By Claire Latsko | Associate Editor and Tia Lombard | Contributing Writer
While studying abroad, you definitely will be traveling a lot. Sometimes figuring out a flight, train, hostel, and activities can be stressful, but we want to make sure you have an easy time planning to ensure that you have the best trip possible!
1. Buddy system
After recent events, this is our new number one rule for traveling. If you are going on a trip with your friends you should always try to stick together and check that everyone is accounted for. Have a group text to decide meeting places if you do split up, and don’t leave anyone behind. Make sure everyone gets on that flight or train or bus back home!
2. Plan/Book ahead
Let’s say you’re going on a trip to Iceland, and you really, really want to go to the famous Blue Lagoon; do not wait until the week before you go to try to book a slot. If there is something you know you want to experience in a different country, then make sure you give yourself ample time to buy a ticket or book a time slot. Procrastination is not your friend. Also, if you want to find reasonably priced flights and accommodations, we recommend StudentUniverse and HostelWorld!
3. …but be flexible!
Sometimes it is just fun to walk around with no destination in mind. Go on a mini adventure, and see where your feet take you! After hitting up all of the main tourist spots in Paris, take a wander around some side streets and try to find a local café or store that tourists don’t go to. You will be more relaxed if you go with the flow and don’t have to worry about a super strict itinerary.
4. Get to know your hostel
Hostels are meccas where young people from all over the world are gathering to (hopefully) get a good night’s sleep. Make friends with the people in your room! Chances are they might want someone to grab dinner or a drink (or both!) with. On a weekend trip to Wales we made friends with two girls from Australia, and almost two months later we still text one another. Chance encounters make pretty great friendships sometimes! Another thing to do is ask the receptionist of your hostel where the cool local places would be to check out. They definitely know the best spots for food, entertainment, and drinks.
5. Pack light, and don’t be afraid to wear clothes more than once
If you can fit everything you need for a weekend into one backpack, you will be so much happier. Don’t waste time and money trying to check a bag at the airport. While you pack, think about the bare minimum of things you need. We recommend always putting everything you would ideally like to take on your bed and then debate with yourself: “You do not need two pairs of jeans for one weekend!” “Woah, way too many pairs of socks!” “Yeah right, like you’re really going to want to go out to the bar and wear that after an all day hiking trip.” Wearing clothes more than once is not disgusting; it will save space in your bag for souvenirs, and your backpack will be much lighter to carry.
6. Be prepared for weather changes
This goes along with being smart about packing. Make sure to check what the weather will be like where you will be going, and pack based on what you will be doing; think practically. If there is a chance of rain then toss an umbrella or rain jacket in your backpack. If you’re going to be outside a lot then consider bringing a hat and gloves if you know the temperature gets significantly lower at night. The best tip for this is to pack clothes you can layer!
7. Know the currency
Don’t show up to a country that uses a different currency from the U.S. and have absolutely zero idea what the conversion rate is or what the currency is even called. Do a little bit of research before; Google will be happy to help you understand pounds, euros, pesos, francs, soles, etc., so you won’t look foolish asking someone at the airport for help.
8. Learn some of the native language!
It’s easy to fall into the habit of assuming everyone around you can speak English, but people will appreciate your attempts at their language, no matter how silly you think you sound! Having a few simple phrases in your back pocket can get you out of a pinch when you need to. We recommend learning the basics (“I have an allergy to _________.” “I need help.” “Where is the bathroom?” “Where can I find tequila?”)
9. Don’t sleep your weekend away!
If you’re studying abroad in Europe, you are going to become a pro at taking weekend trips to different countries. Unfortunately, that also means you’ll be frequenting the airport at heinous hours. Despite the barrage of red-eyes and taxis and busses (and lions and tigers and bears, oh my!), we recommend trying to keep a regular sleep schedule and fighting the urge to nap. You don’t know the next time you’re going to be in Vienna or Edinburgh; make every moment count and save the zzz’s for home!
10. Get out of your comfort zone
Study Abroad is the time you get to take risks and explore a new part of the world. We hate to say it…but YOLO seems pretty appropriate here (we’re sorry). Seize the day, and do something you normally wouldn’t do! Don’t be afraid to climb the Eiffel Tower, even if you’re deathly afraid of heights! Take some chances, and we guarantee that it will be well worth it!
