Study Abroad Made Simple: Tips for Traveling While Studying Abroad

When you're studying abroad, it’s tempting to travel as much as possible to nearby cities and countries. It’s often much cheaper to travel across Europe (or wherever you’re studying) once you're already overseas. These trips can create some of the most memorable moments of your experience—but without careful planning, they can also easily turn into a disaster.

During my time in Italy, my friends and I embarked on two trips to nearby cities. One went almost perfectly, while the other... well, let’s just say it was a learning experience. Our first trip was to Venice. We didn’t plan much ahead of time, other than booking our train tickets the night before and reserving a gondola ride. When we arrived, the city was less enchanting than we expected, and we spent most of our time in crowded, touristy areas because we didn’t do research on where we should go. To make matters worse, we went to the wrong location to catch our bus and had to sprint about a mile through Venice to catch it. We were all exhausted and wished we had stayed in our host city.

Our second trip, to Sperlonga, a beach town near Rome, was more successful, but it could have turned into a nightmare if we hadn’t gotten lucky. After arriving at the train station, we realized there were very few transportation options to actually get to the town. We frantically called taxi and bus services, but had no luck. Just as we were starting to panic, two taxi vans showed up, and we made arrangements for them to pick us up later. Thanks to these drivers, our day turned out to be perfect.

While these trips taught me the importance of proper planning, I want to share a few tips that could’ve saved me a lot of stress and hassle. If I could do it all over again, these are the things I would have done differently:

1. Start with the Big Picture

Before you start planning your trips, take a step back and consider the big picture of your study abroad program. Look at the length of your program, any holidays or days off, and your academic requirements. If you didn’t catch my previous blog, I share tips on how to balance studying and traveling abroad effectively. The key is to identify your free days, long weekends, and breaks early on so you can plan trips that won't interfere with your studies.

2. Prioritize Must-See Destinations

There are probably a few dream destinations on your list—places that you know you have to visit while abroad. For example, Venice was a top priority for many in my group in Italy. When deciding where to go, think about what's feasible in terms of your location, budget, and available time. You don’t want to choose a destination that requires extensive travel for only a short stay. Look for places where you can get a lot of sightseeing in, so you don’t spend the whole trip wondering what to do next. Research is key to check out popular attractions, hidden gems, and local experiences before you go. 

3. Travel Logistics

The logistics of traveling while abroad can be tricky, especially if you’re going to different countries with different transportation systems. There are many options for transportation such as budget flights, trains, and buses. Make sure you understand how to get from your location to your destination well in advance. Additionally, be sure to know where the departure and arrival points are, and give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Once you arrive at your destination, having a plan for where you’ll stay is crucial. There are lots of budget-friendly options such as hostels, Airbnbs, or small guesthouses. Each of these offer a different kind of experience. I personally enjoyed staying in Airbnbs, as they were often centrally located and provided a more “local” experience.

Also, check if there are any must-see sites that require tickets or reservations. Popular museums, tours, and attractions often sell out quickly, so plan and buy tickets ahead of time to avoid long waits.

4. Budget Wisely

Traveling abroad can get expensive quickly, especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations. It’s important to decide on a budget for the entirety of your trips. From there, allocate a specific amount for each trip so you don’t blow your budget early on. Keep in mind the costs of transportation, accommodation, meals, and any excursions or activities. You’ll also want to resist the temptation to overspend on souvenirs! It’s easy to get carried away buying gifts for your loved ones back home.

5. Pack Smart

One of the most important lessons I learned during my study abroad experience is to pack light. It is very inconvenient to carry heavy luggage around when traveling. Pack only what you need and make sure it’s versatile. Think about clothes that can be mixed and matched for different activities. Try to limit yourself to one pair of shoes since they take up the most space. Using a small, lightweight suitcase or backpack is a great idea when you’re navigating busy train stations, airports, or cobblestone streets.

Conclusion

While planning is essential, it’s also important to leave some room for flexibility. Not everythi

ng will go as planned, and that's okay! Some of my best memories abroad came from spontaneous decisions. So, plan ahead, but don’t be afraid to go with the flow and embrace the surprises that come with travel.