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Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to make language mistakes. Some of my best laughs ever are from either making a language faux pas myself, or hearing others make them. Some things are universally funny and when laughed over together, can result in a humor bond that can last a lifetime.
Travel Tip: Grab your favorite tunes, find a park or cafe, and just take it all in . . . and sign off of all social media devices.
Travel Tip: Find water and jump right in. Literally. There is something about being in the water that helps me get my mind to slowdown, settle in and get ready for adventure. So remember to take it slow, you will see more and feel more , which will deepen your experience.
Travel Tip: Expect the unexpected. Expect your plans to change. Stay flexible and laugh. Always laugh. Even when you cry, find the laughter.
Travel Tip: Leave yourself lots of free time and don’t over-book your days. Whether it is a short vacation or a semester abroad, try to avoid the impulse to plan every free hour or weekend. Give yourself one goal per day and let the rest happen naturally because I can almost guarantee that your favorite memories are going to happen when you least expect them.
Travel Tip: Get off the beaten path whenever you can and explore. Leave yourself some extra time to take the long way home. Be safe and all, but getting lost in a new place can be a great way to stumble into interesting experiences and people. Making your way back to your home base is a great way to build confidences in your new environs.
Travel Tip: When I lost my phone when I landed in Spain for the first time, I thought it was the end of the world. I realized that the experiences I had without being distracted or taking photos was a gift. Remember to be present in your journeys!
Travel Tip: Explore the local cuisine! I always tend to do a little research in advance about what foods are unique to the region and seek them out – it really helps me to feel more connected to the community that I’m visiting.
Travel Tip: Go where the locals go for a more authentic experience. Ask people where they go when they go when they want to dine out with friends, see a show, explore nature, etc.
Travel Tip: I always carry my travel journal along with colored pencils and a glue stick. When I have down time at the airport, train station, or a cafe, I’ll draw pictures, write notes, glue ticket stubs, postcards, receipts, and anything that will remind future me of the amazing trip I’m on!
Travel Tip: My favorite thing to do when I travel to a new city is to do an airbnb or getyourguide food tour of some kind- it really helps you to see how the locals eat and drink and gives you insight into their culture.
Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to make language mistakes. Some of my best laughs ever are from either making a language faux pas myself, or hearing others make them. Some things are universally funny and when laughed over together, can result in a humor bond that can last a lifetime.
Travel Tip: I first learn about a new culture through food. I try to understand what truly “local” dishes are and then find a “typical” place (non-tourist) at which to eat them. This has led to some of my most memorable experiences abroad.
Travel Tip: Play a sport or game with the locals. Jumping into a pickup soccer game or any local game is a great way to connect regardless of what language everyone speaks. Everyone loves to play, join them!
Travel Tip: When ever I arrive in a new country or city I am sure to take a taxi to my first destination form the airport and while in the taxi I ask as many questions as I can of the taxi driver to get a feel for what’s going on in whatever city I have just arrived in.
Travel Tip: Grab your favorite tunes, find a park or cafe, and just take it all in . . . and sign off of all social media devices.
Travel Tip: Expect the unexpected. Expect your plans to change. Stay flexible and laugh. Always laugh. Even when you cry, find the laughter.
Travel Tip: I always carry my travel journal along with colored pencils and a glue stick. When I have down time at the airport, train station, or a cafe, I’ll draw pictures, write notes, glue ticket stubs, postcards, receipts, and anything that will remind future me of the amazing trip I’m on!
Travel Tip: Taking photos is fun but try a week or just a day without using your camera. You might find that you have more unforgettable memories and fewer all-too-forgettable pictures. Great photos of the Taj Mahal are everywhere, but you only get one memory of seeing it for the first time.
Travel Tip: The unexpected will happen. Turn the stress into an adventure and a story!
Travel Tip: Have a plan, but embrace spontaneity. Having an itinerary gives you peace of mind and an idea of where you want to go and what you want to see. But the most memorable experiences end up being the unplanned ones. That hole in the wall restaurant you stumble upon or that festival you accidentally go to, will be the memories you cherish most.
Travel Tip: Solo travel can be so, so rewarding. It’s a great way to learn about yourself as you’re learning about a new place. It’s also a great way to make new friends!
Travel Tip: Start with a compliment! You might see someone that looks your age in a coffee shop, or stand next to someone with good energy on campus. One of my closest friendships started with, “I like your music.” Sometimes, you just need something to break the ice. Before you know it, you’re invited to a family dinner. In the blink of an eye, you’re planning a trip together 5 years later.
Travel Tip: Don’t wait around for your friends to join you. Solo travel is one of the most exciting and empowering things you can do. You’ll learn so much about yourself and get the chance to meet new friends all across the globe!
