Here are some basic things you need to make sure to bring and to do before and during your trip abroad.

1. Start your flight in Canada

I heard from a few traveling friends that this was the most affordable option if you are paying right out of pocket, as I have been and continue to.

If you have an opportunity to take a train to an airport in Canada before flying out to the country you are studying in, I highly suggest that you do so. First off, you will save a lot of money. Train tickets usually come by pretty cheap, and flights departing in Canada can range from around $500 cheaper than starting off your departure in the U.S. Second off, Canada. You can get a little taste of the country before you leave.

2. Budget your spending money

This might be an obvious one for some people, but it is very important. With the money you have saved or set aside for the trip, plan out how much you are able to spend on food versus possible extra money for souvenirs.

One of the professors leading my trip to Rome told us that we can choose to eat cheap for a couple of days to be able to splurge on one meal or for a souvenir. But above all, knowing what you can and cannot spend each day is very important.

3. Travel notifications

Make sure your debit and credit card companies know that you are leaving and how long you will be gone, otherwise that means your cards will not work when you want to use them and it will leave you going through a pretty rigorous process to get them to work again.

4. International calling and texting

There are a few options if you want to use your phone while you are abroad. Leaving your phone as it is can get really expensive very quickly. There are pros and cons of these options, but there are very cheap ways to make either of these work for you.

1. Talk to your phone company about making an international phone plan for the duration of your trip. This option has many price ranges and options depending on what the company offers and how much you are willing to pay. For this option, I recommend getting unlimited texting and a few MB of data for Google Maps and the like. Instead of spending money on minutes for calling, a good alternative is FaceTime or Skype, which uses Wi-Fi, and believe it or not, Internet is not too hard to come by in many countries.

2. Unlock your phone and buy a SIM card in the country you are staying in. In Europe, I believe they are about fifteen to twenty Euro, which is not bad. The downside to this is that you cannot do any international communication such as texting. There is still the Internet connectivity, however.

5. Document your travels

Family members and friends are most likely going to want to know what is going on each day. You are also going to want to remember this experience forever and the details from this trip can be lost from memory as the years pass. Bring a small notebook with you and set time aside each day to write down everything you can about what happened that day and things you don't want to forget.

You could also bring a cheap disposable camera that you can keep in a small bag. You wouldn't have to worry too much about it getting lost or stolen and can have the photos printed out when you are back from your trip.

On another note, if you want to bring more expensive equipment along with you such as a DSLR or a laptop, keep them safe in a locked up bag to avoid pickpockets. Always keep an eye and a hand on your bag when walking through the streets and have somewhere safe to put them in your hotel or apartment when you are not using them. (See #9 for more information on theft safety)

6. Make copies of important files

Take pictures on your phone of your passport, your insurance, your flight and train passes, your credit cards- anything that you can think of- then send copies through text or print them out for you or family members to refer to in case any information is stolen or lost.

7. Put down the phone

There are of course times that are appropriate for having your phone out, but it can become a distraction from your surroundings all too quickly.

Also, if you feel homesick, it is better to put away electronics and to immerse yourself in the environment you are in. You're in a new country with so many different experiences! Get lost in the culture and embrace this new part of the world that you are in.

8. Always keep some cash on hand

Before your departure, I suggest ordering currency through your bank. Some banks take longer than others until the money is delivered (estimate examples: US Bank- 4-6 weeks, Chase- 2 business days), and you don't want to have to go to ATMs while you are abroad; they charge extra money every time you draw out from the bank and it can get very expensive for the international transfer fees. Ordering currency from the bank is much cheaper, but be prepared to wait a little while for some of the banks.

9. Theft protection

First, I recommend TSA locks to keep your things safe from pickpockets. They are cheap, small, and a good preventative measure to keep your things from getting stolen. I could even go so far as to say that I have felt my bag being tugged at in a really crowded train station (Gare de Lyon), and since my bag was locked, whoever it was that was pulling on my bag was unable to get to anything.

Second, carry a money belt or a neck wallet with all of your small, valuable items, such as your passport, credit cards, and change. Even keys and rail passes. There are some very discreet options that you can use and keep tucked under your clothing.

10. Don't be afraid to be alone

If you are involved in a program and your program allows it, don't be limited by staying within the limits of where your group is going. In your free time, feel free to go places and do things outside of the itinerary, whether it's with people you're traveling with or even by yourself. If you choose to be alone, be sure that someone knows where you are and stay safe.

If you're not bound by a program but are afraid of traveling alone, there are ways that you can still be safe while you are abroad. First off, someone needs to know where you are going and how long you will be away. Second off, research the places you are thinking of going and find out where the "no-go" zones are and find ways to avoid them.

And have fun.