Going abroad teaches you a lot more than just the cultures around the world.
1. Pack light
When traveling, it seems like everything else is more important than what to wear. Obviously, make sure everything you have is comfortable and versatile, but there's no need for a lot of options when the focus should be on what you're seeing. Also, some airlines have weight restrictions on their planes, so definitely check those before going to the airport!
2. Be present
It's easy to get swept up in planning for the future- maybe it's where and when you'll eat next or what you're going to do tomorrow. As a type A person, I completely understand how planning and organizing is so important, but don't let it take away from the present moment! Take a minute and breathe and focus on what's in front of you and the people around you. It's amazing how much peace you can get just from taking a second to reset.
3. Smiling is the universal "hello"
A lot of countries speak both their native tongue and English, but this doesn't mean everyone knows English. The language barrier isn't as hard as you think it'd be, to be honest. You learn that the universal "hello" starts with a smile, and then follows Google translate or short English phrases.
4. Just go for it
I try my best to live my life without any regrets, and once you start thinking that way, at least for me, I started thinking way more optimistically. Once you're presented with options, you start realizing that as wild as some options may be, you just have to go for it. I never want to be that person who thinks back and regrets not doing something.
5. Be open
This sounds like a given, but often times, we get so stuck in our bubble, we don't realize that we may not be as open as we thought until we go abroad. Keep this in mind when you're presented with unusual food or when you meet people with different values and perspectives.
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