All posts by Becca Leigh

Things You Do that Stress Out Your Advisor

After, Before, During, Lessons LearnedAdvising, Lessons, Lists, TipsBecca Leigh

Trying to study abroad? Make sure you don't do any of these things that stress out your study abroad advisor! Read on for practical tips and entertaining stories about the entire study abroad process. Let me stress that I thoroughly enjoy my job as a study abroad advisor.

(I mean, I have an entire blog dedicated to it.)

It’s never dull, students are (mostly) wonderful, and they keep me on my toes.

However, there are some things that, no matter what, stress the hell out of me.

If you wish to remain on your study abroad advisor’s good side, here are things to NOT do:

Before

You miss deadlines.

Deadlines exist in study abroad offices for any of the following reasons:

You need a visa and the paperwork takes time to procure from overseas.
We have to review your application and it makes sense to review all study abroad applications at one time.
The deadline is for a scholarship (and missing these deadlines = no money fo’ you).
Our partners abroad require things from you (like an application).
We want to stress you out and find it fun.

Please don’t miss your deadlines. If you do, be prepared to not go abroad.

It’s that simple.

You don’t complete all of your presentations, documents, or email responses in a timely fashion.

Sure, we know the “Know Before You Go” presentation is annoying to watch.

We also know that you have too much stress in your life to pay too much attention to your study abroad requirements.

Believe me, your study abroad advisors probably tried to blow off paperwork and requirements for their experiences lo these many moons ago (#guilty).

However, if you don’t read the “Visa Requirements” until right before your departure, for example, you will need significant amounts of luck, charm, and more luck to get your visa.

Please, for the love of all that is holy, read everything. As soon as possible.

Even better, respond when you receive an email.

I have known quite a few students who had their study abroad offers rescinded because they didn’t submit their documents.

Moral of the story? Complete all the things!

Your future self will thank your current self.

You blow off pre-departure orientation.

Again, we get how lame orientations seem (…are).

You are going to study abroad, so why can’t you just figure it out when you arrive?

Here are some reasons why you have to come to pre-departure orientation:

The university is liable for your actions abroad, and this helps make us feel better about at least telling you about what to expect abroad (even if you already know).
The person in charge of risk management wants to stress you out.
We have tips on money, communication, staying safe, making good choices, and more!
We’re jealous of your time abroad and want to make sure you know how lucky you are.
We have been to the place you’re going and will impart some of our knowledge to you.
Also, because we said so.

Trust me, I know that some students will roll their eyes at everything I say. And some sections will be painful for all of us (“I can’t wait to talk about sex!” said no one ever). But you still need to attend.

And, if you come to mine, I end all pre-departures with an enthusiastic rendition of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

You’re welcome in advance.

You don’t tell your parents of your plans.

All right, so you applied to a program and got accepted. Congratulations!

Then, you schedule a meeting with me, you, and your parents. Sounds good!

However, they walk in and say “my son/daughter is not going to study abroad because s/he didn’t tell me.”

Uhhhhhhhh.

What?

Listen, I will do almost anything for students. I have called embassies, argued with airlines, given out my cell phone number, fronted cash to students, written letters of recommendation for near strangers, wiped away tears, powered through stress headaches on orientation day, forgone sleep because of a time difference, gone to questionable extremes to contact students after terrorist attacks and natural disasters, and edited essays for scholarships during nights and weekends (on the day of the deadline) to help students.

However, it is your job to tell your parents that you want to study abroad. Pleeeease don’t put me in an uncomfortable situation with your parents.

During

You don’t reply to check-ins.

I have talked previously about what to do in the event of an emergency. I can’t stress enough that you need to contact your home university before you contact your parents.

We care deeply about you.

We care even more that you come home safely at the end of your program.

When something goes down like a natural disaster or a terrorist attack or a notable event that makes international news, there is a good chance that your advisor will want to hear from you.

There is an even better chance that your advisor will write you an email that is titled “IMPORTANT” or “RESPONSE REQUIRED” or “ARE YOU THERE.”

Respond to these emails as quickly as possible. Many blessings will be bestowed upon you when you respond.

