During the spring of 2016, I had the incredible, life-changing opportunity to go to Europe for 10 days with nearly 100 other kids my age. This was the first time I traveled out of the country without the comfort of my family by my side. I was going on a trip overseas, entering countries I had never stepped foot in before, speaking to individuals I had never spoken to before - in another language! And it was the most exhilarating 10 days of my life.
Now, 2 years later, I will be going on a Mediterranean cruise during the spring of 2018. To say I'm excited is an absolute understatement. I haven't traveled out of the country since I went to Europe in 2016, and now I'll be going to four entirely different countries!
Since I've traveled internationally before and will be doing so again very soon, I've decided now is as good a time as any to list some ways to mentally and physically prepare yourself for an overseas trip.
1. Make sure your passport is still valid.
This is vital since renewing your passport literally takes years off of your life. You should absolutely check way in advance to ensure your passport is not expired because it takes about 3 weeks to get a new one.
2. Save up a lot of money - and then change the currency.
It's also important to add that you need to make sure to know the currencies of each country you're going to if you're going to various places! Currencies are different from nation to nation throughout different continents; don't be left having to use your card and face an astronomical surcharge!
3. Check the weather so you know what to pack.
Different parts of the world have different seasons than the United States!
4. Try to pack as much as possible in as few bags as possible.
If you're anything like me, you constantly overpack - even if you're going somewhere for two nights. When you're going overseas, it's already expensive enough as-is. Don't make your life any harder by checking in five bags at the airport.
5. Learn basic phrases in the national language of wherever you're going.
When I went to France, it was extremely helpful that I had learned some French before going. Not to mention, the citizens will always appreciate it if you speak to them in their native tongue. It shows that you're putting in an effort to really immerse yourself in the culture.
6. Enjoy every second of the journey, and be grateful.
We're all young and have our entire lives ahead of us, but that never means that the future is guaranteed. Sometimes trips like these are once-in-a-lifetime. Make sure to really take in everything you can, and learn as much about yourself (and others) as possible. The world is a beautiful place.