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Five tips for traveling in Europe

This is it, folks. We have just about two weeks left of the school year. As campus activities wind down and the stress of finals piles up, most of us are beginning to think of the great things we’re doing over the summer. For a lot of us that includes vacations and road trips to some new places and old favorites. I know this time last year, I was preparing myself to travel to Europe for the first time.

Some of you might find yourselves facing a similar situation. Whether you’re traveling on a family vacation or one of the excellent Study Abroad programs our school offers, here are a couple of brief tips to ensure your travels are successful.

1. Pack light.

This might seem obvious, but it is one of the most common mistakes many first-time travelers to Europe make. Obviously, bring the clothes you are going to need, but think about what you can leave behind. Do you really need to blow dry your hair every day? Are four pairs of shoes that essential? The best method I’ve found is to have extra room in your suitcase for all your souvenirs, or all the clothes you decided to buy abroad. Your body will thank you when you’re dragging your suitcase up several flights of stairs or down narrow streets to your hotel.

2. Learn the language.

You don’t have to worry about grammar or knowing exactly how to order, but a few key phrases will definitely help. “Hello.” “Thank you.” “Please.” Just learning these three phrases, and how to order a few of your favorite European treats, will get you a long way and really impress the locals.

3. Talk to strangers.

Speaking of locals, try to make a few new friends while abroad. Obviously, you should always exercise common sense, but don’t let paranoia keep you from having some amazing conversations. Finding a unique human connection is really what traveling is all about.

4. Pick up a map.

Don’t sit back and rely on your friends or family to navigate – grab a map and figure some things out for yourself. The sooner you learn this valuable skill, the more confident you will feel on your European adventures. This is especially important with subways. From the simple U-Bahn in Vienna to the dizzying Metro in Paris, you’ll realize all subways are about the same. When you can read one of these maps, the world is literally at your fingertips.

5. Feel free to splurge.

How many times do you get to travel to Europe? Will gelato be waiting for you at every corner back in America? Will you get to ride a London double-decker back home? Europe is expensive, and while there are ways to cut costs on a trip across the pond, don’t return with regrets of not shopping more, or skipping out on a trip for macaroons. A souvenir from this amazing place will hold memories that you may value more than the item itself. That alone is worth the cost.

It’s not every day you have the opportunity to explore the world. Seize every opportunity offered you and enjoy each moment as it comes, no matter where your travels take you.

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