The cobblestone streets under your feet are hundreds of years old, and the sun is breaking past the cathedral spirals as you hear the cold foreign wind sweep around you. The bells ring through the square as you take in this beautifully ancient sight, and then it’s over, because Snapchat only lasts 10 seconds.
Spring semester is the most popular time for students to find a break in their schedule to go on study abroad. Many of us have that friend, or several, who are over in faraway countries right now. You wake up and see their Insta post, their Snapchats, and their nonstop travel blogs that you will faithfully read because at heart we all have a serious case of wanderlust. So what can you do? It’s on your mind, it’s driving you crazy, the restlessness is becoming unbearable, and your GPA is a cruel mistress which means you are not going on an extended trip anytime soon. Well here are some tips and ideas that can tide you over until summer time.
Explore close to home:
If you have an itch for the outdoors, you don’t have to go across the country. Look up National Parks near you; there are hidden gems all around you. Grab a car, some sturdy shoes, and some friends and make some memories.
Learn a new language:
If you are wanting to go somewhere that doesn’t speak primarily English, learn the language! You will feel way more secure and independent knowing you can communicate by yourself and you will have a deeper cultural experience.
Pick up an outdoor activity and get fit:
Maybe you want to go backpacking, or rock climbing, or skiing in the Alps. You know what you need to have to actually enjoy those things? Muscles. No matter what you do here or over the pond, it will be somewhat physically challenging, and that’s the fun part. So if you want to go rock climbing in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, get certified here. You can bursar it, people, and get awesome at it with your friends. If you want to trek across Europe start running and walk over to that scary section downstairs and start lifting. Believe me, after a couple of days you will be ready to burn all of your belongings, so do yourself a favor and actually develop your muscles to carry your stuff.
Actually plan the trip!
Yes, gentleman, I am giving you a justification to use Pinterest, but I’m serious! Research that country you are dying to go to. Grab a friend who is a finance major and ask them to help you make a budget; I definitely did. Plan out what you are going to bring and how you are going to get there, because one of these days that window is going to open up and you got to be ready for it.