Take my word for it.

You go bungee-jumping or skydiving in Australia or New Zealand.

THIS IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE.

No, really. Check your insurance. If you become a human pancake, your parents will have to find a lot of money to bring you home.

Jump out of planes and off of bridges in your home country. Please.

You miss a required class field trip because you planned a weekend trip to Paris.

Listen, Paris is my favorite city in the whole world. I get it. Paris is amazing.

However, I just received an email from your professor (how do they have my email?!), that you skipped a required field trip.

It’s important to schedule your weekend trips after you receive all of your syllabi from your classes. A personal trip is not an excused absence from class.

Remember to keep the “study” part in “study abroad.”

You wreck your housing.

House parties: great idea in the United States, not as great of an idea in a number of other places.

No matter where you are in the world, if you leave your apartment/dorm/housing a mess when you leave, you will be billed for it.

However, when you are a study abroad student, you are representing your home university and country.

If you destroy your housing (doors off hinges, holes in walls, vomit left behind, discolored everything, trash everywhere, broken windows and mirrors…), you have the potential of ruining your home university’s relationship with the host university or organization.

Also, let me stress that if your Student Conduct Office finds out, this will probably make it to your judicial record.

You have been warned.

You drink too much.

If you are from the United States, you may be aware that there is a stereotype of the “drunk American” who studies abroad.

Almost all problems that students face while abroad involve alcohol.

If you drink, you will end up hopelessly drunk at least once while abroad.

The local alcohol likes to kick some ass, and it does it quite well.

When you drink, stay safe and make good choices, but please don’t get stumbling drunk on school-sponsored drinking outings.

Also, orientation week is a great week to limit your drinks to less than one (drink, not liter) per day.

I have been contacted less than an hour into the first orientation session in the host country about a student who was beyond drunk at 9:00 in the morning.

Kindly don’t be that person.

Classy drinking is better than sloppy drinking any day.

After

You forget to request a transcript from your program…

… and then subsequently blame the study abroad office for not processing it.

We very likely did tell you that you needed to request one and it wouldn’t automatically appear.

It’s probably in that email you didn’t read entirely.

When I ask you about your time abroad, you only talk about your weekend trips.

… Didn’t you go to classes and study at a university?

I mean, I’m glad you saw parts of the world you hadn’t seen before – and yes, I know that Amsterdam is soooooo cool.

However, I’d love to hear more about your professors, classes, the university, and the city you lived in. Tell me all about this!

You are really articulate but you don’t talk about your experience to future students.

I know you have a gift of gab (#BlarneyStone), so please use your powers for good and spread the good news about studying abroad!

On the other hand, what has your study abroad advisor done that has stressed YOU out? Share in the comments below (and I promise I won’t tell!)

How to Survive those Bad Days Abroad

During, Lessons LearnedBad Day, During, Lessons, TipsBecca Leigh

Despite how many perfect pictures we take, travel isn't always sunshine and butterflies. Here's what I do when I'm having a bad day while abroad. | Study Abroad and Beyond It’s embarrassing to admit that, when traveling, I can have bad days.

But it happens.

There is nothing more enjoyable to me than traveling. I will willingly be cheap in order to save for travel.

Travel brings out my favorite version of myself, and the adventure of traveling does wonderful things to my soul.

And then, when bad days happen when I’m traveling, I end up feeling even worse because I want to be having fun and enjoying myself, damnit!

So, in honor of my “I shouldn’t feel like this when I’m traveling in Italy!” moment from last week, here are the things I do to get over my cranky, miserable self on bad days.

Take a moment.

It all started when I couldn’t sleep, then ended up on the wrong tram while trying to get to the Trevi Fountain, then started my period, then showed up late to a meeting, then made a rookie mistake of printing out the wrong email for my train ticket, then missed my train to Florence, then couldn’t navigate the streets of Florence with my suitcase because of the huge number of tourists, and finally received a panino with a type of meat that I can’t stand.

With a beautiful view of the Ponte Vecchio on an otherwise perfect evening, I sobbed in my hotel room while whining about the panino.

