10 Airport Travel Tips For The Holidays

98.6 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more this year for Christmas, and just like every year, air travel is going to get busy. If you're flying home for the holidays, use these 10 airport travel tips to make your trip home smoother.

Tips For Packing Your Bags

1. Don't wrap your gifts

Airport security may look through your bags at any time of year, and there is no tolerance for suspicion. To save your packages from getting torn apart, leave your gifts unwrapped for the flight and wrap them once you arrive at your destination.

Already bought special wrapping paper for the occasion? Save time (and your paper!) by cutting out enough for what you need, folding it, and laying it flat. Keep it from getting wrinkled by sticking it in the middle of a magazine or book.

2. Fly Southwest

If you're flying domestic in the US and are bringing a number of gifts home with you, fly Southwest - they are the only US airline to allow two free checked bags. If you are expecting to receive a gift(s) of larger size, only use a carry-on or one checked bag on the way there and fold up a duffle in your suitcase to use on the way back.

3. Place shoes in separate compartment

Place your shoes in a separate compartment so the odor doesn't mix with your clothes (or any new clothing/fabric items that you're giving to loved ones as gifts). I like to use the zip compartment in my suitcase to prevent this.

4. Place a dryer sheet in your suitcase, too

Fabric softener makes your clothes smell great in the dryer and will also keep your clothes smelling fresh in the suitcase, too. Place it on the top of the pile before you zip the suitcase up. Now there will be no fear of stinky smelling clothes for holiday parties!

5. Bring small breakables in your carry-on

Bringing home breakables? Keep them in your carry-on to avoid them from cracking when your checked luggage gets tossed around by airport staff. Speaking from experience: last year I put a fragile, hand-painted ornament from Florence in my checked bag only to take it out of the suitcase in shattered pieces when I arrived.

For the Airport

6. Print your boarding pass ahead of time

This will save you time and one extra step. You never know how long the lines will be at check-in.

7. Use travel apps

For smooth travel days, get some assistance from an app like TripIt for your itinerary.

8. Allow extra time for security as airports are busier

As mentioned at the beginning 98.6 million people are traveling for the holidays this year. That means busier airports and longer lines. Allowing extra time to get to the airport (especially if the weather is bad) and get through security will save you stress.

9. Bring snacks and a water bottle

Airport food and water can get expensive, and shelling out cash for a bag of processed, unhealthy food that doesn't even taste that good is the worst. Plan ahead by picking up your desired snacks at the grocery store the day before you leave to save money and eat what you like. As for avoiding paying $4 for a disposable water bottle? Pack an empty one in your carry-on and fill it up at a drinking fountain after you get through security.

10. Communicate with whoever is picking you up

If a friend or family member is picking you up, make sure you communicate with them on what time your flight gets in - and keep in touch if your flight gets delayed. This will save your driver from sitting in the cell phone lot for an extra hour or two while they wait for a delayed flight!

Returning From Study Abroad: What Next?

This article was originally published on The College Tourist.

Back to your home campus after a semester abroad...

If your study abroad is nearing an end this semester, it can be tough to think about going back to “normal” life back home on campus and resuming things as they were before you left. Though you know that while things will be the same back home, you have changed – traveling has allowed you to grow and experience so much over these past few months.

Even though you may in denial during the last few days abroad before that long-haul flight home, realize that while this is ending, it doesn’t have to be the end of your travels. Use your upcoming breaks off of school to see how you can fit in future trips, or even consider traveling after you graduate.

Winter Break

If you studied abroad in the fall, you have the option of extending your travels for a few more weeks – this is a great way to spend more time in the region while you’re already over there. Maybe your family will meet you for the holidays and you can spend it doing something completely new.

If you go home right at the end of your program, spend some time adjusting to being back home, seeing friends, and maybe even taking some short trips/road trips before you head back to campus for spring semester.

Spring Break

With a week off of school, take a break and relax after a stressful few weeks of midterms. Did you make friends from other schools while you were abroad? This is the perfect opportunity to get together for a reunion!

Be a Tourist In Your College Town

Take a break from your regular routine of going to the same places by trying something new one weekend. Whether it’s a bar, restaurant, event, or heading to a different part of town, going to a new place will feel refreshing and different – something you constantly came across while you were traveling abroad.

Summer

Summer is awesome because you have months off before school starts back up again in the fall. Consider applying for internships in new cities (New York? DC? Chicago? Yes, please!) or volunteering in a foreign country. Even a quick trip somewhere will be the perfect getaway before the fall semester starts up again.

Post-graduation

The number one question everyone will be asking you senior year of college is, “What are you doing after graduation?” This time will be one of the most open-ended periods of your life and is the perfect time to travel. Whether you take a road trip, go backpacking around Europe or Southeast Asia, or take a celebratory trip with your college friends, this is the time to make memories before heading into the workforce.

Interested in traveling long-term? Working abroad, volunteering, and doing Peace Corps are a few of many ways you can travel, earn money, and build up your resume.

