Tips on Navigating Through Europe
This past fall, 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Milan, Italy through ISEP at the University of Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. With an extended period in Europe, I wanted to travel to as many places as I could throughout Italy and all around Europe. Based on my experience I wanted to share the tips and tricks I learned while I was constantly on the move. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to embark on this journey, which has allowed me to explore the world and expand my knowledge and perspective and I encourage you to do the same!
1. Go to as many places as possible!
Before I came abroad I didn’t realize how easy it was to travel to so many places in Europe for cheap! Flights and train tickets are significantly cheaper than you may imagine at first. If you have some extra time in your study abroad experience, I suggest you take day trips or weekend trips to some of the places on your bucket list!
2. Download The Google Maps and The Omio Apps.
I used the Google Maps app to get to and from places within each city, it showed whether you should walk, take a cab, take the metro, etc. It was very helpful to use especially because each city has a couple of different forms of transportation.
Omio is helpful with planning trips, this app shows you the best way to get to your destination for the cheapest amount of money and the shortest amount of time. It has trains, buses, flights, and even boat tickets. Wherever you are looking to go, Omio will help you get there!
3. Google Translate is Your Best Friend
In Europe, almost every country speaks a different language than the one next to it. My suggestion is to have your Google translate out, especially at the airport, bus stops, grocery store, etc. If you use the camera feature on the app, you can take a picture of whatever is in front of you and it will translate it directly to you. This made it super easy to understand and communicate even if I didn’t know the language.
4. Hostels and Street Food for Cheap Traveling
To travel on a budget, looking up places to stay can be expensive. My suggestion for a cheap trip is to book your stay in a hostel. Hostels are extremely popular in Europe and they are such an amazing way to meet new people across the world. A safe and secure website to book your hostel through is Hostelworld, this way you can see reviews, pictures, hostel information, and also compare to other hostels. Another way to save money when traveling is to buy food from street vendors. They are the cheapest option to eat in the city, and they can also be better than the restaurants! I always liked to get a sandwich while I walked around to look at more sites!
5. Avoid Transportation Strikes
Although this is mainly an issue in Italy, transportation strikes can ruin anyone’s trip. Due to unfortunate circumstances, there are frequent days when metros, trains, buses, and even sometimes airports can be on strike for hours or the whole day. For me, I asked my teachers when there were strikes scheduled to happen. There are also places to go on the internet to see when these strikes will occur. They schedule them weeks in advance, so make sure you plan accordingly.
6. Take Time to Rest
I know it may seem like you have to be constantly going to the next place, but it is extremely important to take some days to just rest. You want to make you have as much energy as possible when you travel. Make sure to have one or two days a week where you can stay in, reorganize, catch up on work, and even reflect on your travels.
7. Give Yourself Extra Time When Planning Your Day
When going about your day, make sure to wake up a little earlier than you think you need to. Sometimes metros, buses, or trains can run slow or may not be running at all. I always gave myself an extra 30 minutes for transportation purposes, and this extra time came in handy!
8. Go to Places that are Less Touristy
When traveling, visiting tourist sites is always going to be on your bucket list. In addition to going to those places, something that made my experience more personal was looking up hidden gems. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or a beautiful scenic view, I love to get a feel for what locals love about the area that I’m traveling to.
9. My Personal Favs
My favorite things that I did while traveling around Italy and Europe are
- Doing a cooking class, get to learn how to make delicious new dishes!
- Going on scenic hikes, boat rides, and even drives (you can rent a car in Europe if you are under 25).
- Having an Aperol Spritz on a hot day, especially by the beach
- Learning about aperitivo culture, what a wonderful Italian tradition!
10. Lastly, Have Fun!!
While studying abroad, cherish the moments spent traveling. Recognize the uniqueness of this experience, as it offers unforgettable memories. Make friends, try new things, and have fun, and make sure to embrace every moment
