1. Immerse yourself completely.
I applied to the study abroad program I am now a part of because I wanted to see the world. But since being on the other side of the world in Europe, I've realized how much more there is to traveling. It's about, yes, seeing new places, but more importantly, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles. So seek new views and enjoy them, while also remembering to delve into the incredible, diverse cultures around you.
2. Take a moment to take everything in.
It's easy to get swept up in the unbeatable, fast-paced life that is a traveler's. Stepping off that plane or train and into a whole new, unexplored world is surreal. So much so, that it's easy to forget the amazing opportunity you've been given and possibly take it for granted. So take a moment to pause and take everything in. Memorize the beautiful landscapes, realize the vastness of what you're doing and seeing, and tuck it away to keep forever.
3. Do your research.
It never hurts to be somewhat knowledgeable about the places you're exploring. Learn the basics of the language, understand what is acceptable in the culture, and definitely do some investigating into the laws of the area. This will just guarantee that you're a little better prepared for the experience. And you won't end up in jail for breaking a law you didn't know existed.
4. Have zero expectations.
We've all grown up fantasizing about visiting places like Paris and Rome and Greece. Nothing will ever beat the perfect image we had in our minds of these outlandish places. So go into your travels with zero expectations and all of the excitement in the world to explore the unfamiliar.
5. Don't try to do and see it all.
As soon as you arrive at the train station or airport, there are information desks with an overwhelming amount of suggestions and material about your destination. The worst thing you can do is try to do and see it all. You will quickly become overpowered and focus only on making sure you have time for the next activity. Instead, pick out a couple sure things you want to do or places you want to see and for the rest of the time just explore - with no guide or intentions.
6. Be friendly and respectful to locals.
Many of the places that people visit are likely tourist centrals, which means the locals are used to, and likely sick of, us visitors. Remember that it's not just a stop along a journey for some, but a home. So be nice to the locals and appreciate any help or suggestions they may offer.
8. Try not to stress out.
It's easy to become anxious while traveling. You have to buy plane tickets, find train platforms in under ten minutes, book hostels, locate your hostel once you arrive, communicate with people who speak a different language, and so on. Try not to let it stress you out too much, everything will work out one way or another, even if it doesn't go exactly the way you planned. Whatever happens, a great story and valuable lesson will surely come from it.
9. Pack lightly.
I repeat: pack lightly. Nothing's worse than lugging around a 20 pound suitcase or overstuffed backpack for miles. Plan out your outfits in advance so you don't have all the extra weight and have room for other necessities like shower shoes and sheets. Besides, you won't be buying any souvenirs if you don't have the means to transport them back home with you.
10. Take a breather.
We all need a break from time to time. Traveling is one of the most exhausting activities you will ever take part in. You're constantly hustling from one place to the next and hurrying to catch your train, while trying to do all you can in between. Don't be hesitant or ashamed to take a breather. Rest up for a few days and then be fully rejuvenated to take on the next trip.
11. Don't always have a plan.
Yes, I said don't. Some of my favorite travel memories so far are sitting on a bench drinking hot chocolate in a random park in Paris and listening to Taylor Swift at a beachside bar in Cinque Terre, Italy. And they definitely weren't planned activities. The best days are ones that are spent simply enjoying where you are and who you're with, you don't necessarily have to be walking through a famous museum or touring every part of the city.
12. Buy tickets in advance.
For the activities you are absolutely positively doing, like visiting the Louvre in Paris or Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, book your tickets in advance. Do not take this advice lightly. If you do not reserve tickets beforehand, you probably won't get in or you'll have to wait in a line for five hours and if you do not organize transportation beforehand, it will be difficult to figure out the day of. So buy your tickets in advance. Just do it.
13. Don't feel the need to document everything.
It's true what they say, memories are the best things you'll ever have. Of course it's important to take some pictures to look back on, but if you're so focused on documenting every little bit of your trip, then you'll feel like you barely experienced it. Also, there's a time and place for everything. I cringed to no end when I saw people taking pictures of themselves smiling in front of the gate to enter Dachau Concentration Camp. Recognize when it's inappropriate or simply unnecessary.
14. Enjoy every bit of the journey.
Enjoy and be thankful for every piece of your experience abroad. There are so many treasures of the world just waiting to be found and appreciated. Some of these treasures are friendships, some landscapes and others blessings in disguise - things you'll understand much later. Seek them out and live for the incredible places and people you'll witness as a traveler.