Why I Chose To Work In Europe After College

Yachts

Traveling is not a simple task. It requires planning, budgeting, and taking action on getting things in motion. It requires taking a leap and going for it. And it requires time – in the planning process, but also for the trip itself. Maybe you’re studying abroad for a semester or taking two weeks off of work. You could be missing out on things happening on campus or at the office. There will always be a trade off. (And chances are everything will be exactly the same when you get back!)

Before hiking Capri

But if travel is something you’re truly interested in, it will be worth it. And if you want to travel after college, you are less likely to make all these trade offs.

Why I Chose To Work In Europe After College...

This is a guest post over at Treks and Tales - continue reading the full story here!

Napoleon III's Apartments are Reason Enough To Go To The Louvre

The Louvre in Paris is one of the best and most-visited museums in the world.

Room after room is filled with art, and if you've heard about about a piece of artwork growing up in school, chances are it's probably at The Louvre.

After you battle your way through the tour group crowds to get a close-up of Psyche or the Mona Lisa, head over to Napoleon III's apartment - rooms that are covered in ornate furnishings for every inch.

In my opinion, Napoleon III's Apartments are SO much better than seeing the Mona Lisa - though I will say it's almost worth it just to see the notorious massive crowd...

Around The World On A Budget

Is traveling expensive? It can be, but it doesn't have to! Instead of getting discouraged immediately after checking the price of flights, start to think outside the box when it comes to planning your next trip. If your dream destination is somewhere warm on a beach, look into Southeast Asia - there are hoards of beaches there. If it's classic European architecture, check out the castles and cathedrals of old-world Eastern Europe. If it's something adventurous or outdoors-y, look into Central or South America. For somewhere totally exotic and different, head to Central Asia.

Below are a few destinations around the world on a budget that will still satisfy your desire to travel that won't drain your bank account. This list can help get you started when thinking about where to go!

Also read: Where To Find Cheap Flights

Asia

Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

Countries in Southeast Asia are extremely inexpensive to travel to. This region is often called a "backpacker's paradise" due to being safe, cheap, and with multiple countries that are easy to get to. Get started with a Full Moon party in Thailand, waterfalls in Laos, pristine beaches in Cambodia, delicious fusion food in Singapore, or bright green rice fields in Indonesia.

South Korea

For an Eastern Asian adventure without the Tokyo price tag, head to South Korea. Sing karaoke, eat Korean barbecue, and take trips through the lush countryside to see this stunning country.

Europe

Eastern Europe and The Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania

This region of Eastern Europe is far cheaper than its western counterpart. While London and Paris are amazing cities, you can find accommodation for days in parts of Eastern Europe that cost the same as one night in the former two. You'll get a more in-depth experience and set foot in parts of Europe that many travelers never get to. The castles and architecture are gorgeous, too!

DSC_0256

Turkey

Istanbul is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, partially due to its influences with both the West and East. It's really cheap, and the farther east you go, the cooler it gets. Hot air ballooning in the Cappadocia region is a popular activity these days, as is taking a cruise along the sparkling Mediterranean Coast.

Greece

Greece is a European country that many people assume is outrageously expensive but is far more affordable than you'd think. Read the Greece section on this post for more reasons why.

Africa

Morocco

Morocco tends to be more on the inexpensive side for tourists, especially if you're getting there from Western Europe (in which case, it will seem very inexpensive). Avoid tourist scams to save your money, and enjoy the beauty and exotic flavor of this country.

Madagascar

If you can get to Madagascar, you'll notice that prices are on the lower range for accommodation, transportation, etc. You never know, it could be worth it to see the Avenue of Baobabs in person, where baobab trees reach heights of about 100 feet.

The Americas

Peru

Peru has Machu Picchu which is already awesome, but you'll also find jungles and beaches in this South American country. Go to Lima or Cuzco for a city vibe, or head out to Lake Titicaca to marvel at this huge lake that sits over 12,000 feet above sea level.

USA

North America in general can get pretty pricey, but if you want to go to the US, shave down the cost of seeing big cities in different parts of this large country by driving instead of flying. This will significantly cut down your costs and allow you to stop at unexpected spots on the way! Popular routes include:

-Historic Route 66 (California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas-Oklahoma-Missouri-Illinois)

-Deep South (Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia)

-Pacific Coast Highway (Washington-Oregon-California)

-California to New York

-Florida

-I-90 (East-West interstate highway along northern states)

-Southwest loop (Los Angeles-San Diego-Phoenix-Grand Canyon-Zion NP-Las Vegas)

Panama If you're craving Central American beaches but aren't digging the idea of Costa Rican prices, go a little further south to Panama. Rainforest, tropical birds, beaches, diving, and surfing are a few of many great things to see and do in Panama.

Oceania & The Pacific

Islands: Fiji, Northern Mariana Islands

Aside from Australia and New Zealand, which are both notorious for being pricey, look into islands in Oceania. Fiji is a great alternative to the Caribbean if you're looking for a beach getaway. Also check out some other islands, such as the Northern Mariana Islands - Saipan is on the US dollar and is relatively inexpensive (read more about Saipan here and here)!

