As a study abroad student, of course you’re already travelling; however, there are also many opportunities for you and your friends to travel to new cities or countries individually while you’re abroad. Like anything else, it is a learning experience, so here are some tips that I wish I would have known:
- Travel together:
Okay duh! But seriously, it is not only safer, but more fun. I was fortunate enough to have a small study abroad group, so everyone was able to travel together, but if you have a larger group, find a few friends that also want to go to the same place as you. This way, you can split hotel/hostel bills, look out for each other, add more experience, and even split into smaller groups if everyone does not want to do the same thing.
- Travel light:
Another thing that seems very obvious but is sometimes hard to do. I promise when you get off of the bus/plane/train to transfer to the metro/walking you do not want to carry your suitcase. If you can keep everything in a small bookbag, do it! Girls, we think we need lots of outfits… we don’t. Pick pants that are versatile with lots of tops, shoes that are good for walking AND going out, and a few cute tops. Travel abroad will teach you to mix and match like a pro!
- Book travel arrangements BEFORE sleeping arrangements:
Getting to the place you want to go is arguably the biggest half of the battle. If you book a hotel and can’t get a ticket to get there, you lose money on cancellations (potentially a lot). Trust me, I did it. Always make sure you have arranged every mode of transportation (bus to plane to metro) before you book your beds.
- Plan ahead, but not too far ahead:
Booking plane tickets and places to stay is usually cheaper if you do it ahead of time and it saves a lot of stress but booking too far ahead of time can put you in a pickle. My experience was unique. I booked every weekend with a trip, and then COVID-19 decided to make its appearance and cut my trip short. Although I got tickets for cheap, I still lost a pretty big amount. My point is, plan ahead, but also be prepared for things to change very quickly; two weeks is probably enough.
- Stay open minded:
Of course, you should have an idea of things you want to see or do wherever you travel, but it’s okay to stray off course. Some of the best things we saw/experienced happened by accident so don’t get heartbroken if your itinerary changes. There is so much more hidden in every place than you will ever find so stop in the tiny shop, go to the local restaurant, and DISCOVER because this is where you learn the most.