As a study-abroad student in London this fall, I get to live the dream of traveling internationally. However, classes can become difficult to manage when traveling. Here are some tips and tricks I used to stay on top of academics while exploring Europe.
Finding cheap flights is always a scavenger hunt. Google flights is your best friend in this situation. To help keep your prices down, make sure you stay in a private browser and reject all cookies. I check the “explore map” to find the cheapest destinations for my coming weekend. This can backfire when you leave it to the last minute, so if you have a No. 1 destination in mind, be sure to plan it a few weeks in advance.
Typically, traveling Thursday to Sunday is much cheaper than Friday to Sunday. When traveling, always consider the hidden coasts so your total trip is the cheapest it can be. Train ride costs tend to sneak up on you with the price to and from the more distant airports, even if the airfare appears cheaper. Flying in and out of Heathrow is not only the most convenient air option, it’s also connected to London via the Underground, thus cutting down on airport transportation costs.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to manage school while exploring new countries. I try to get my week’s work done by Wednesday, so I can make sure I enjoy my travels. Knowing I am leaving later I will set aside time monday-wednesday to go to coffee shops or libraries to do my work. I tend to get lots done when around people who are also working.
You will need a good weekend travel bag. In Europe airlines tend to charge outlandish fees for larger bags. Always do research on the maximum size allowed on each flight. I love my Cotopaxi backpack that has built-in packing cubes to help me maximize space. But it’s all based on personal preference. Cotopaxi bags come in bright, vibrant colors, and every bag is different. They also come with lifetime warranties. Friends have recommended other travel bags from The North Face and Patagonia, but I find the Cotopaxi bag to be the most versatile. The designers really do think about every little detail.
When traveling, always bring a lock. Hostels and pickpockets go hand and hand. I recommend having bag locks as well as a locker lock. These are so easy to use and relatively cheap.
If you plan to travel often and don’t mind a little longer trip on a train, get the Euro Pass. This pass was a lifesaver when I first arrived in Europe. With student discounts, you can get an unlimited travel card for a few hundred dollars to go to 30,000 destinations or 33 countries.
With your new student Euro Pass, you can also take high-speed rail from London to Paris under the English Channel and connect to the rest of continental Europe from Paris. This makes traveling to new places way more accessible and a more scenic way to explore new places.
