Traveling abroad for the first time in my life this past May was the most amazing and eye opening experience of my life. So I compiled a list of the five most important things that I learned while traveling in France and Germany for nine days.

1. Learn as many phrases in the national language as you can before you leave.

I think that this is probably the most important recommendation I can give. Everyone gives you this recommendation but I kind of blew it off like “well I took two years of French in high school, and know how to say please, thank you, and where’s the bathroom in German so that’ll be good.” It wasn’t. Learn how to order food, how to ask how the locals are doing, learn how to ask for directions. Take the time to LEARN. Even if everything you say is incredibly grammatically incorrect, the locals will appreciate your willingness to try.

2. Bring back a souvenir you will never get rid of.

My aunt told me this when giving me some Euros for my birthday to take on the trip, (our last night in Paris was my birthday so that was pretty great). I fumbled around looking for a souvenir that I would never ever get rid of and it really stumped me and many others to whom I explained my situation to. The group of people who I was traveling with all piled into a bus to Traube Tonbach, a 4-star hotel located in Baiersbronn, Germany, when one of the girls made a comment that it “would be so amazing to get a tattoo on this trip”. That’s when I turned around in my seat so fast with a HUGE smile on my face and agreed. So thank you, Jess, for your amazing idea, and Ashley, for coming with me. I ended up getting “L’amour, Das Leben” tattooed on me in Strasburg, France. L’amour is love in French, and Das Leben is life in German. I really took “never get rid of” incredibly serious.

Disclaimer: PLEASE consider the MANY risks involved in getting a tattoo abroad. The language barrier and cleanliness are a HUGE factor. Do your research, and make sure you watch how they prepare you for your tattoo. Preferably do not get your first tattoo abroad.

3. Dress to the culture.

This is a huge thing. People in European countries, and many other countries, do not dress how we do here in America. Take that into consideration when packing. The women are quite high fashion, even for casual daytime outfits. They don’t wear super short jean shorts and crop tops over there. Consider taking skirts that hit at the knee or a little above, and sundresses etc. The places we went as a group are tourist sites for the most part, so the locals don’t usually consider how you dress as “impolite” (unless you are at a restaurant, dress to the atmosphere). But you definitely will stick out like a sore thumb as a tourist, and with that you will be targeted for pick pockets more than others.

Thank you Ashley for the photo!

4. PATIENCE

In America everything is so “go, go, go”. We take less than 30 minutes to eat dinner here. This was a huge thing I had to learn when traveling abroad. In many European countries they don’t eat dinner until 7pm or later, they also take their time and savor their food and the people around them. That took many meals to get used to, and when I came home, it was weird to eat so quickly again. They take their time in all they do, and that helps them savor the world around them. This is a trait I think we should adopt over here. Don’t just rush through life, experience it.

5. Create memories to last a life time

Don’t let the stress of traveling get to you. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t get too hung up on it. You’re in countries that have so much history, architecture, food, and cultural differences than the US; embrace it. Take it all in. I can tell you for sure the pictures and videos don’t do it justice; it’s that amazing. Make memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you Quan for the photo!

With all of these said, I can’t wait to travel abroad again, and I believe it is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life. Happy travels!