I knew that, if I didn’t take time to cry like a toddler, I wouldn’t be able to break my mood.

It’s important to find a way to release the feelings you have in a positive way. Listen to some music, cry, write about your emotions, do some yoga, talk to someone who is with you, go for a walk, or do whatever you usually do to refocus yourself.

I encourage you to think twice about calling back home on a bad day – you probably connect more with your friends or family when you’re having a rough time, and then they don’t hear as much about the great times (since you’re usually too busy having fun to talk to them).

(As proof, some of my friends still think I hated everything about living in Korea. For the record, that isn’t true.)

Don’t guilt yourself.

As I was blubbering to myself in the hotel, I kept saying “*sniff sniff sniff* BUT I AM *sniff sniff* IN FLORENCE *internal and external wail*”

Yeah. That only made it worse.

Let me say what I should have said to myself then – it’s okay to have those moments!

I would be lying if I said that traveling is always sunshine and butterflies and unicorns and glory.

(I mean, that’s what my pictures say, but those only show part of the story.)

Travel can be hard. You are human.

Just have your feelings, let them out, and tell yourself that it’s okay to human today.

And then…

Give yourself some perspective.

I had to remind myself no fewer than 10 times that I was going to Cinque Terre the next day, and then would have time to visit the beautiful cities of Florence, Perugia, and Rome.

It went a little something like this:

“You’re going to *sniff sniff sniff* Cinque *shuddering breath* Terre tomorrow. *wheeze*”

“You’re going to *snort* Cinque Terre *blows nose* tomorrow.”

“YOU’REGOINGTOCINQUETERRE *deep breath* TOMORROW.”

It took about twenty minutes of crying and repeating this before I accepted the fact that I had things to look forward to.

I made a deal with myself to wake up early the next day to walk the city alone so I could enjoy the city. There’s nothing more enjoyable for me than having an early morning in a city by myself.

That did the trick.

Keep reminding yourself about why you’re doing what you’re doing and how much of a badass you are for traveling.

It’s hard to find that perspective on really bad days, but with perseverance you will come around!

Check yo’self.

If you’re feeling better, go easy on yourself for the remainder of the day. Even if you’re not able to put yourself in a great mood that day, there’s always tomorrow.

(Also, there’s always cat videos on YouTube.)

However, if you are feeling anything else – numb, indifferent, anxious, angry, or anything harmful – it is a good idea to find someone to talk to in order to get back to your normal. If you need a psychologist, visit or contact one.

Also, if you have previously had any depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or anything else, latent tendencies can resurface when in unfamiliar locations.

Again, check yo’self.

A bad day in Florence is still better than a good day anywhere else!

As they say, “a bad day in Florence is still better than a good day anywhere else.”

I’d have to agree.

Travel isn't always sunshine and butterflies. Here's what I do when I'm having a bad day while abroad!

Study Abroad Guide: Prepare for Anything

Lessons Learned, Staying SafePreparation, Safety, TipsBecca Leigh

Be prepared for anything: a guide to making good choices (and recovering quickly in high-stress situations while traveling!) So you’re on your way or already away! Welcome to your prepare for anything guide.

There will be incredible times when you’re abroad.

Wonderful memories. Unbelievable sites. Life-long friendships.

And then something will go wrong or missing.

Just by reading this guide, you admit that things will probably go wrong at some point during your time abroad.

It is not the end of the world when things go wrong. Just know that it’s always a possibility!

I have previously mentioned just how many times I have had things go wrong whilst traveling (at least a gajillion). However, that doesn’t stop me from traveling frequently.

Awareness will make you resilient.

Knowledge is definitely power.

(Or knowledge will help you manage your panic attack when you see that you missed your flight… Again.)

So even if you don’t read everything now, keep this knowledge in your back pocket to calmly use when something goes wrong.

Just be sure to prepare for anything.

I’ve written quite a few posts up until now about emergency preparation and reaction, and it’s time to compile them in one place.

So, without any further ado, here are 10 posts to act as your prepare for anything study abroad guide:

1. Getting a Visa: Facts to Know: This visa guide should be the first thing any student reads after planning to study abroad.

