Jetting off to foreign lands is one of the most exhilarating and overwhelming experiences you can have.
Before you hop on the plane, be sure to keep these items in mind so you can focus on having as much stress-free fun as possible.
Brush up on your foreign language skills.
No one is asking you to suddenly become fluent in a new language, but knowing key phrases and terms is crucial. Not only will it make situations easier and help you in an emergency, but it is also a sign of respect. Show the locals you appreciate their culture enough to at least be able to know how to say “hello,” “thank you” and other simple terms. Before you go, grab a phrasebook from a local bookstore. Pocket-sized is ideal because you can quickly slip in and out of your purse or backpack when you need it.
Save money.
It isn’t a secret that traveling abroad is expensive. It is costly to get there and to get around while you are there. Have enough saved up for some wiggle room. No matter how much you plan, there are always unforeseen expenses. Think outside the box to earn a little extra money before you go. Have a garage sale or ask for overtime at work. Finally, let banks and credit card companies know you will be abroad, so they don’t think the activity on your card is suspicious and cancel it.
Become a master packer.
While you may want to bring every adorable outfit you own, you will regret it when you have to lug the hefty load from place to place. Stick with a few clothing items you can mix and match and bring travel-sized toiletries for trips under a few weeks.
Only pack the essentials and stay away from what you can do without. Beware of weight limits for luggage and size requirements for toiletries in your carry on. On a similar note, check how many bags you can have. Most airlines allow your luggage piece, a carry-on and a personal item (like a purse), but many discount airlines are stricter.Research the history.
Before you travel to a famous city such as Paris, Berlin, Rome or Prague, make sure you know a little about where you are. It will make the experience mean even more to you. Plus, those free walking tours will be more interesting because you’ll actually have a vague idea of what the guide is talking about. I will never in my life forget visiting the Sistine Chapel in Rome. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen, but it was quickly ruined when I heard a girl next to me ask, “Who painted this?” Don’t be that girl. Let yourself deserve to be in the wonderful place you are and appreciate it.
Prepare to have your life changed.
Going abroad—for school, work or pleasure—is always life changing. It is important to mentally prepare yourself for the experience you are about to have.
College senior Kate Russell has traveled abroad three different times. According to her, while the experience can be overwhelming, it helps you grow. “You have to be willing to talk to strangers, you have to be willing to take a trip on a whim, you have to talk a walk by yourself,” Kate said.
But it can be tough. “There will be times while you’re traveling that you will be lonely and miss home. That comes with leaving the places you’ve always known,” she said. “You have to find the people, places or things that make you come alive, simple as that.”
Feature Photo via We Heart It