Trains, commercial buses, airplanes

Since Atlanta is a major city in the Southeastern United States, it offers several options if you desire to travel to other parts of the country (or even overseas). The nationwide railway system is called Amtrak. It has limited service from Atlanta, however; it does travel north to Washington, DC, and the Northeast, and south to New Orleans. If you want to make reservations or receive more information, you can call Amtrak toll-free at 1-800-USA-Rail (1-800-872-7245) or visit www.amtrak.com.

The nationwide commercial bus service is called Greyhound. It has a more extensive system than Amtrak and thus provides better service out of Atlanta. The terminal is in downtown Atlanta. For fare and schedule information, call 1-800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com.

If you are going a long distance and can afford the cost, airplane travel may be the best alternative for you, especially if you can buy your tickets far enough in advance and qualify for special discount rates. Most of the airlines fly out of Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport (you can ride MARTA to get to the airport; it is the last stop on the south rail line). You can call the airlines directly for reservations or rely on a travel agency, whose services are provided free of charge. You can go to STA Travel in Emory Village (1561 North Decatur Road; phone number: 404-377-9997). STA Travel also can help you get an International Student ID Card if you need one. The International Student ID allows you to take advantage of student rates when traveling.

When traveling by plane, three tips may be helpful. First, leave early for the airport. Get to the airport at least two hours early for domestic U.S. flights and three hours early for international flights. This will allow you plenty of time to check in and find your departure gate. Second, limit your luggage. You are allowed to carry one small bag on board the airplane; everything else must be checked in as baggage. If you can limit your luggage to the one carry-on bag, you will save yourself having to wait in baggage claim when you reach your destination. Third, label your bags. Put your name, address, and phone number both on a luggage tag on the outside and also on the inside of your bag (on the inside tag, also write your destination address and phone number). This will help you to recover your bag if it is lost or misdirected.