After the travel bug hits, the first instinct is to go everywhere. When going to Europe, the urge to experience every town, city and crevice possible is strong … how are you going to choose just one place?

Look into an itinerary and a reality check. First, make a list of places of all the places you want to go. Just brainstorm. Then come back and see what draws you and categorizes as a “must see”.

If you are venturing to Europe the amount of places to go is overwhelming. You. Can’t. Do. Everything. Recognizing your inability to do everything is the first step. According to the Journal of Education for Business, in 2011, in the article “Using Typologies to Interpret Study Abroad Preferences in American Business Students”, college students want the full cultural experience. We want high interaction with the locals and culture: To look, see, smell and be, where we are. You can’t smell the roses if you are rushing to the next airport or train station.

The last, almost refreshing, reality check is that this is not the last time you will go to Europe. Our long life will provide other opportunities to return. If not, then fully be where you travel and take in every minute of it. Opportunities to travel are fleeting but embracing where your interests have drawn you without distraction will bring the adventures that exceed expectation.