Backpacking is one of the best ways to find out what different parts of the world are like.

Studying abroad isn’t the only way to travel though Europe in the summer. There are so many people who backpack through Europe, whether it’s in a group or by themselves. It is a shame that traveling abroad is not encouraged more, as it is in most European cultures. So, here are just a few reasons to convince you why studying, or simply traveling, abroad is definitely worth the trip.

When you go to a relaxing city, like Zurich or a suburb of Zurich, you can take a boat out onto Lake Zurich. The view from the middle of the lake is incredible and just sitting there is so relaxing. There was just something about the city that made us do things that people wouldn't normally do on vacation in Europe, like play foosball, ping pong, and Wizard’s Chess. If you are lucky enough to be there during their national holiday, you might get shot by a firework, or see a weird yet sad excuse for a parade.           

When you travel to a magnificent city such as Paris, the most fun thing you can do is bike down the streets and see all the sights, as they have bike rental stations all over the city. You might even find a carnival somewhere. What you definitely shouldn't do is bike to the Eiffel Tower at midnight when it’s about to rain, even if it does light up all cool like at night. And don't just wait for the rain to stop. Because if you do, then you might almost get your bikes stolen while hiding from the rain, or almost get in a fight with some drunk people. And here’s a tip while traveling: make sure you know when your train from Paris to London leaves, or else you will have to take an overnight bus.         

When you go to a city as expensive as London, do not get the fish and chips. Even if it is the classic English dish, and people say you have to get it at least once, it’s not worth it. It’s fried fish with fries, with no flavoring whatsoever. And it will give you the biggest food coma ever. If you are in a hurry and have extra cash for cabs, do not take the tube (the subway system). The tube is the most confusing transportation system on the planet, and you can even buy tickets for trains that don't exist. But their bus system is on point, so it’s sort of a trade-off. If you happen to go to Oxford, you can visit England’s oldest pub, established in 1242.         

When you go to a poppin’ city like Madrid, there are basically only two things you can do: shop and go clubbing. The day is for shopping, since most of the stores close around 9 p.m. and people don't eat dinner until around 10 p.m. When you go clubbing in Madrid, make sure you go to Kapital, not some random club like Moon Dance. And prepare for a long night because the clubs don't even get crazy until around 3:30 a.m. and people don't really leave until 6 a.m.           

When you go to a city as underrated as Lisbon, stay there a little longer than just one day. No one really talks about Lisbon, but it is such a beautiful city with many beaches and great food. Just make sure to get off the train with your whole party, and you don't leave with half of your group still on it. The beaches are freezing cold; the high was only about 70 degrees, so you can imagine how cold the water was. It will amaze you how many people are swimming even though your feet are going numb from the cold.          

All in all, going to Europe is quite an adventure. Eat a lot of different food, and meet different people in hostels -- they’re not sketchy. Whether you go by yourself, or with a group of friends, it will be the experience of a lifetime. There will be some hardships, but you will make memories that you will never forget.