Most students need a visa to study abroad.

Many students don’t check until the last minute. Read this early!

2. Why I Withdrew from Semester-Long Study Abroad: Even after getting excited about studying abroad, many students pull the plug at the last minute. It’s regrettable – believe me.

This is the tale of why I withdrew – I had made the experience to be so much bigger in my head than it really would have been!

3. Why You Should Use the STEP Program: This is probably the most important thing that someone can do to prepare for international travel of any length of time. I still don’t leave the country without registering for the STEP Program.

#thanksUncleSam

4. 11 Things You Need to Research Before Traveling: In order to fully prepare for international travel, there are certain things that everyone needs to know before they go.

From important phone numbers to critical addresses, this is a guide that will have you ready for anything.

5. Checklist: Things to Do During Your First Week Abroad: The first week will go by so quickly.

Now that you’re settling in to your new destination, here are all the things that you need to do during your first week in order to set the stage for a successful – and healthy – experience.

6. Drinking While Abroad: Staying Safe: What could possibly go wrong with students under the age of 21 arriving in a country with a lower drinking age?

Plenty. Read this to make sure those nights at the pub or bar stay fun the whole time.

7. Websites You Should Know for Study Abroad: Part of preparing for anything needs to include actually researching some visa information and travel information.

Visit these sites.
Read them. Love them.

8. What to Do If You Lose Your Passport: This one is never fun. However, if you ever lose your passport, you will want to have a plan handy to get a new one.

This guide outlines everything (from the freak out to the new passport) and will help you get through!

9. What to Do During an Emergency Abroad: In any emergency, there are specific steps that you should take in order to ensure your safety (and sanity).

This five-step process will help you get through (and yes, contacting your family is part of the process…).

10. Why Travel with an Emergency Cash Stash: Learn from my mistake and bring sufficient cash for your time abroad. It is too painful to have to learn on your own. Thankfully, the kindness of perfect strangers got me through!

I hope my tale of woe will at least entertain you enough into remembering to pack extra cash when you are preparing to leave!

And that’s it for now – there will certainly be more “how-to guides” in the future for staying safe while abroad!

What other ways do you “prepare for anything” while abroad? Share in the comments below!

Financial Aid 101 – Basics of Federal Aid

Money MattersCollege, Financial Aid, MoneyBecca Leigh

Financial aid gives me a huge headache. I did not fully understand my loans when I got them - I wish I knew more when I got them! This is a must-read for anyone who has federal aid or plans to get it! Do you have student loans, grants, scholarships, or financial aid?

If so, you have something in common with a lot of students and graduates across the United States!

Yay for not being alone!

Now, raise your hand if you aren’t quite sure what your financial aid package includes or means.

Yay for not being alone!

Student loans are huge in the United States because as the price of attending college increases, so does the amount of financial aid provided to students.

It’s a vicious cycle.

The average undergraduate graduates with at least $30,000 in debt.

That’s an average. I know that some of my friends owe at least five times that amount for their undergrad.

There is no shortage of opinions on student loan debt, but owing someone the equivalent of a nice, new sedan can stress out anyone.

Whether you have student loans, are probably going to have student loans, or are currently paying off your student loans, you should have a basic understanding of what all of the terms mean.

If you don’t understand your federal financial aid, let this be your guide.

We can get through this together.

Fabulous (and sometimes frightening) Federal Aid

Uncle Sam has recognized that students need a little help paying for college. From housing, to fees, to tuition, to books, the costs add up.

I bet you already knew that was true.

The government provides grants and loans to qualified students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Depending on what information you provide on the FAFSA (do us all a favor – be truthful on your FAFSA), you can earn or be eligible for any of the following:

Loans
Grants
Work study
Scholarships

The government has conveniently created a website with all of this information.

Have a few hours? Read the information on the site.

Have a few minutes? Here is a summary of federal aid:

Loans

You need to repay this kind of aid. And yes, the government will make sure that you – or someone – will pay these back no matter what.

Direct Subsidized loans

Subsidized loans from the government are proof that the government understands that you are probably a broke college student.

