A Smart Traveler is a Happy Traveler

Throughout the entirety of our travel blog, we have emphasized the importance of educating yourself before you depart. Learning the language of your country of travel is no different. Learning a new language is one of the hardest things to conquer. We are not saying that you need to be perfectly fluent in a new language before you leave, but being able to learn and recognize common words, phrases and the lingo can make the transition very smooth.

Depending on the University you attend and the study abroad program you are participating in, there are many different requirements when it comes to classes that must be taken. Certain programs require taking a language class before you leave, others require language and culture classes to be taken once you are already abroad. Classes taken beforehand can be beneficial and very comforting when you arrive in a new country and already understand a lot of their language. Language classes taken while you are abroad can be neat too because the learning and experience are simultaneous. If your program does not require either option, it is important to buy books, a translation dictionary or use internet resources to educate yourself and grasp some basic knowledge of the country's language.

Learning and adapting to a foreign country's language and culture can be a very critical component to your study abroad experience. Not only will it make it easier, but a lot more enjoyable! A smart traveler makes a happy traveler!

Felices viajes! (Happy travels!)

Is There Something in the Water?

Every year, more than 3.4 million people die from a water-related disease. Nearly all of these deaths occur in the developing world. 780 million people lack access to clean water, which is equivalent to 3 times the population of the United States. These statistics are extremely alarming especially when clean water and access is not scarce in our home country. As humans, we need water on a daily basis to survive. In the 21st century, it is really hard to believe that clean water and access to it are still not a common thing.  

Water safety is a major concern for people planning to travel abroad. Before traveling, one should research their destination and see if it has potential water safety issues. If the water is somewhat unsafe, travelers will soon find out their body cannot take the water. In an article by Everyday Healthy, it says that the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe all have pretty safe drinking water. 

While abroad, sticking to water from water bottles should work pretty well. The water in the bottle is usually purified and imported from various countries. However, water is used in many other things such as the ice cubes, washing the fruits and vegetables, brushing your teeth and showering. These all contain or have been processed through water in some type of way. The key is to research your travel destination and make sure that water is safe and sanitary. The other option is to make alternatives for obtaining water, so that you don't get dehydrated. 

For spring break this year, I travelled to Cancun, Mexico for a week long trip. I was excited for the clear ocean, beautiful weather and being with my closest friends. However, I did not know what I was in for when I came to find out water was scarce and a hot commodity. US citizens are not used to the water Mexico has and are very prone to getting sick from it. I could not drink the water from the sink nor the shower. The only safe method of water consumption was from bottled water. During the week, I got very dehydrated and my feet and fingers began to swell up. This feeling is extremely painful to the point where I could not even wear sandals! 

All-inclusive or not?

Upon researching spring break destinations, you and your friends had a decision to make: Is it better to book an all-inclusive resort or a non-inclusive hotel?

However, I’m here to tell you the answer to your question is: it depends. If you are planning on traveling for spring break, your hotel/resort accommodations are most likely already booked (at least I hope so!) In that case, you have already made the decision whether or not to go for an all-inclusive resort, but I hope this tidbit of information will be helpful when planning your next beach getaway!

From personal experience, I have come up with four important factors to help you decide whether an all-inclusive resort or a non-inclusive hotel is right for you! 

#1: Budgeting

Personally, the money factor is always number one when planning a vacation because hey, I’m working on a college budget! If you are, like me, anxious and apprehensive every time you pull out money, an all-inclusive resort may be the way to go! After paying the all-inclusive lump sum, money won’t be a worry anymore. However, if you aren’t bothered by the amount of times you will need to pull out your wallet, then a non-inclusive hotel may be best because you will know exactly how much money you are spending and on what. This will ensure you aren’t overpaying for some things, which may happen at an all-inclusive resort.

#2: Food

At an all-inclusive resort, you have the ability to eat whenever and whatever you want without worrying about the price! The quality of the food, however, can’t be guaranteed and may vary from resort to resort. If you are interested in trying local restaurants, you might want to explore non-inclusive hotels. Since the food is included in the all-inclusive price, most people eat of all their meals at the resort.

#3: Alcohol

At most all-inclusive resorts, the sheer sign of a wristband will provide you with drinks at any time of the day. For those who hope to indulge in a large number of drinks during their stay, all-inclusive resorts may be much more affordable in terms of alcohol consumption. If alcohol isn’t a big part of your vacation, a non-inclusive hotel might be a cheaper option for you!

#4: Exploring

All-inclusive resorts are generally designed so that guests don’t have to leave the property during their stay. Some all-inclusive resorts aren’t even in a safe location for guests to leave the resort and explore. If you can’t seem to fathom the idea of staying in one location the entire vacation, then an all-inclusive resort may not be right for you. Non-inclusive hotels are generally better for those travelers who hope to do some exploring in the area!

All in all, these are four important factors to me, but there are many other factors to consider when deciding which type of resort/hotel will be best for you!

Happy and safe travels over spring break!!

Traveler's Reality Check

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.