Between Boarding Passes and Boundaries

Hallo!

News flash! People will want to visit you when you are abroad, especially family. Some proposals will bring you excitement and joy, whilst others will come out of the blue and make you feel a bit used…I am in Vienna during the spring semester, and my mom and I planned for her to pick me up even before I left (she hates the cold, so dropping me off was not an option, haha). 

Some things, like that one can be arranged and planned with time. Nonetheless, you also get spring break (or fall break). I would recommend planning that break ahead of time as well. It is the most free time you’ll get, but also the moment most sought after by tourists. I promise, you don’t want time catching up with you when it comes to designing your vacation. My sister came to visit during break, and with the tiredness the Austrian winters had brought on me, we decided to take a trip to Portugal/Spain. I wanted a place none of us had even gone to, but most importantly, I wanted sun and safety. I did my research (as any proud Type A older sister would) and decided to begin in Lisbon, then Faro, then Lagos, then Malaga, then Sevilla, and finally Madrid. CHECK DATES BEFORE YOU BOOK ANYTHING! 

I made the mistake of getting too excited and booking two weeks’ worth of vacation… My absences took a hit. Nonetheless, I was very excited for this once-in-a-lifetime trip and was able to miss class with a few tricks here and there (still, don’t risk it.). I can name at least four friends who called me during the semester to plan trips, or so they could come visit Vienna. Be smart about your time and your vacations; don’t let anyone pressure you or make you feel obligated to see or welcome someone. It’s your time abroad, don’t take it lightly. 

On more administrative advice, learning to travel will be a great gift if you let it. I am pretty sure my most-used apps are Trainline and Skyscanner. I had never traveled by bus or train, but in Europe, it is pretty common and trustworthy. That’s how my sister and I moved around during this trip. Moreover, I am now the lightest packer I’ve ever been. Two pairs of tennis shoes? No way. Three bottoms and endless tops? Love. I advise you to be very aware of your airline’s dimensions for personal items/carry-ons, as well as what your ticket for any method of transportation includes or what you might need to purchase as an extra! You need less than what you think, and you’ll probably get more than what you expect. 

Also, if possible, distribute things that can be shared. There’s no need for two of you to pack a straightener or hair dryer. Another lifesaving hack would be packing cubes and travel-size plastic bottles. Not everything needs to be aesthetic and monogrammed, as long as it fulfills its function. Look up videos on how to pack. I bet you there are more efficient ways than what you are doing, and in this economy, skills are the best currency. That’s all I can think up for now. Safe travels!

Xoxo,

Viv