How to Travel Like a Bo$$

I just recently traveled to Madrid Spain. This trip marks my third time traveling to Europe and my second time visiting the Spanish capital. Within my 19 years of life, I have been to Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Italy, Spain, and France. I am currently in the process of collecting passport stamps.

Though I am not as well traveled as some, I have learned multiple things about traveling internationally that can be beneficial to anyone interested in traveling abroad for vacation, school, or work.

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

Traveling internationally can be expensive, so it is important to travel in a way that won't break your bank. Once you have decided that there is a specific country and or city you want to travel to find a way to get there that meets your budget. The more time you have the better. If you are a student there are various travel programs like EF or study abroad options that allow the opportunity to visit some amazing places. I have traveled twice in High School with EF tours, which required a down payment and a monthly payment of about $300. By paying a little bit at a time it makes it easier to go on an international adventure without paying for everything at once. While looking for a place to stay Air BnB and hostiles are a great and affordable alternative to a hotel.

Tip #2: Jet Lag

When taking a long flight bring a sleep mask, a neck pillow, and a good book. The time difference can be a shock to your body, but there are ways to prevent that. If you are arriving in the morning it is important to get enough rest on your flight in order to be up and alert upon arrival. 

Tip #3: Learn the Language

Now that you have picked a place to travel to, it is important to learn a little bit of the language. If you are traveling to any country learning a little bit of the language and attempting to speak it to natives shows respect for culture. Though, most people in western cities will speak English, attempting to speak their language ultimately will lead to a better experience, especially if you end up in a situation where you are in need of a bathroom and no one speaks English.

Tip #4: Speaking of Bathrooms

Say goodbye to public restrooms. Finding a public restroom or a restroom with toilet paper was a rarity in Italy, Spain, and France. Keep travel-sized bathroom wipes in your purse or pocket just in case you find a place to relieve yourself and end up without toilet tissue.

Tip #5: Understanding and Respecting

Similar to learning the language doing research on the places you are interested in visiting is crucial. For example, don't go to a Tapas restaurant in Spain and say "Me Gustaria Carne Asada" or go to Italy expecting to receive "Italian" salad dressing and shocked when you get oil and vinegar. With the United States being a Salad Bowl, many can have preconceived ideas on what a specific culture is like. By doing your research you learn about cultural norms, foods, and even the weather. For example: If you are planning a trip to Spain learning the difference between Spanish culture and the various cultures of Spanish speaking countries is crucial. I have witnessed many anticipate tacos or rice and beans and instead they are greeted with patatas bravas and paella.

Tip #6: Packing

It is important to check the weather for your trip and understand the overall climate of the place you are visiting. For example, the weather in Paris is very different from the weather in Madrid. While packing for my trip to both cities my outfits for Madrid were very different from my outfits for Paris. While visiting Italy I made sure to pack good walking shoes due to the cobblestone streets. Also, make sure to pack a small purse that goes around your torso, big cities attract good pickpockets.

Tip #7: Absorb

The best thing about traveling is the ability to appreciate another culture. Spend time with locals and outside of places that target tourist. Allow yourself time to immerse yourself in another culture. Having the opportunity to work on learning a new language, trying new foods, and spending time with locals can create lifetime friendships, amazing memories, and could even open the door for a life-changing experience.