One of the greatest opportunities and parts of studying abroad in college is getting to take trips to different countries on the weekend. It is a priceless experience that teaches you so much about the world around you and also makes your social media look pretty darn awesome. However, anyone who has taken one of these trips knows they are not without stress and obstacles. Anyone who has studied abroad knows the struggle of being a global traveler on a budget.
1. You have to get used to the simplicity of budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair because they are the quickest and easiest way to travel. Do not expect complimentary beverages or seats that lean back.
2. You also have to get really good at packing light due to the extremely limited number of carry-on bags allowed. Complimentary checked luggage is not a thing in the budget airline world.
3. It is not an easy task to fit everything you need in a backpack, but you get better as time goes on.
4. Finding the best method of transport from the airport is the next big task. Cabs are normally expensive, but it is difficult to work out subway systems in foreign languages, especially after a long flight in uncomfortable, plastic seats.
5. You want to be sure you do not end up in some sketchy area of a new city in a foreign country.
6. But it is hard to do that when you cannot read the map because you don't know the language.
7. Hostels are an interesting experience. This video below explains why:
8. You know the basic hostel rules: lock your possessions, be courteous to your bunkmates and be mindful of hostel curfews.
9. However, the free breakfast can make it easier to deal with hostel conditions.
11. You learn the best reasonably-priced cultural meals are actually at McDonald's. It is different in every country. You can actually get a pretty good croque monsieur sandwich at any French McDonald's.
12. You quickly learn you have to be on the lookout for culture at every corner. You could easily miss some historical site or national relic if you do not pay attention.
13. You also learn that–like your hostel breakfast–many of these great landmarks are free!
14. Or you at least can get a discount to most places with your student ID.
15. There are also the free walking tours.
16. The catch is that the tour guide always gives a spiel about how they do tours because they love it and have a passion, so not tipping them basically makes you the worst person alive.
17. There also are those weird people in costumes who stand in tourist areas who expect you to pay them money if you pose for a picture.
18. You become a pro at adapting to foreign subway systems after a few trips.
19. You learn most people under 40 in Europe will speak English well enough to give you directions.
20. You also learn anyone in Europe can tell that you are American just by looking at you. There's no hiding it.
21. Don't even try to fake being European.
22. However, you discover that many Europeans actually love American accents.
23. All the cultural differences really get to you. Cars come from the other side of the street. Tips are included at restaurants. Everything is so weird.
24. You do like the drinking age in Europe, though. That is one cultural difference you can live with.
25. True adulting is enjoying a glass of wine over a European dinner with intellectual conversation.
26. You probably spend a lot of money at the many Zara stores that seem to be on every block in Europe.
27. You get your share of culture at famous art museums and old churches.
28. You quickly learn though that old churches are pretty serious about having your shoulders covered, unless you want to pay money for a giant blue smock sold in the gift shop.
29. Lots of money can be saved by walking places. You quickly learn the value of good footwear.
30. Everything is within walking distance if you walk fast or have the time.
31. You learn you will get lost. You just really have to deal with it.
32. You sometimes actually have to read an actual map (gasp), because chances are you will have no service when you get lost in Europe.
33. European weekend trips really teach you about independence, living simply and being spontaneous.
34. Your Instagram posts may make it look more glamorous than it is.
35. But these trips are the type of memories that will last a lifetime and truly make you grow as a person.
