What Not To Do

While abroad you will likely want to explore and plan trips out and around the place where you are studying. While it might not be a challenge to know what you want to do and where you want to go, there are still pitfalls that can dampen the experiences. Here are a few suggestions of things to keep in mind when planning your next excursion.

Don’t Make the First Day Too Long

If the first day of your trip includes long or early travel, I would not recommend making it a long day. Being somewhere new is very stimulating and by the end of the day you will likely be exhausted physically and/or mentally. Do not pack too much in on the first day. While you want to maximize your travel time, it is best to take it easy the first night and turn in on the early side. Sooner to bed, sooner to rise to do things the next morning.

Don’t Just Look at List of Things to Do

It is perfectly natural to have a list of things to do in your head, and while spontaneity is often a virtue when traveling, I would suggest you take the time to research the things you want to do, looking at:

• When the best time of day to go is
• How poor weather conditions could affect the experience
• How much time should you allot to spend there

These may seem like natural things to plan for but when you’re in the moment deciding what to do they may slip your mind to look up if haven’t already. 

Don’t Ignore the Weather

If you are traveling on the Irish isle, prepare for rain. There will most definitely be some! I know you want to travel light but bring an entire change of clothes. If your jeans get wet, they are likely not going to be dry again until you can pop them in a dryer which is not always available while traveling. When planning outdoor activities, consider the weather. Even if it is not raining at the moment, remember it could be raining later. If you are someone who is going to get cranky when soaked through to the skin, maybe don’t do the activity.

Don’t Plan Every Moment

Again, you want to pack everything in, but do not forget to allow for some down time. If you are traveling with a group especially, people are going to have their own energy batteries and things they want to do. Make sure there is time for people to split off and do their own things— explore some more, get a bite, take a nap, etc. Everyone will have a better time with some flexibility to accommodate that everyone travels a little differently and you all can have a good time.

Don’t Plan a Trip Right Before Midterms or Finals

This may seem obvious but sometimes when planning a trip in advance not everyone will take into account how impending exams could affect it. If you are one of those people who can compartmentalize and not think about the cloud of homework hanging over your head, go for it! But if you will need to bring homework, it will put a damper on your trip as you try to set aside time to do it. You may be able to get your work done just fine but I would recommend planning your trips around your academic calendar to relieve the added stress of work when trying to enjoy your trip.