What They Don’t Tell You About Going Abroad
Going abroad can be one of the most exciting times in someone’s life. But often, we are not given some of the critical information that could help us when going abroad. It’s talked about as the greatest time in your life when you’re supposed to be independent and struggle. However, abroad can be extremely daunting if you’re not prepared. While learning to be independent and struggling (a little) is important, being aware of these things can help you be more comfortable, successful, and safer while traveling.
Here are some tips that we found to be important for your trip abroad:
You will spend all your money
You don’t realize how much travel costs until you're planning it yourself. Prepare to spend a lot of money abroad, and that’s okay. Figuring out what you prioritize spending your money on abroad is important. For some, traveling is most important and takes priority. For others, people would rather spend money on shopping or nice restaurants. Figuring out what you care about most will help you not spend money you don't want to.
Additionally, figuring out a budget or a limit on certain trips will help to avoid overspending. Being abroad is exciting. Allow yourself to indulge. But also remember that those amazing memories can be made from cooking dinner or staying in hostels while you travel.
Don’t bring everything you own, you will shop
Please refrain from bringing your entire closet. Focusing on staple pieces that you love and will wear often will prevent overpacking. You will shop, it’s inevitable. Save that extra room in your suitcase; you’ll thank us later.
Do not bring your straighter
Most outlets abroad look different from ones in the U.S.. Please leave that Dyson Airwrap at home because bringing it is not worth it. Buying charging cables, straighteners, and curling irons abroad is common.
Travel is not always fun
While travel can be an amazing experience, it’s never perfect. Travel is exhausting and complicated. Flights get canceled, you’ll miss trains, there will be language barriers. Don’t be hard on yourself if things go wrong, because they will.
Bring a journal
As college students, we are especially used to change. But going abroad is a whole other can of worms that you can’t always prepare for. Mental health is more important than ever at this time. If you haven’t journaled in the past, it can be a great start to getting your emotions down on paper. Life can seem so hectic during this time, and slowing down to journal your feelings can help you to decompress.
Journaling is also a great tool for holding onto memories. Having a portable memory box to store polaroids, train tickets, restaurant receipts, or any other memorabilia is a perfect way to hold onto memories down the line.
Do not bring too many shoes
While it’s easy to want to bring all ten pairs of shoes in your college closet, try to refrain. For one, you do not have the room. Packing for four months away with one or two suitcases filling up quickly, and shoes are not always the priority. And secondly, you will not wear them all (speaking from experience). A good rule of thumb is one pair of good walking sneakers, boots, flip flops or sandals (if traveling to warm climates), and heeled boots.
Having pepper spray is not a bad choice
Safety is of the utmost priority when traveling to different countries. First and foremost, being aware of that country's crime rates can help you be a more prepared traveler. For example, Paris is known for pickpocketing. Ensuring you’re aware and alert of your surroundings, especially when you're alone, can save your life. Avoid walking alone at night and looking like a tourist. But, when in doubt, bring your pepper spray.
Bring a portable charger
You will be on buses, on trains, on planes and won’t be able to find an outlet. Bringing a portable charger will be a lifesaver when you have Google Maps on and you’re the only phone left with a battery.
Download Google Translate… you’ll use it
Experiencing language barriers is a part of going abroad. Doing your best to learn basic phrases while abroad means a lot to locals. Luckily, today's technology allows language barriers to be a little easier. We highly recommend language apps like Google Translate if you are ever in a situation where you need to translate another language.
Never leave your belongings unattended
This goes for every country you are abroad in: always keep your belongings with you. Especially in Europe, pickpocketing is extremely prevalent. We recommend a cross-body bag or purse (with zippers) to ensure bags cannot be ripped away easily. In addition, we recommend keeping your purse or bag in your lap while at restaurants or bars. Lastly, never leave your luggage unattended. One second away could cost you all your belongings.
Always buy your train tickets
We learned this one the hard way. While some train tickets between cities can seem pointless because they’re so cheap and probably won’t be checked, do it anyway. It’s not worth the fee if you get caught.
Finding a support system is so important for your mental health abroad
Photo by Kelley Gosk
The most important advice we have is to find a support system while abroad. Traveling alone can be greatly beneficial, but traveling with friends is such an incredible experience. Being able to lean on your support system can help you feel less isolated from your life at home.
We also recommend leaning on counseling services as most abroad students experience loneliness and homesickness abroad. These feelings are normal and seeking professional help can benefit you hugely.
Traveling abroad provides you with the opportunity to see places you’ll never have the chance to see again in your life. Hopefully, some of these tips can be useful to you if you plan on traveling abroad.
Went abroad recently? Share with us some of your travel tips with us here @theedgemag!