While I won't be going anywhere particularly exciting this summer, I did have opportunity to visit Italy, England, and Scotland last summer and I think I learned a thing or two. So, I'm passing along all the lessons I learned abroad.
1. Don’t overpack.
If you don’t wear it at home, you won’t wear it while you're abroad. Trust me.
2. Comfort trumps stylishness.
Yeah, those Steve Madden sandals may be cute, but they won’t last long when you’re walking six to12 miles a day exploring a new city. I mean, don't look like a mess, but you don't have to look like a Kardashian either. But you do you.
3. Expect problems.
Your trip will not be perfect. It will not go as planned. Try to enjoy it anyway.
4. Do and see as much as you can.
You may be exhausted, but 1) you can sleep when you’re dead, and 2) who knows when you’ll be back?
5. Have a back up plan.
An exhibit or monument you wanted to see might be closed. While that is unfortunate, make sure you have a list of things you want to do if you end up having extra time.
6. Make sure you have enough storage on your phone.
You’re going to want all that storage for pictures and videos.
7. Save your Snapchat story everyday.
You can go back months from now and look at what you did each day all in one concise video.
(Another tip about Snapchatting abroad without cell service: you can take the picture at a monument and it will say failed, but once you get on Wi-Fi, it will add to your story! The downside is that you can’t use filters because it won’t know where you are.)
8. Don’t worry about trying to pack enough toiletries for your whole vacation.
You can buy all of those items abroad. If you’re only going for a week, then just bring your own, but anything longer then just find a pharmacy.
9. Compromise.
This is the most important rule of traveling with other people.
10. Always carry cash with you.
Just like here, not all places will take credit cards. Make sure to get money for your trip before you go there. It seems like common knowledge, but I still feel it needs to be said.
11. Do not forget to buy an adapter for your chargers.
It will be a nightmare if you don't.
12. Carry your most important possessions in your carry-on.
Very rarely will all of your bags arrive especially if you’re with a big group of people.
13. Venture out to the less touristy places as long as it’s safe.
Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path unless you feel it would be unsafe to do so. My favorite memories from traveling abroad were off the beaten path.
14. Take a sleep aid if it’s a particularly long flight.
On the way there, you will be way too excited to sleep so taking a sleep aid might help you.
15. Make sure your bags are sturdy.
You don’t want to be traveling abroad having your luggage break. As someone who broke two purses in 3.5 weeks while abroad, trust me when I say this.
16. Befriend the locals.
If you speak the language, then it should definitely not be an issue.
17. Jet lag will not be pretty.
I have never been as mean to my family as I was when I was jet mlagged. But don't lt the jet lag ruin your trip especially if it's a short trip.
18. Try to see some art or visit museums.
19. Write down what you did everyday, who you met, what you saw, etc.
Believe me, a year later and it will already be blending together.
20. Have the time of your life.
Experience new things. Try new foods. Meet new people. Be a different, better person when you return.
