I took my first solo international trip when I was 12 years old, and since that time I’ve been hooked. In 21 years, I’ve visited 19 countries and have plans to visit many more. As a student traveler, my time is usually limited, and my budget even more so. Here are a few of the principles I live by while traveling here at home and abroad.
- Just Go. You will always be able to find a million and one reasons why you shouldn’t take that next trip. Timing, expense, and school or work are definitely real and present concerns. However, a majority of these problems are flexible. If you scrimp this month on food, there’s all the money you need for your ticket to visit that old friend in Phoenix. It has been my experience that many professors and employers are inspired by young adults’ initiative to travel- so do it now.
- Pack Light. My Dad always told me that if it doesn’t fit in a carry-on, you probably don’t really need it. It is so true. Your travel time is limited and sitting by the baggage carousel is not the best way to see Amsterdam. You’ll have first dibs on public transport, skip the long waits at airports, and avoid having half your possessions lost if you just carry it on instead.
- Find 3 Great Things. Obviously, if you’re someone suffering from severe wanderlust, any city will probably seem enchantingly beautiful. However, if you travel long enough, you may start seeing things that you don’t find so quaint. Try to think of 3 things that you’re grateful for, or that you might not have gotten to experience otherwise. Going without Wi-Fi for a week may be frustrating, but hey- your phone battery lasts for ages now.
- Master the Elevator Speech. The truth is, a majority of people don’t want to hear an in-depth rendition of your 16 hour bus ride through France. If you’ve traveled for an extended period of time (like study abroad), or over extensive terrain (like backpacking) you may be tempted to share a lot of details. The best way to share without boring people is to come up with that one story you love telling, pick your favorite city and why, and leave it at that.
- It’s Okay to Not Fall in Love. I’m a strong believer that people have places they were meant to be, and places they weren’t. If you go years dreaming of visiting a place, and then are disappointed by it- it’s okay. I have German heritage, took years of German, had the chance to visit, went out into Berlin the first day and… I didn’t get that special feeling. I instantly and instinctively knew that Germany was not my place. On the other hand, sometimes a few hours are enough to make you fall totally in love (and that’s okay too!).
- Pack a Lunch. I can’t count the number of times that stopping by a market or grocery store saved me time and money. Plus, how else can you afford a meal on the Champs de Elysees for fewer than 3 euros?
- Sleep on the Train (or Plane, Bus, Boat). I get horrible motion sickness. I’m talking puking on 1 out of 3 planes bad, so travel time isn’t exactly the most enjoyable or productive for me. I like taking those really early flights because they are cheaper (woo!), get me there with a whole day to tour (yes!), and let my exhaustion kick in enough to sleep.
- Take Pictures of the Weird Things. Everyone has a photo of the Berlin Wall (and yes, you probably should too), but have you ever seen those weird street signs that you can’t quite puzzle out? Or that renaissance painting that perfectly articulates your boredom during a long lecture? Take a picture of those, they are funny, odd, and often have great stories attached.
- Wake up Early. Solo female travelers are often counseled against walking alone late at night, but that’s not the only way to get some alone time. In Cuba, my time was highly regimented- except for the time before breakfast. I woke up at the crack of dawn each morning to go for a walk around Havana. It was incredible to see the children rushing off to school, watch the street vendors setting out their wares, and be the spectator to a city slowly coming out of its slumber.
- Collect Postcards. I’ve been collecting postcards since I was a very little girl. Back then, it was basically all I could afford on our family vacations. Postcards are great, cheap, and small. When you buy a postcard, write the date, purpose of your travel, and a few thoughts about the image on the front. It’s a quick way to journal, and they make for awesome collages once you get home.
- Take Pictures of People. I can’t emphasize this enough. Everyone has pictures of random buildings they saw on a tour, but now cannot remember why they were important. Not only do the people at home NOT care, but you just wasted space on your camera. Take pictures of you, your friends, your tour guides, and people on the street. They’ll keep better. Plus, you can always look up a better picture of that building online.
- Try the Food. Every city I’ve been to, I either asked a local guide for food tips or stopped by a grocery store. You might not love the food, but you won’t regret it (… unless it makes you sick). If you are nervous about experimenting in a restaurant, pick up some local candies, breads, or cheeses from a grocery store. It’s is a great way to try something new without breaking the bank.
- Carry Water. I tell everyone I know to invest in a collapsible water bottle, like Platypus and Vapur make. As an American, I’m used to water being readily available. The rest of the world doesn’t quite seem to share that passion for hydration. Carrying enough water for the day may add some extra weight, but it’ll save you from having to pay for water and you’ll always have it available.
- Keep your Receipts and Tickets. I’ve always wanted to scrap book, but I get distracted, fall behind, and lack creativity. I got a Smash Journal a few years ago and it revolutionized the way I record my travels. I simply tape or glue my “souvenirs” onto a page, write a sentence or two about it, and go on with my traveling. When I flip back through it I have a detailed daily schedule punctuated by restaurant receipts, museum tickets, and travel confirmations.
- Climb to the Highest Peak. I’m not super fit, so I’m not implying that I’m out hiking mountains to get a good view. However, oftentimes the tallest points in a city are in parks or at the top of churches. The views are amazing, the exercise is great, and it’s normally free or very affordable.
- Stay Cheap. I joke that I have low standards, but really I try to spend the least amount of time in my hotel/hostel as possible. Ultimately, it’s just a place to sleep and shower. That being said, if you are going for a relaxing or romantic trip, this rule goes out the window.
- Friend People. I know, I know, I sound like someone just trying to up my friend count on Facebook. In reality, there are some huge advantages to having a global network. As a traveler, meeting other travelers, you can ask them for recommendations and tips. An international network is a unique advantage while traveling. For example, a Czech friend was able to show me a website (mostly in Czech), that offered cheaper bus tickets than anywhere else I’d seen. It wasn’t just for Czech citizens, but the language barrier meant I never would have found it on my own.
- Travel in a Group, or Don’t. Group tickets often provide a discount over the individual rate. The fact that you travel with a group of people, doesn’t mean you have to stay with that group once you get to the destination. If you like traveling in a group, go for it. If you like traveling alone, consider going in on a group ticket and splitting up once you get there.
- Take Breaks to Smell the Roses. I have a tendency towards whirlwind travel- I visit somewhere for a day or a few and then am on my way again. Despite my hurried pace, I never feel truly rushed and I think my frequent breaks are why. I love stopping in a public park to lay on the grass, or sitting by the bay watching ships. It lets my feet have a rest and makes me feel more in touch with the city.
- Buy Unique Souvenirs. A majority of my souvenirs come from department stores and grocery stores. I want to buy things for my family and friends that they might get if they really lived in these diverse places. That’s not to say that you should snub your little sister when she begs for a “Czech Me Out” shirt, but that it’s okay to think outside the box too.
- Always Have a Trip on the Horizon. Wanderlust may fade with increasing responsibilities, but everyone needs a break now and then. I strive to always have a flight reservation sitting in my inbox. It may be next week, or in two months, but knowing that an adventure is in the works satisfies my craving for something new.