If you are reading this then chances are you are embarking on your first overseas journey. Congratulations, you are about to have a life-changing adventure. To give you a bit of a head start on hijinks that might ensue, we have compiled a list of things that all first time travelers inevitably go through.
Start with some homesickness, and make your way to
lovesickness… and everything in between! Bon voyage!
Start with the fighting!
No we are not talking about your video game fight pep talk;
you will inevitably start having fights with your travel buddy be it your best
friend, your partner or just family. That is because you will be spending all
the waking hours together and that will eventually make you get sick of each
other. Learning about each other quirks and habits can be a double edged sword.
Do not be surprised if you feel such amount of abhorrence for each other that
you will end up wondering why even you decided to travel with each other in the
first place. Get as much of college student online discounts as possible to save a few fights over money.
What’s the solution?
Starve off from making any kind of rash decisions. Do not
act on ideas like ditching them to travel alone for the rest of the road. These
are people you absolutely adored before you got on a plane together, and now a
different side of theirs is just apparent to you. So, do not act out of
impulse, take a breather or if so a few hours apart from each other and you
will get over this. Chances are they are feeling the same way about you as
well.
Moments when you “want your mommy”!
If this is the first time you chose to travel alone without
your family then be prepared to miss them. Like a lot! Now, we know what you
are thinking, “No way that will happen, I booked this trip to get away from
them, I want to find my independence”. And you will do so. But in between loud
hostels and exhausting day trips you will learn to grow a deeper appreciation
for your own bed and the warm embrace of your family.
What’s the solution?
Feeling homesick is normal, but no need to bump up on the
return tickets. Just remember to stay in touch as much as you can and remember
this is just one trip for a few days, you will not be gone forever.
Getting lost!
Okay you have gone through every map of the area and have
all the apps for getting around that came recommended from Lonely Planet, but
you will end up getting lost! It is something unavoidable. But treat this as
your stepping stone to the vagabond life!
What’s the solution?
The key is to maintain calm and not panic. In fact try and
enjoy it. This is one of the best ways to get a feel for the place. Be prepared
for this moment, learn basic directional vocab of the place and find yourself
around! Also once you are there find out places that offer discounts with student ID.
Sprint discounts for students makes backpacking easier for kids in college, which is the best
time to travel, explore and learn from experience!
