If you are planning to study abroad, you are probably counting down the days until you leave for the airport! It is a very exciting time, especially if you have never been out of the country before. However, it is always important to keep your wits about you in strange settings. Here are some tips to keep in mind no matter your destination.
1. Educate yourself before you leave.
Don't wait until you get to your location to read up on the main activities you should participate in! Actively familiarize yourself with the country that you are traveling to—whether that be by purchasing a guidebook, asking questions of your friends and family, there can be many options that you can pursue to find out all of the exciting activities to engage in before your plane touches the ground!
2. Travel Light
When you are walking around your new surroundings, you will save yourself a lot of stress and worry if you opt for a lighter load during your days. If you are a female, traveling with a light crossbody with thicker straps is the best type of purse to hold your belongings, as you do not need to hold it, and it discourages snatchers from taking anything.
3. Tech Savvy
Make sure that you contact your cell phone company before you leave and compare all international plans so that you can make sure you do not get overcharged.
4. Two Heads are Better than One
Do not go anywhere alone, especially at night. You sometimes practice that at home, so you should definitely practice it when you are in a foreign country, especially if there is a language barrier. This one seems really simple, but it is very tempting to want to go off alone to a new, exciting place. But having someone there with you will be twice as fun and a great way to make memories and friends!
5. Buy a Dictionary
Obviously, you don't have to be fluent in the language of the country you are traveling to, but it would be helpful to learn some helpful phrases in case of an emergency.
6. Don't Put a Ring on it
Even though you might have some great jewelry to pair with your outfits, such as watches, earrings, or necklaces, it is best to leave them at home. When traveling in a foreign country, experts say it is best to blend in with the crowd and not attract attention to yourself—that means minimal jewelry.
7. Circulation is Key
When on the plane, exercise by trying to move about every hour—whether that be getting up to go to the bathroom, or just rotate your ankles just to keep the blood flowing. It will make you feel less restless and more alert.
8. Be on Time!
When you first arrive at your destination, do not go to bed, even if you really want to! The best way to overcome your jet lag is become accustomed to local time as quickly as possible. Do not nap in the afternoon, and if you must, make sure it is for no more than 20 minutes. Even though you will be tired, it will make your body regulate itself more quickly.
9. Keep in Touch!
Homesickness is a very real predicament, so do not try and write it off. Writing down your experiences in a journal or on a blog can be a great way to share your experiences with the outside world, and to capture all of your memories in a very realistic and intimate way. Don't be afraid to keep in touch with your family—Skype is your best friend!
10. Pics are your Best Friend
Make sure to document your trip in at least one way, and pictures are the easiest to keep track of! Whether on your Nikon or an iPhone, you will be able to relive the memories again and again when you return by flipping through the photographs!
