Making the Most of your Time Abroad: Trip Planning

A common goal of moving abroad is to see and experience as many different places and cultures as possible, to the fullest extent possible. During my time abroad with the CGIS program “An Academic Year in Freiburg”, I lived in Freiburg, Germany. I was an LSA junior who studied abroad for the entirety of that year of college. Looking back on that time, I cherish the privilege of having experienced 35 different European countries.

Although I had some experience traveling abroad before moving to Germany, my focus on traveling during my study abroad year allowed me to become increasingly comfortable navigating from country to country. Through this experience, I developed a travel-planning system that I hope will be helpful to others:

1. Form a travel goal list: Determining where you want to travel can sometimes be the most challenging step of trip planning. To start, I recommend creating a list of places you hope to visit or that simply look interesting. Many times, I began by using Google. For example, I might search, “What are the best places to travel in [a given country]?” Other times, I would look up photos and see what captured my attention. Ask yourself what you are looking for in a travel destination. Is it history, nature, food, culture, or something else? Identifying your interests will help guide your choices.
2. Do your research: Once you have your list, do some initial research on each place until you can narrow it down to your chosen destination. After deciding, conduct more in-depth research. This includes learning about the local culture, travel requirements (such as visa documentation), and other essential details. I found it helpful to search for “Everything you need to know about traveling to [destination].” Travel blogs and websites often provide useful, detailed tips specific to your destination.
3. Make a budget: Decide how much you can spend on the entire trip ahead of time. Factor in accommodations, food, activities, transportation, and souvenirs. I often used the Wanderlog app and website to create itineraries and budget how much the trip might cost in total. This tool can help you get a clearer picture of your financial limits.
4. Planning Transportation: Find transportation options, such as flights, buses, or train tickets, to get to your destination and back. It’s essential to budget for this alongside other trip expenses. Also, research local transportation at your destination.Ask questions like:Is the city walkable?Does it have a metro system?Are there buses or shuttles from the airport?Before booking tickets, make sure you can find reasonably priced accommodations. Booking transportation before securing accommodations might leave you without affordable lodging options.
5. Planning Accommodations: Decide what type of accommodations you want and search various websites. For hostels, websites like Booking.com or Hostelworld are helpful. Alternatively, you might book an Airbnb, especially if traveling with lots of friends. Once you’ve found a place, check how accessible it is from transportation hubs (e.g., the airport or train station) and whether it allows you to easily explore the destination. Once everything checks out, you can confidently book both your transportation and accommodations.
6. Create a General Outline: Draft a loose itinerary. While it’s important to remain flexible, having a general plan helps maximize your time. For example, if you’re visiting a city, consider focusing on one area each day to avoid unnecessary travel. Researching restaurant recommendations in advance can also save time. I found tools like Wanderlog or even my phone’s Notes app helpful for organizing lists and itineraries.
7. Activities and Tours: By this point, you should know what you want to see and do from your earlier research. Look for activities or tours to book online in advance. Hotels or hostels often partner with free walking tours, which can be worth exploring. If you don’t book ahead, research whether you’ll be able to get reservations closer to your visit. Popular attractions may sell out early, so plan accordingly.
8. Pack Accordingly: While it’s impossible to predict the weather perfectly, try your best to pack appropriately. Aim to pack light since you’ll likely be walking a lot. Additionally, research the cultural norms of your destination to ensure respectful and suitable attire. Some sites may deny entry if you are not dressed appropriately.

The most challenging part of traveling for me was learning to stay flexible. Things will inevitably go wrong, but don’t let minor setbacks ruin your trip. It’s nearly impossible to plan for everything, so focus on adapting to situations and remembering that everything will work out. Enjoy your travels!