A Bit of Advice

Well I have learned a few tips from studying abroad and travelling so I thought I would share them.

Tips for Studying Abroad:
-research the area because you will be living there
-explore your town/city
-join a club or some sort of activity, basically get involved in your community
-don't burn yourself out by trying to go somewhere every weekend
-remember that whatever you buy you have to get home somehow
-meet locals or people who go to the university full time
-keep a financial journal
-set aside alone time
-have fun

Tips for Travelling:
-pick good travel buddies
-always have a plan b or c or d
-don't be too uptight, sometimes you miss trains
-eat local food, but cook most of your meals yourself to save money
-check the free shelf in hostel kitchens
-don't spend all your time on a computer
-do what you enjoy doing, not what you think you should be doing
-have restful days
-keep a financial journal
-really consider what clothes you are bringing, you don't need as much as you think you do
-go on free tours (you tip at the end, but its still cheaper and all the ones I have been on were fantastic)
-sending postcards to people is cooler than getting them stupid souvenirs
-ask people staying in the hostel for advice about what to do and where to go
-take more pictures of people than things and places
-keep a travel journal or blog 'cause otherwise you will forget the details
-HAVE FUN!!

Hope it helps!