As my friends and I returned to New Orleans after our semesters abroad, we reflected on the highs and lows of our experiences. Bubbling with excitement to share stories and catch up, there was a lot of ground to cover. From paella and postcards to budget airline fiascos and temporary hostel friendships, we all agreed our semesters apart would forever be cherished as some of the best times of college. And also some of the scariest. Lifelong friendships were made, incredible places were visited, and life lessons were learned, but bags were stolen, friends went missing, and sexual misconduct was experienced. Where did we go wrong?
Travel, on a good day, is intoxicating: so jaw-droppingly beautiful you feel consumed by wanderlust and everyday stress becomes insignificant. On a bad day, however, when the weather is frustrating, your flight is delayed, and your phone is missing, even the smallest of hiccups can feel like the end of the world. When it feels like everything is going wrong—the world-famous museum ran out of tickets, your hostel hookup won’t get the hint, there’s nowhere to eat midday—it’s important to take a beat and re-center. What kept my friends and I grounded during our study abroad experience was practicing frequent check-ins with each other, as well as internal reflections on our wants and needs out of each weekend trip away. Going down a path of complaints can be tempting, but it takes away from the reality of where you are and how lucky you are to be there. It is a great privilege to study abroad, and focusing on gratitude for that opportunity is the best way to avoid falling victim to travel tribulations.
Beyond gratitude, spontaneity is the key to a successful semester abroad. Say yes. Plan out weekend trips, but don’t over-plan: book a flight, a place to stay, and maybe one tour. Leave ample time for getting lost down charming streets and meeting interesting strangers; it’s the best part. Flexibility with scheduling and expectations, we agreed, made all the difference. Apps like Google Maps, Hostelworld, Viator, Rome2Rio, Currency Converter, and WhatsApp became our non-negotiables. So, too, were scarves, blister band-aids (you’ll be getting your steps in), and digital cameras.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’re planning to study abroad. With the help of my friends, who have traveled across Australia, Africa, Europe, and Asia, I’ve put together some Do’s and Don’ts to get you started. Note – these are in no particular order!
Do:
- Introduce yourself to locals and ask for restaurant recommendations. If there are pictures on the menu, stay away.
- Keep a record of your travels; take photos (I had a shared album with family and friends, which was a big hit). You can also create a separate Instagram account, keep a journal, or collect mementos like train tickets and business cards.
- Give up your seat on public transportation to those in need. Be polite — you’re a visitor.
- Check out art museums and learn about the culture of the places you travel to.
- Communicate what you need with your travel buddies and ask them the same; even the most blasé traveler might surprise you.
- Drink water. It’s easy to stick primarily to coffee and alcohol in Europe.
- Pack extra socks. Just trust me.
- Avoid American bars (they are traps).
- Invest in a portable charger (and remember to bring it).
- Use airtags and share locations with friends. You’ll thank me later.
- Put your local time zone as a widget on your phone’s screen-saver to help with jet lag.
- Invest in a sturdy weekend bag (I love Béis and CALPAK).
- Venmo people back promptly (it gets confusing after a few weekends away).
- Consider getting a travel credit card to avoid foreign transaction fees.
- Kiss strangers. If you’re into that.
Don’t:
- Get too drunk on your first night in a new place.
- Start the night out as a duo. Three or four people is the perfect amount.
- Neglect learning the local language.
- Forget to carry a little cash. Credit cards are not always accepted, especially in marketplaces.
- Drink tap water. Unless you are 100% sure it is safe (this was learned the hard way)
- Travel in Birkenstocks. You may have to sprint through an airport or train station (I also learned this the hard way).
- Forget to tell your family you are alive and well.
- Forget your friends’ birthdays back home — the time difference makes this confusing. Let ‘em know you love ‘em.
- Try and pack your coat. Instead, wear it on the train/plane.
- Dismiss other travelers. They have intriguing stories to tell, just like you!
- Forget to research basic cultural norms for your destinations.
- Travel every weekend. You picked your home city for a reason!
- Over-plan. Just go with the flow and have a good attitude.
- Over-accommodate others. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel — go see what you want and make a plan to meet up later.
- Forget to rest. An afternoon siesta is a thing for a reason.
Happy travels!!
About Hannah Levy
Hannah is a senior, studying Philosophy of Law and Gender & Sexuality Studies. She is from Los Angeles, CA, and couldn't help but wonder... what would happen if she collected stories from her and her friends' lives to share here with you? In her free time, you can find her at hot yoga, listening to podcasts, enjoying happy hour, and searching for treasure on depop.
Hannah is a senior, studying Philosophy of Law and Gender & Sexuality Studies. She is from Los Angeles, CA, and couldn't help but wonder... what would happen if she collected stories from her and her friends' lives to share here with you? In her free time, you can find her at hot yoga, listening to podcasts, enjoying happy hour, and searching for treasure on depop.
