Everyone is different. Some people are content to stay rooted where they have been planted. Some float in the breeze, eventually settling down to blossom. Others do best flitting from place to place. As someone who relates better to the second two, it is hard for me to imagine staying in this very place for 50 years. The world is too big, too beautiful, too wonderful to not see. As someone who has spent a semester abroad and is itching to go again, here are some tips to seeing the world, from seeing another country to a new city
1. Take joy in the small things
Never been on a subway and you are excited? Be excited. There is nothing childish about finding joy in new experiences. Does your hotel room have a great view? Take a million pictures and love it. Is the ocean beautiful but too chilly to swim in? Dip your toes in and love it. Got lost like we did? Laugh about it and take a million pictures.
2. Eat the food!
Ever had snails? Yeah, I hadn't either. But I tried it. Did I enjoy eating them? I think so, until I looked into their little eyes and felt bad about ten snails in. Try all the food you can. The authentic cuisine you will be around will be unlike any other experience. Don't think you can eat it? Hush and try. Unless you have an allergy, then no, please don't. But really, you probably have eaten from McDonald's and a lot of that food is questionable. So try the food.
3. Pack light
Do you need a thousand pairs of pants? No. Why? Because you are going to eat the food and the pants will get too tight anyway. But on the real, you don't need that many clothes. Learn to mix and match and to re-wear clothes. I used to be appalled at wearing the same pants over and over. It is fine; you are traveling and most likely you aren't the student equivalent to Kendall Jenner, so no one will judge you. In the below picture, I had worn those pants for a couple days prior.
4. Be respectful
Yes, the United States is one of my favorite places, and in my biased opinion, one of the best. There is no need to look down on other cultures, customs, foods, etc. just because they aren't 'Murican. You are a visitor. Respect where you are and who is around you. Also, a lot of people can understand English. You may not speak their language but do not bet on them not speaking English. So PSA: most Danish people speak perfect English.
5. Take pictures but don't miss out
You are exploring, trying new things, seeing new places. It is so easy to hide behind a camera in order to capture every moment. You know what is even better? Living in those moments. Bring a camera and bring a journal. Take pictures and jot down memories. Let me get cheesy really quick: live in the moment.
If traveling is not for you or someone you know, that is fine. God bless the people who are happily rooted in place. Without them, you would have nowhere to explore. Follow your heart. Book that ticket. Eat those snails.