Travel Tip: When travelling, I like to have a balance between organization and spontaneity. Before landing in a new place, I create a flexible schedule to maximize my experience. This allows time to see attractions I’m interested in and plenty of time to live in the moment and explore!
Travel Tip: Learn how to be uncomfortable with the unexpected or unplanned. Exposing yourself to new food, places, or people that you did not necessary plan for or schedule can be some of the most meaningful memories while traveling!
Travel Tip: I love riding public transportation in other countries. It’s a fun way to get an inside glimpse of local life, and is usually a pretty cheap way to see things that are off the beaten path. Just make sure you can find your way home! 😉
Travel Tip: If you can, take the bus. You will see more of the city while you relax and enjoy the scenery. At the bus stop and on the bus, you will encounter locals who are not in a hurry and can help you find your destination. Just don’t forget to offer them your seat if you think they need it.
Travel Tip: Grab your favorite tunes, find a park or cafe, and just take it all in . . . and sign off of all social media devices.
Travel Tip: Go where the locals go for a more authentic experience. Ask people where they go when they go when they want to dine out with friends, see a show, explore nature, etc.
Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to get lost. Like, really lost. Those moments where you rely completely on intuition and human nature can be the most awakening, and fulfilling. You might experience your favorite parts of a new place by simply talking to people and trusting your senses!
Travel Tip: Explore locally. Don’t overbook your trips to other countries while abroad – sometimes the most beautiful hidden gems and most meaningful connections are right around the corner from you in your host community! Take your first weekends to pretend you are a tourist in your new home, and your last weekends to walk around with the eyes of a new local citizen!
Travel Tip: Explore as much of the local cuisine as possible. I always love going to new places and trying new foods. Asking the locals where they eat is a big help.
Travel Tip: My favorite thing to do when I travel to a new city is to do an airbnb or getyourguide food tour of some kind- it really helps you to see how the locals eat and drink and gives you insight into their culture.
Travel Tip: Make sure to explore the city that you’re in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they’re studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens’ so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don’t neglect what you have right in front of you!
Travel Tip: Studying abroad can seem slightly intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language. However, force yourself to meet new people, take part in cultural activities, and practice the language regardless of the many errors you may end up making. You’ll find that you’ve discovered new things about yourself and others.
Travel Tip: Don’t overplan. Have a place to stay, pick a few major things you want to do, and then just get lost in the beauty of it all. If you plan too many activities, you miss out on stumbling into the most wonderful things that you’ll never forget.
Travel Tip: Find ways to connect with your host community – the language, everyday activities, common gathering places. You’ll discover that you can gain the most genuine and life-long friendships just by trying to immerse yourself into the culture. I highly recommend learning some of the language, even a few phrases, before going abroad for an extended amount of time. Don’t be afraid to mess up speaking – though you will likely say something wrong and hilarious (I’ve got too many instances in Korean to count), that’s part of the process and the locals will definitely appreciate the genuine effort!
Travel Tip: Create an impromptu picnic. Find some strawberries from a farmers market or some bread and cheese from a little shop or maybe a fresh pastry, make your way to a green space, and just take it all in.
Travel Tip: Find water and jump right in. Literally. There is something about being in the water that helps me get my mind to slowdown, settle in and get ready for adventure. So remember to take it slow, you will see more and feel more , which will deepen your experience.
Travel Tip: Expect the unexpected! Sometimes culture shock is stronger in countries where you expect things to be more similar to your home country and environment. Traveling abroad is an excellent way to learn more about your own culture, habits, style, and adaptability.
Travel Tip: If there are free walking tours at your destination, take advantage on your first day! It helps to acclimate you to your new surroundings, gives you ideas on what to check out further, starts you making new friends, and beats the jetlag! Don’t forget to tip your guide well!
Travel Tip: Whenever exploring a new destination for a few days, find a quaint neighborhood café/pub and visit it more than once. Strike up a conversation with the workers and the local patrons. Ask them for their advice on can’t miss places and exchange stories. Soon you’ll have new local friends and a place you can call yours in a foreign city.
Travel Tip: Walk, walk, walk, whenever you can! And take your time. You might find the most special surprises on your way to destination.
Travel Tip: Dont limit yourself to the more popular tourist spots. There are tons of lesser known places that are beautiful and rich in culture where you can really experience what Costa Rica is all about!
Travel Tip: If while traveling there’s no internet, embrace it. Play a card game with someone in the hostel common room, read a book, lie on the beach, go for a walk, talk to a stranger, think about life. Some of my favourite travel memories are from times when I didn’t have an Internet connection.
Travel Tip: Plan ahead of your program! Do your research and reach out to our Alumni to make the most of your time in Scotland. There are so many free and affordable activities, including public galleries and museums, live music sessions, open-to-roam landscape, and a great range of clubs and societies on and off campus!
