Last summer, I spent six weeks in Florence, Italy for the late spring semester. As the days went by, I realized more and more the things I should have packed, the things I wished I knew before I went and just things that seemed so simple at the time but were so easily forgotten.
This list is for all of the collegiette women going abroad and experiencing the amazing opportunity that is studying abroad.
1. When you’re packing, ROLL YOUR CLOTHES.
This will save you room, time, and you can fit more in your suitcase. When you travel to Europe, you will be able to have 50 pounds of stuff in your suitcase. The more stuff you want to pack, the more room you will need. Rolling your clothes will for sure be a benefit to the stress that is packing.
2. Don’t forget: an umbrella and rain boots.
It rains every day. Every. Single. Day. My mom told me that I should bring an umbrella and rain boots, but of course, I ignored her because, “I knew best,” and didn’t pack them. Not only did it rain for the first week that I was there, but for the first day, I was very wet walking back and forth to class. Not to worry though, you can buy an umbrella and a poncho for 1.19 euros at the 99 Cent Only Store.
3. Pack an empty bag.
I know this sounds really silly, but when you’re at the end of your trip and want to bring souvenirs back to the United States for all of your friends and family, you won’t have room to pack them inside if you packed your suitcase tightly. This bag can be put at the bottom of your suitcase when you’re packing, and you will be able to carry it on when you come home.
4. Pack a lock.
This will be a blessing in disguise. When you travel to different countries and have to stay in not-so-ideal hostels, they provide you a locker for your stuff. Sometimes, you will be staying with some people you know and then some people you don’t. This lock will be placed on the locker to ensure that your stuff stays as safe as possible!
5. Pack a reusable water bottle.
This is something you wouldn’t think about, but water costs money in Europe. For each bottle of water, you have to pay for it. However, there are places along the way where you can fill it up. You can bring it onto the plane through security as long as it’s empty, and it will be helpful every single day of your trip.
6. A small crossbody bag will be your best friend.
If you are really great at losing things (like I am), I would suggest bringing a small crossbody bag. I had one, and it held everything I needed when I traveled anywhere around Europe. It is crucial to have a good bag to carry your belongings around Europe, but make sure it has a zipper and put your important things at the bottom of your bag. This is crucial to get, and you’ll thank me later. If you lose it (like I did), you can buy one off the cute vendors for 10 euros.
7. Make a copy of all your important papers.
Keep a set with you in Europe and a set at home. If for some reason you happen to lose your passport, having these documents will ensure that you will be good to go by the time you return to America.
8. Take advantage of Airbnb and Ryanair.
Ryanair and Airbnb was something that I learned about while I was over in Europe. Ryanair is a flight system in Europe that has cheap flights to and from different countries. The flights are cheap, and they get you where you need to go… don’t expect much. Airbnb is a website where you can rent out people’s houses or apartments in the different countries where you stay. This is so helpful when you are looking for a last-minute place to stay for an affordable price.
9. Take a different way to class every day.
Take advantage of everything that the country you’re visiting has to offer. Take a different path to class, leave earlier, and go wander down to a different coffee place on your way to class. The best places are the hidden hole-in-the-walls. These are the best because they’re unexpected, just like the hidden gems that you’ll find on your path to class. Step out of your comfort zone because, after all, that’s why you’re in Europe in the first place.
10. The best piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to try new things.
This is so so so SO important. If they’re offering you free food at the market, try it. If you’re stuck between going on a trip to a different country or not, go. If you can’t pronounce what you’re ordering on the menu, it’s probably best to get it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you need to soak up every single minute of it.
So ready, set, travel abroad! You may never get an opportunity like this again, and you need to soak up everything it has to offer!
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