This spring break, I jetted to Europe and learned some pretty important lessons along the way.
1. The guys at European clubs are very aggressive.
Be prepared to have 40+ year old men flirt with you, and do not be scared about saying no. European men are much more confident than many American men, so brace yourself for men coming at you left and right, and you probably feeling very uncomfortable because of it.
2. You will eat more than you ever have before.
Get ready to try as many different types of foods as possible. Accept it, embrace it, love it.
3. Bring comfortable shoes, and get ready to walk a A LOT.
As collegiettes, most of us are on BBBs (Broke Bitch Budgets), so if you can save money by walking, it definitely should happen.
4. Get comfortable with the country’s language beforehand.
Do not assume everyone in the country you are visiting knows English. I learned very early on in my trip that communicating can get very frustrating, and that Google translate becomes your best friend.
5. Keep track of your possessions.
Always try to be with at least one other person when you go out because pickpockets are everywhere. People try to catch you off guard, so always make sure you have a hand on your purse and a pair of eyes looking out for it at all times.
6. Make sure to convert your money to foreign currency before the trip.
Nothing is worse than when you are about to go clubbing and are struggling to find an ATM to convert your American cash into euros (this happened to me way too many times). Convert your money before you leave for the trip to save yourself the trouble of worrying later on.
7. Look for student discounts at bars.
A hidden gem I found while in Rome is that some bars give student discounts which, when you have already downed three vodka crans and a sex on the beach, can really save you some money.
8. Take advantage of special tours or skip-the-line passes.
Yes, it is more expensive and you are currently balling on a budget, but purchasing special passes is a must. By not having to wait in an hour long line, you are able to fit more into your day and also save your skin from a possible sunburn.
9. Have fun with fashion.
Europeans are extremely fashion forward, so take advantage of the chance to experiement with your outfits and wear some pieces that are a bit too fancy for walking around a college campus.