Travel Tip: Looking for a cool and exciting way to explore Bangkok? The whole city used to be based around canals, so jumping on a boat gives you a way to get out of the traffic and experience the real Bangkok.
Travel Tip: Save money on your Oyster Card and walk everywhere. There are so many different neighbourhoods that await to be explored and hidden treasures to be discovered. Get lost in the city and take time to enjoy the experience!
Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to travel alone! Doing this can really challenge you, but you will learn so much not only about yourself and your interests but you’ll really immerse yourself in the culture you are in.
Travel Tip: Travel with an open heart and an open mind. Temporarily step away from your own culture to experience something new.
Travel Tip: Making friends is key. The first thing I do when I get to a new place is find events that are going on. Ask locals, join social media groups, pay attention to posters and signs. Then attend all of them.
Travel Tip: Once you get on that plane, let go of all expectations. Everyone will tell you how awesome and amazing your experience will be but be prepared to face challenges. This is your journey and it will be what you make it. So, make yourself a bucket list of all the things you want to achieve in the short time you are there and make sure you achieve them all!
Travel Tip: To explore a new country, I choose to walk rather than take transportation even for longer distances. It helps you better feel the vibration and get into the pace of local life. Makes you hungrier for local dishes, too!
Travel Tip: When I travel, I always try to find places where the locals are and just observe the lifestyle from a non-tourist perspective.
Travel Tip: When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!
Travel Tip: Step out of your comfort zone by trying new things. Be willing to talk to the locals and ask them questions! I’ve discovered this is the best way to have an authentic travel experience and really get to know the place you happen to be.
Travel Tip: When you start an experience abroad you have to give yourself TIME. We are so used to rushing frantically through daily life that we forget to give ourselves time to learn, to adapt, to wonder. Never set your goals too high for the first period abroad; you are starting a new chapter of your life in another world. Remember that when you were born no one rushed you to learn how to walk, you simply found your own balance one day.
Travel Tip: Be patient. Things will always work out in the end. No need to rush or over plan. Let your days unfold peacefully and naturally, see the good in everything, there is always something to be grateful for. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.
Travel Tip: Walk as much as you can! If you find a neighborhood you like, set out on foot and get lost down some side streets. Who knows what you could find – cute cafes, hidden restaurants, or local hotspots you would have never been able to find otherwise!
Travel Tip: I always talk to the hotel staff and ask where to go and eat. But I don’t ask for their recommendation for me as a tourist, I ask where is their favorite place to eat. Once in Bali, our shuttle driver took us to his favorite diner and we got to eat the local food with our hands. It turned out to be one of the best meals we had in Bali.
Travel Tip: I always try to adjust to the time difference prior to arrival by pulling an all-nighter either the night before my flight or during the flight as required. I used to always pick up a good book or two as well, but now I just carry my kindle.
Travel Tip: I always carry my travel journal along with colored pencils and a glue stick. When I have down time at the airport, train station, or a cafe, I’ll draw pictures, write notes, glue ticket stubs, postcards, receipts, and anything that will remind future me of the amazing trip I’m on!
Travel Tip: Leave yourself lots of free time and don’t over-book your days. Whether it is a short vacation or a semester abroad, try to avoid the impulse to plan every free hour or weekend. Give yourself one goal per day and let the rest happen naturally because I can almost guarantee that your favorite memories are going to happen when you least expect them.
Travel Tip: Get off the beaten path whenever you can and explore. Leave yourself some extra time to take the long way home. Be safe and all, but getting lost in a new place can be a great way to stumble into interesting experiences and people. Making your way back to your home base is a great way to build confidences in your new environs.
Travel Tip: Find a good trail outdoors and don’t be afraid to try the local foods!
Travel Tip: The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!
Travel Tip: Walk, walk, walk, whenever you can! And take your time. You might find the most special surprises on your way to destination.
Travel Tip: Hoping to meet locals but you’re a bit shy? Oftentimes a simple conversation starter is all it takes! Just opening your mouth to help them realize that you speak their language or are curious about them can kickstart sustained conversation. Once you realize there is so much for you to learn from locals and vice-versa, your shyness can be overcome by curiosity.
Travel Tip: Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it’s a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.
Travel Tip: Go for a walk when you first arrive at your destination to get a feel of the location. There might be some hidden gems that you stumble across which you can write down on your phone and visit later!
Travel Tip: When I lost my phone when I landed in Spain for the first time, I thought it was the end of the world. I realized that the experiences I had without being distracted or taking photos was a gift. Remember to be present in your journeys!
Travel Tip: Explore the local cuisine! I always tend to do a little research in advance about what foods are unique to the region and seek them out – it really helps me to feel more connected to the community that I’m visiting.
Travel Tip: Don’t plan every aspect of your trip. Leave some time to go out and explore the city. Learn about different cultures and try new and amazing food.