5 Temporary Cures For Wanderlust

We all know that aside from traveling (and continuing to feed the travel bug when it acts up), there is no real "cure" for wanderlust. Temporary fixes in the meantime only feed us for so long, but they're better than nothing. Here are 5 ways to satisfy that ache to travel in the meantime.

1. Google Street View

Occasionally I'll find myself needing to look up some random info about somewhere I've been, and somehow my Google session turns into a Google street view session where I "re-visit" the streets I've walked on in other cities. This is pure nostalgia at its finest! It's also fun to look up cities you haven't been to to see what certain places look like.

Here’s an example from Google Street View:

Rue de Caumartin

hotel athenee view

2. Read travel blogs and books

The best way to get inspired for travel? Reading about others who have done it/are doing it! You're bound to find new places and tips about where to go. Make sure to vary the blogs you read so you get multiple perspectives on places.

And as far as books go, there's nothing better than sitting down with a good read and transporting yourself to a faraway fictitious land of adventures.

3. Watch shows or movies set in places you want to go

Whenever I'm about to go to New York, I always watch Gossip Girl. If I'm going to Southern California, I watch The OC. On the flight to Italy I watched Letters to Juliet and a few months upon returning home I was missing it, so I watched Under The Tuscan Sun. It's fun to anticipate your trip (or dream up future ones!) with shows/movies set in that location.

4. Draw inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest

Like reading travel blogs and books, seeing other places through someone else's eyes is always a nice way to temporarily feed your wanderlust. Visuals are even better! A picture says a thousand words.

5. Map out RTW routes

Go to a RTW planner website (like AirTreks) and map out all the different routes you could take to circumnavigate the world. Oh, a stopover in Dubai would be on the way? Add it to the itinerary! I know I can't be the only one who does this as procrastination to more important tasks.

Extra points if you draw it out on a physical map.

And bonus points if you actually book the ticket!

Why Studying Abroad Was The Best Decision I Ever Made

My first time going outside the United States was to Florence, Italy for a summer study abroad program in college. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and it fueled my love for travel. My life would be very different had I not taken the leap to go in the first place. Going abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made - and I've broken that down into reasons why below.

First time out of the country

The only notions I had of other countries were what I had seen in photos or movies or read about in books. My jaw dropped in amazement the second I stepped foot in Rome and watched the Italian architecture go by out the bus window. It was incredible, beautiful, and blew my expectations away. And this was before I had even made it to the Colosseum!

Just enough organization for my first trip abroad

Our classes were already set up, we knew we'd have pensioni (housing) during the duration of our stay, our flights coordinated with the opening tour in Rome, and we would all meet up at the airport upon arrival to go to the hotel and welcome dinner. Classes were Monday-Thursday in the mornings and after our 3-course lunches at our pensione, we had the rest of the afternoon off to explore Florence and long weekends to travel to other places if we so desired.

Had a home-base

When we traveled on weekends, it was so nice to be able to bring only what I needed and to leave the rest at the pensione. This ensured our backpacks would fit in tiny Ryan Air carry-on restrictions and we didn't have to bring everything with us everywhere we went.

Safe

I felt safe throughout the duration of my study abroad. Florence is very safe (just mind the pickpockets in touristy areas) and there were always people to walk home with after dark.

Applied classroom learning to travel and other cultures

Since summer session was just two classes, I took the opportunity to get some core/marketing classes out of the way. Even with those classes, the professors made a point to tie parts of the lecture to what we were experiencing abroad. Other classes, like Italian language, the arts, or religion had outings around the city - physically seeing what you're learning about in person enhances the experience so much more.

New friends

I was able to make friends with people outside my regular "friend group" back on campus in the States. It was refreshing to meet new people, and when we returned to campus that fall, we had that shared experience in common. And I'll never forget my roommates - we had so much fun!

Problem-solving

Traveling occasionally comes with complications. I'll never forget when a big group of us went to Elba Island and on Sunday night when we were making our way back to Florence, found out that there was a bus/train strike that day. After walking miles back and forth to different stations, we were about to camp out in the station for the night when a random bus pulled up. We were able to make it to Pisa, and then get on an extremely crowded bus back to Florence late that night. (And just in time to get a few hours of sleep before a few of us gave a presentation in marketing class!)

When situations like that happen, you have to figure out the best solution, and when nothing seems to be going your way, make the best of it. At least it will make for a good story later on, like the time they found a bomb in the Pisa airport and I didn't go to Barcelona.

Studying abroad is a unique travel experience

Going abroad for school is a unique travel experience. Even if you've traveled abroad before with family, solo, or with a group of friends, the experience is so much different. With study abroad you get to have a home base, some structure/routine with classes during the week, opportunities to travel more (since you'll likely be there longer than if you just went on vacation), and opportunities to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

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If you're on the fence about studying abroad, I highly suggest you do it. You only have so many years in college have an experience like this. Throw away the excuses and just go for it.