Traveling while studying abroad is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but there are times when it can be a bit daunting or overwhelming to figure it all out on your own. My recommendation — still do it! Here are some tips to make your travel worthwhile.
1. Travel takes planning!
Perhaps it’s a reflection on our generation, but travel actually takes plenty of preparation and research in order to get the most out of any given destination. Especially in big cities, it’s wise to have some sort of an idea of where things are, what there is to see, and how you want to tackle a city. Research can be tedious, but trust me, it’s well worth it.
2. Get lost!
Having a plan is important, but if you find yourself a bit lost wandering round a new big city or a small town, allow yourself to just explore for a while. Some of the best cafes, shops, museums, and more I’ve encountered just meandering around a city.
3. Solo missions are underrated.
Break your program’s bubble! As cool as it is to hang out with other students from across the States, you are abroad for a reason. Try to push your boundaries and maybe go out on your own. It’s okay if you and your friends want to do different things — catch up with them later and share stories!
4. Stay updated on news in the region that you are visiting.
Europe and a lot of other places have been hit by many unfortunate events recently, and staying updated on what’s going on in certain regions can be beneficial to you. Be vigilant and smart with your travels — check in with the US Department of State website for travel advisories and places to be careful of.
5. Get off your phone!
This goes for many situations in life in my opinion, but particularly when you are traveling try your hardest to look up instead of down at your tiny screen! This may be the only time in your life that you will find yourself in certain destinations, so you might as well make it as worthwhile as possible. Also, travel provides a lovely opportunity to disconnect from things going on at home— take full advantage of it!
6. Place faith in people.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while abroad is that people are more often than not quite trustworthy, and if you ask them for help they usually can be pretty helpful. I still say it is wise to follow your gut, but if you are lost in a new place, the option to ask for help is always there. Who knows — you may make a new friend or travel companion! The opportunity is always there.
7. Keep track of your travels!
Whether it’s just in a series of pictures or taking a few minutes each day to journal, your experiences abroad are likely going to be some of the fondest memories you’ll look back on. Make sure to document the experience in some way so you have something tangible to reflect with.
