By Jill May/The Siskiyou
Speaker Anne McAlpin displayed one of her traveling essentials, a silk security wallet, during her international travel lecture in the Meese room of the Hannon Library on Wednesday.

Travel enthusiast students were treated to professional advice on how to prepare for trips from a short vacation to a lengthy study abroad.

Anne McAlpin gave a packing and travel seminar to a packed crowd of students gathered in the Meese room of the Hannon Library, Wednesday. The event was sponsored by the School of Business.

As a renowned travel expert, McAlpin has written travel books, designed travel products and appeared on television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and CNN. She began giving her workshop as an activity on a cruise ship and has since instructed people on effective ways to pack luggage and uphold personal safety in foreign countries. Students were given details on numerous traveling topics, from packing light to navigating airport regulations to preventing pickpockets and theft.

"You want to hide your passport under your clothing," said McAlpin.

She advocated the use of a security wallet concealed and worn around your waist or neck to carry important items such as credit cards and a passport. Future tourists were instructed to carry a day bag or wallet on the front of their body with a minimal amount of cash as well.

Additionally, students were shown examples of what typical airlines allow for carry-on and checked luggage and what TSA, or "Take Stuff Away," agents deem acceptable for passengers.

She stressed the use of TSA-approved luggage locks and to be alert for whether bags have been searched. The locks also provide easy access for security all over the world. According to McAlpin, they save time and hassles if access is needed.

Junior SOU student Sarah Garceau was already savvy on appeasing TSA agents and baggage restrictions but said that the organizational instructions will be valuable.

"It will help knowing to keep the heavy stuff on the bottom [of my luggage]," said Garceau.

McAlpin demonstrated how separating bulky items at the bottom of a standard suitcase with a packing board or similar instrument and properly rolling and sorting your clothing can save space as well as strain on your back. She promoted the versatile uses of zip-lock bags as a tool to separate items or help wash clothing in the absence of a washing machine. Students were also advised to make sure that they can carry their own luggage.

"It’s too hard to get people to help you," said McAlpin. "You want to be self-sufficient."

For those who missed McAlpin or want more information, visit www.packitup.com for more details.