At some point in life, everyone thinks about traveling to another country. Whether it’s for an entire year, a full semester, a few weeks or even a few days, the experience will be totally worth it as long as you plan properly. So grab your best friend, pull out your passport and keep these travel tips in mind while planning your trip abroad!
Travel with a friend.Being abroad is a huge adjustment. You are going to be surrounded by so many unfamiliar things and a familiar face will be able to give you some comfort. Choose a friend or family member that you get along with really well and is interested in doing and seeing the same things as you!*Greeks: don’t forget to pack your spirit jerseys for cute photo ops!*
Be open to trying new things.The culture abroad will be very different than what you are use to. The food, fashion, drinks and travel will all seem unfamiliar to you. Be open to trying something different on the menu or shopping in stores you normally wouldn’t! If you taste something you don’t like, do your best to finish it but learn from the experience. At least you’ll have a great story to tell your family and friends when you get back home!
Make sure you pack correctly.Before you leave for your trip, look up the weather! There’s nothing worse than packing clothes for the wrong type of weather. If it’s going to be cold, make sure you dress in layers. If it is going to be warmer out, still pack a sweatshirt and long sleeve shirt for nighttime. Comfortable shoes are also a must have! You will be walking all over and don’t want to miss out on something because your feet hurt! As much as we all love our heels, you won’t have too many opportunities to wear them so save the room in your suitcase for more essential items.
Don’t be afraid to spend your money.Money is a huge factor when it comes to going abroad. As soon as you plan your trip, set a budget for yourself and start putting money aside for the trip! You will have to convert your U.S. money into whichever currency your destination uses. There are so many different things to do and try. You will regret not doing something in fear of not wanting to pay for it.
Have an amazing time!Always remember that you are a tourist in a foreign country and things will wrong. You will get lost and frustrated but close your eyes, take a deep breath and take a minute to appreciate the beauty around you. Enjoy every moment of your trip, and laugh at the things that go wrong! You will make unforgettable memories and experience all aspects of a different culture. It will be a trip of a lifetime!