signed by Lily or Kofi for the spring semester. Transcript or your spring 2003 class schedule Financial documents to prove that you can afford to live and study in the U.S. Passport and three passport size photos Visa application and application fee Q: I heard that it took some people three months to get their visas. Is this true? A: Increasing security checks mean it may take longer than before to get your visa. Generally it takes between two and six weeks, so apply as soon as you arrive. COMING BACK TO THE U.S. ARE YOU READY? Q: After my arrival in the U.S., what do I leave the airport with after customs inspection? A: If your I-20 or DS-20 was never stamped, make sure that the customs officer stamps it at this time. You should have your I-20 or DS-2019 and I-94 card. Read and make sure that all information on the I-94 is correct before you exit. Q: I heard that some people had to do "Special Registration." What is that? A: "Special Registration" is a new rule the U.S. government put in place, effective September 11, 2002. It applies to citizens of five particular countries: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, and Syria. Citizens of these countries who entered the U.S. on or after 9/11/02 are required to register their presence with U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (I.N.S.). Q: I am from one of the five countries, but I entered the U.S. before 9/11/02. Does this rule apply to me? A: If you plan to leave the U.S. on or before December 15, 2002, this rule does not apply for now. But when you return to the U.S. you will be required to do the Special Registration. If you plan to stay in the U.S. beyond December 16, 2002, you will be required to register with I.N.S. now, or by December 16, 2002. Specific guidelines are available from the International Advisement Office. Q: I am not from one of those countries; do I worry about it? A: Due to tightening national security, the U.S. consul or customs officer may determine whether or not this rule applies to you, regardless of your citizenship. If you plan to travel to any of these countries, be sure that you keep all receipts of your activities (hotel, home stay, concert stubs, transportation, etc.). You may need them someday. Q: How does Special Registration work? A: You will be fingerprinted and photographed in the airport/port of entry. The customs officer will give you specific guidelines about in-person interviews, which you must complete in 30 days. Q: If I am subject to Special Registration, can I leave the U.S. from any airport? A: No. In the New York metropolitan area you may only fly out from J.F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark International Airport. For other departure ports, please check with the International Advisement Office, or visit the I.N.S. Web site's area on Special Registration (www.ins.gov/graphics/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm). Q: What if I drive to Canada or Mexico on holidays? A: If you are subject to Special Registration, you can only use certain ports. Please visit the I.N.S. Web site's area on Special Registration (see URL above). Q: What if I don't do what I was asked? A: If you fail to meet the registration requirements, you will lose your student status and become deportable. You may also be subject to arrest, fines, etc. Q: Do I need to tell I.N.S. that I have moved to a different address? A: Yes. This rule applies to all non-U.S. citizens. If you have moved but have not updated your new address with I.N.S., make sure you fill out Form AR-11 (available at the International Advisement Office) and send to I.N.S. Remember also to update your address with the Registrar's Office. Failure to complete this procedure may make you deportable.