6 Tips To Make Travel While Studying Abroad Easier

So you're going to be studying abroad and having the time of your life exploring another part of the world - sounds easy right? Well, it is - as long as you are prepared. Traveling while studying abroad can be quite different from all those family vacations you've taken over the years, and to help you make the most of your time and money, I've compiled a short list of tips, guaranteed to help make your time abroad a success!

1. Plan Your Flight - Before jumping on the first airline website you can think of and buying that $500 ticket, make sure you take a look at what else is out there. Websites like skyscanner.com can be extremely helpful when looking for the lowest fares or sales. See which airlines are offering the lowest prices, then use the direct website for the airline to purchase tickets. Don't be afraid to try out a new airline - I highly recommend RyanAir (got a round trip flight for 35 euro), but I also know that their service isn't the best. Other airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, United, Delta, Are Lingus, etc. are all great options that I have used and have had good experiences with.
2. Plan Your Hotel - The cheapest way to travel abroad (at least in Europe) is to utilize hostels. Personally, I hated them and after 2 experiences, I refused to stay in them. I really enjoy my independence and ability to escape from other people while on vacation, and staying in a room with 6 strangers was not my idea of that. I recommend researching popular hotels in the area that you are visiting and making sure you have a lot of information before booking. When my boyfriend came over the holidays, we used websites like homeaway.com or airbnb.com to find apartments that we could rent (for a lower price and for privacy). When we wanted a romantic getaway, we forked out the money to have a really nice hotel and were happy with it, versus being uncomfortable and sharing a room with 4 other people.
3. Prepare For Your Flight - Some airlines have certain restrictions that you need to know about before you head to the airport. For example, RyanAir requires you to print your boarding passes before you get to the airport. You also have to have your passport and visa checked depending on where you are flying to and from. Your luggage must be under a certain size and weight, and you have to know that your seat location is not guaranteed unless you pay extra for it.
4. Learn To Pack Light - By the end of my time abroad, I had completely mastered packing a weeks worth of clothing into a RyanAir approved carry-on suitcase. Do you really need 5 pairs of jeans? Can you layer on your sweatshirts when you fly? Can you take a small purse instead of the big tote bag? All of these things will help make flying easier and will also give you more luggage space for those amazing souvenirs you're going to buy throughout your travels. Roll your clothing together instead of folding, stuff things inside of your shoes - any space saving tactics will work to your advantage!
5. Go With People You Like - Nothing is more depressing and frustrating than traveling with people you don't like or are uncomfortable being around. When you are traveling in a new and unfamiliar place, you want to be able to trust the people you are with and know that they will be good travel companions. After all, you don't want to be with the loud, obnoxious, English speaking travel mate that will pull in all of the pickpockets before you even step foot on the Subway.
6. Know Your Time Frame - While a huge part of studying abroad is the opportunity to travel, don't forget that you are there to study. Make sure you are aware of any complications that could impact your travel times and dates and know what the consequences are for missing class. Wait to plan any trips until you arrive and get a class schedule and can plan around your prior obligations.