For many students, our college years are the perfect time to travel (before we pay back our loans, ugh). Financial aid, job savings, and grants can go a long way in helping you get to where you want to go, whether it be a semester or a summer abroad or a cross-country road trip.
You've picked a place, booked your tickets, and packed your passport. What next? For those of you who have never traveled before (and those who have, but never alone), I present my top travel tips.
1. Do Your Research!
I cannot stress this enough! Go online or to the library and read a Lonely Planet guide. Look at the weather and local customs before you buy or pack your clothes. You don't want to end up in Mumbai or Cairo with a suitcase full of booty shorts, trust me. See Brangelina's Middle East vacation wardrobe? Culturally sensitive? Check. Glamorous? Check.
Research visa requirements as far in advance as you can. Being prepared can help you stay safe, so read before you go!
2. Pack Sensibly
This feels a bit like a no-brainer, but lugging around giant suitcases isn't fun. Bring what you need, and be frugal and practical. Go easy on the toiletries and appliances (you can buy them abroad!). For backpackers, buy a *magical* microfiber towel that dries in minutes and folds away to nothing, genius!
3. Don't Buy an Extra Suitcase to Bring Home Souvenirs!
It's expensive to buy a new suitcase and pay extra baggage fees. Why do that when you can airmail your purchases home for a fraction of the price? Plus point - you don't have to lug around the extra bag during your trip if you send it home. This is especially important when backpacking or visiting multiple cities during one trip.
4. Learn the Language
You don't have to be fluent, but it's incredibly helpful to learn basic phrases before you go. Generally people appreciate hearing you making an effort to speak their language. It also helps with menus (avoiding a meal of cow testicles and lentils is always a plus!).
5. Live Like a Local
Do the touristy stuff by all means, but be sure to check out places off the beaten trail. Find out where the locals eat, go have the best coffee in town, or find a local artist. Don't fall into the trap of spending all of your time with other visitors; you can do that at home! It can be scary at first, but you will meet some great people as long as you stay safe and aware .
6. EAT
Enough said. My favorite part of a new place is sampling as much of the local cuisine as I can. It's hard to go wrong.
7. Keep a Journal
Write it down! That bookstore you found with the beautiful windows, the perfect lunch, or someone who showed you something new. Blog about it, make a video diary or anything. Looking back on a travel journal can alleviate even the worst finals blues. Don't forget the people and places that made your journey amazing!
8. Don't Have Any Expectations
Check your expectations and assumptions with your baggage. You will be surprised 100% of the time, no matter how many times you visit the same place. Challenge cultural stereotypes with experience!
9. Respect Local Customs
This goes back to my first point, but it bears repeating. Always remember you are a visitor in someone else's country and life. Respect the local customs, and appreciate that they are sharing them with you.
Certain greetings and gestures can get you in a lot of trouble (even arrested), so check before you go!
10. Have the Time of Your Life
Traveling is a privilege. It's expensive and time consuming, but if you can, go! Find ways to get your college to fund your trip and save where possible. There are scholarships for most programs, it just takes a bit of research and essay writing to get them. It's worth it. Take a trip and be your own Anthony Bourdain or Junko Tabei. Be respectful and safe and have the best time!
