Summer has finally arrived and that means studying abroad for many college students! While abroad, there is limited time to cram everything into your schedule. Whether you are studying, backpacking, or traveling with your friends you will want to make the most of your time over seas. However, traveling as a college student can be difficult when on a budget. Below are 20 tips to making the most of your time and money while traveling across Europe!
- Keep a journal. Seriously. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but you will be thankful you have something to remember months (and even decades) after your trip to look back on.
- Be open to new experiences.
- Not always having a set plan will lead you to some of the best spontaneous activities.
- Try the cultural foods.
- Take advantage of public transportation to get around the city.
- Buy food from the supermarket instead of eating out. This will help save money since eating out can get pricey!
- Attempt the language even if it is just "hello" and "goodbye" you will be appreciated for trying.
- Bring a deck of cards. With little internet and messaging available, cards are a great way to entertain in the evening or socializing.
- Keep your valuable belongings in a safe place.
- If you are staying in a hostel, read the reviews beforehand to make sure they are in a good location, clean and affordable.
- Hostels are not scary! They are clean, typically prime location and offer multiple sleeping accommodations.
- Ask yourself "do I really need this?" when packing and purchasing items. You'll thank yourself later, especially if you plan on backpacking.
- Go on a beer tour or bar crawl if you want to easily make friends.
- Be friendly and strike up a conversation with the guy in the bar next to you- you never know who you'll meet!
- You don't have to always make friends with people your own age.
- Shop the sale rack in local stores. You will save money AND be able to buy souvenirs.
- Go to a park and have a picnic. Take in the beauty of nature in a foreign country.
- Take lots of pictures to remember how special of a trip it was.
- Push yourself. Go hiking. Try foods you normally wouldn't. Go to a museum. Skydive. Make every minute count!
- Have the best trip of your lifetime.
- Save up and plan your next adventure!
