This summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to travel across three different European countries. This experience was like nothing I had ever done before! I traveled with a group from my college, which was a blessing and a curse. For the most part, everyone had the time of their lives, but you always have the Debby Downers who like to point out everything wrong with the trip instead of soaking up the fact that we are in a foreign country. Instead of joining the negativity club, I decided to make the initiative and learn from their mistakes while enjoying a foreign land. Here is a short list of observations I made that you should definitely avoid when traveling abroad.

1. Complain

Complaining is the number one way to successfully annoy everyone around you, while travelling abroad or not. While we traveled across Europe, we did our fair share of walking. It was something very easy to complain about. Even I thought about it once or twice. I had to stop myself and open my eyes to all the beautiful things Europe had to offer me. We traveled so far and for so long, so why would I complain about being there? Just keep in mind there are no such things as too much walking, too much information from the tour guide and too many attractions to visit when exploring a new country. Never ever complain about getting a once in a lifetime experience.

2. Be Homesick

My personal abroad trip was two weeks long. It was the perfect length because we had just enough time to catch all the highlights of the three countries we traveled across. Two weeks can be a long time for some people to be away from the people they love. They feel so separated and distant from the people they spend every single day with when they are home. Did I miss my family while I was in Europe? Sure I did! Was I going to let it ruin my trip? Never in a million years. I knew that when I returned back to America, my family would love me just as much as they did before I left. If the people you are leaving behind really love you, they would want you to have the time of your life. They will be waiting at the airport for you to hear all your fantastic stories when you arrive home. Don’t let being homesick affect your trip in anyway.

3. Forget Where You Came From

This one might be a shock, but people actually talked bad about their own country while we were abroad! No country is perfect, but always be proud to be an American. Europe is very interesting to say the least, but people seem to forget that we are the only country in the world that have as many freedoms as we do and the right to vote. We are free to have our own opinions and speak them publicly, free to believe what we would like to believe and free to vote for whom we want to run this great country. I'll never forget the feeling of getting my feet back on American soil. Experiencing Europe was a delight, and I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given. However, I will always be forever grateful I was born American.

If you plan on traveling abroad, I hope you take into consideration these words of advice. They will make your trip 10 times more enjoyable. When packing your bags, don’t forget your humble spirit, positive attitude and bright smile! Happy trails!