On request for the anticipation of summer, today’s post is all about traveling abroad. As summer approaches some of us consider traveling to new countries. This does not come without nerves of being in a different place, on your own for the first time.
These are the top 5 tips to keep in mind when planning your next trip abroad.
#1 JUST THROW IT IN THE BAG
Backpacking through Europe is a great way to save some cash when traveling abroad. Staying in Hostels instead of Hotels can cut the cost of your trip. Backpacking also allows for you to spend more time walking around town instead of getting caught up in staying in a nice hotel. I noticed the difference when I traveled. The nicer the place I was staying in the more I found myself eating at the hotel restaurant, and taking longer to leave in the morning. In a country so different from the one you are use to, being out and about as much as you can to explore is so important.
#2 CHECK THE TO-DO LIST
Before you leave for your trip, it may seem like a fairly obvious thing to do, but always make an itinerary. It doesn’t have to be one you stick to, but have a list of places you want to go to, and information like how you are going to get there is nice to have on hand when you are over seas. Trying to figure it out last minute can make you flustered in another country where you are already struggling with trying to communicate, and more.
#3 LETS TALK
On the topic of communicating, make sure to take the time to learn some basic expressions in the language from the country to which you are visiting. Relying on them to speak your language is a bit ridiculous. When I travel I make sure to bring a translation book to have on hand. More importantly take the week before you leave to learn expressions like, “Hello”, “Thank You”, “Goodbye”, “How Much”, “May I Have”, “My (fill in language) is Not Very Good”, “Excuse Me”, “Sorry”, and anything else you feel that you might need to know.
#4 BRINGING THE FANY PACK BACK
Make sure to have some type of small bag that can hold all of your important items in front of you. This is important to keep them in front of you. Not only is it convenient, but just as a precaution. Not all areas you travel will be vastly populated, but some areas will be big cities, and in all big cities their runs the risk of pickpocketing. Heaven forbid you get your passport stolen while you are out of the country. You really don’t want that!
#5 TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
Don’t be afraid to get lost. My favorite memory of my travels was the time I was in Venice with my friends, and we took every wrong turn through the city we could find. Trying to get lost in cities such as Venice is great because it is easy to find your way back to your starting point. On our adventure we found such an amazing little cafe where we were able to eat and it was one of the best places I have ever eaten at in my life! Sticking to the typical tourist stuff can be equally as fun, but sometimes it is fun to discover hidden treasures on your own!
The New Girl 