Traveling can be great fun, but it can also put a strain on ourselves. Sometimes, we over-extend ourselves, sacrifice sleep, and even get sick because we’re pushing ourselves too hard. When we compromise our bodies, we can end up feeling off balance! How can you be proactive to avoid some of these issues from happening? 

We’ve gathered tips to help you make the most of your time abroad!  

Prepare

Before departure, take care of any loose ends and give yourself plenty of time to do it! Gather any necessary documents you may need during your trip or copies of valuable identification in case of emergencies. As you give yourself time to prepare beforehand, you’ll not only have less stress during the trip, but you will be free of any action items that might still be in process when you return home. 

Unplug 

Technology is a beautiful thing! It’s allowed us to communicate better and have a personal GPS at our fingertips. However, you are exploring a new and exciting place! Keep your phone handy for photos or Google Maps, but you’ll take more advantage of being in the moment and enjoying your surroundings if you stay off of your electronics for the most part of the day.

Bruce Kasanoff, a contributor for Forbes, wrote an article about why people shouldn’t take their phones on vacation and said, “When you take a tram over a gorgeous landscape to the top of a mountain, you will form a wonderful memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life”. Though we’re not advising you to leave your phone on your bedside table back home, the idea of keeping a moment as a memory, is a nice alternative to the usual filtered image we might feel the need to post immediately. 

If you take photos and videos and upload them in the evenings when you're back in your room, you’re more likely to enjoy the moment at a landmark or popular attraction. Give yourself a time limit, such as 15-30 minutes each day, to check out your friends’ social media updates and respond to messages, and then take in the world around you!

We encourage our students and teachers to keep a journal as well! You’ll surprise yourself years later when you have a chance to remember your thoughts and feelings as you visited different places with fellow classmates. 

Slow Down

Most times, this is out of our control, but staying aware of your immune system before traveling is possible. While you're on the go, stay hydrated before, during, and after flights and travel by keeping a water bottle in your belongings that you can fill up when needed. 

Another tip is sleeping patterns, if you need to sleep, or are feeling jet lagged, then sleep! It sounds self-explanatory, but sometimes we need a little reminder that being well-rested will actually improve your enjoyment for a day of endless exploring!  

Fortunately, you can always visit a pharmacy in the city if you start to feel a bit under the weather. Regardless, try to catch the cold before it catches you! 

Communicate

If you’re traveling with a group, get to know your group members and leaders as best as you can. You should find a friend or a group leader and tell them when you aren’t feeling 100%, or if you are starting to not feel well. If your fellow travel companions and group leaders don’t know how you feel, you might start to feel more burned out and frustrated as you continue to partake in activities. 

Everyone experiences jet lag and culture shock differently, and the importance of sharing feelings and emotions will help your friends and group leaders provide advice and assistance. Having a great time abroad heavily depends on your ability to gauge your energy and understand when you need to rest. By communicating, you will be able to support one another when help is needed! 

Do Things You Enjoy

This ranges from outdoor adrenaline activities, to museums and walking tours, and may even include a relaxing afternoon at a cafe or park. The idea is that participating in activities that you feel comfortable and confident doing will alleviate anxiety and allow you to return home with the same positive attitude. 

Feeling well-rested doesn’t only come from sleep, but also from engagement in meaningful activities. Find time to do things that will lift your spirits and make time for great meals, relaxed moments, and genuine connections. 

Another idea is ending your travels on a high note. Recency effect is the idea that the end of one’s time abroad is more easily recalled than the beginning, and the Wall Street Journal suggested using recency bias to end overseas adventures with a bang. If you’re on a budget trip, you might upgrade your last night’s accommodation, or save specific cuisine you’ve been most excited for as your last meal.

Overall, respect boundaries you set by listening to your body and don’t push yourself to do everything. Travel itineraries should allocate for fun, adventure, and education, but also enough time to rest for you to recharge! 

Most importantly, take the time during your final days on your journey to reflect on your time abroad and how much you have accomplished. This will not only give you feelings of satisfaction, but also appreciation and thankfulness for the valuable moments you got to spend. 

Did you know that travel is good for the soul? Check out our past blog, "Four Ways Traveling Can Improve Wellness”!