Weather outside is frightful and driving doesn't sound delightful? The airport's never at its best during holiday rushes and bringing liquid presents back in your luggage can be problematic under current airport rules. If you've someplace to go in the U.S. snow, like home for the holidays, try traveling by train instead: student discounts can make Amtrak an extremely attractive alternative -- an easy ride with simple security rules, provided the train goes where you want to get (find out with an Amtrak routes map, a trick interactive trip planning atlas online). Check it all out:

• All About Amtrak Travel
• Get 15% off Amtrak with an ISIC Card
• Amtrak Routes

Related Reading: Packing for Airport Security | Amtrak Pictures | Train Travel One Alternative to Airport Security Woes | Visit Potential College Campuses with Amtrak's Ticket Promotion

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The best gift you may get at any time of year is a real letter from home, especially if it's tucked into a box of homemade cookies, and it *can* be done even if you're overseas. Though the holidays are far from the only occasions that cause travelers to think longingly of home and hearth, you may be especially hoping for some gift-getting from afar right now, making this a good time to make getting goodies possible by getting an international snail mail address so friends and family can ship to anywhere in the world that you may be. Find out more:

• How to Get an International Mail Address

Related Reading: Backpacker Stocking Stuffers | Student Travel Gifts Under $25 | Managing Holiday Stress | Staying in Touch Internationally

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With the proliferation and ease of use of online travel journals, keeping a paper journal sounds old fashioned, but "talking" to a journal connects a traveler with Read more...

Itty bitty little book lights are a great travel accessory -- who'd a thought? Some hostels offer a teeny reading light over your bunk, but I travel with a carabiner light and multitask it: I hang it over the rung of a hostel bunk for general illumination, curve the bendy head over a book page, or Read more...