While you are still registered as a full-time or half-time student, the government pays (or subsidizes) the interest on these loans. That means that when you borrow $5,500, you will still owe $5,500 when your loans go into repayment.

That’s right – you don’t have to worry about paying anything on subsidized loans until your repayment, and the amount won’t increase while you’re still a student.

These are like the relative happy place of the student loan world.

Direct Unsubsidized loans

Unlike a subsidized loan (the nice, mature, older sibling), an unsubsidized loan is like the sassy younger sibling that’s a little needy.

(Full disclosure, I’m the baby in my family and can admit to things like that.)

These lovely little loans accrue interest while you’re still in college.

Huh?

In normal people terms, when you borrow $5,500 in unsubsidized loans, you will owe more than $5,500 by the time you graduate.

Like a petulant child, these loans will throw a fit when you ignore them and try to make you miserable.

Sound crazy? Check out this calculator example from FedLoan Servicing:

Loan Info — Paying $54 a month during school and beyond to save $1,000? Yaaasss.

So, no matter what year you are in school, check in on your unsubsidized loans to see what their current balance is.

You do NOT have to make payments on these loans when you’re in school (you can let the interest capitalize, or be added to the amount you owe).

However, as you can see above, by paying off the interest on a $5,500 loan instead of letting it capitalize, you save over $1,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

Wouldn’t Future You love that?

It’s just important to be aware of what is going on.

Awareness is the key to eventual triumph!

PLUS loans

For graduate students and parents of undergraduate students only, these loans operate a lot like unsubsidized loans. They accrue interest.

If you can’t come up with the money to cover certain expenses outside of tuition, it is possible for parents or graduate students to borrow up to the school’s estimated cost of attendance through a PLUS loan.

Grants v. Scholarships

Who doesn’t love free money?

Grants and scholarships are the best parts of a financial aid package!

Grants are based on need, whereas scholarships are merit-based. Both are likely based on you maintaining your status as a full-time student in good academic standing at your university.

Also, with grants and scholarships, you do not need to pay these back, as long as you maintain all of the requirements (good academic standing, minimum GPA, certain number of credits, not dropping out, thank-you letter… whatever the requirements are).

Since the Federal Government cares about financial need, grants are available from the government for students who qualify based on need.

Scholarships? Not so much from Uncle Sam.

Let’s talk briefly about a grant!

Pell Grant

We all love the Pell Grant.

The Pell Grant is for students with demonstrated (and significant) financial need.

If this is a part of your student loan package, you are eligible to apply for oodles of additional aid and scholarships, especially for study abroad.

Work Study

Another way to pass time and earn some cash while in school is with work study.

This is, as with the other programs, based on your FAFSA (and when the government receives it…). The feds will determine your total amount per semester, and you will be employed hourly either on- or off-campus.

You will be paid with a paycheck so you can still buy all the things. Maybe within reason.

Once you have fulfilled the number of hours for a semester and received the full grant amount, you will not be paid anymore.

So please don’t go over your allotted hours.

What this means for Studying Abroad

Whew – how are you feeling now? Overwhelmed?

Excellent. That means that you’re getting somewhere!

For study abroad, depending on the program you choose, you can use your financial aid. As I have said before, “plan early, go often!”

Here are some things you need to ask your financial aid advisor or study abroad advisor about your financial aid and study abroad:

What aid can be used for your program?
How can you avoid losing your funding (minimum grades, credits, essays…)?
What do you need to do in order to ensure your aid can be used for your program?
Are there are any forms you need to fill out?
What is the reality of scholarships for your desired program / location?

Let’s talk about study abroad scholarships for just a second.

Here is where I burst your bubble a teeny bit.

If you are hoping to study abroad in any of the main study abroad destinations, or traditional locations (think – Western Europe and Australia/New Zealand), your chances of getting a scholarship are not particularly good.

Why? Because so many students want to study in these locations.

SO. MANY.

Many program providers do have scholarships for their programs, but students who have financial need generally have priority.

For scholarships outside of program providers, most are based on financial need AND require additional stand-out features, such as studying in a non-traditional location or having an internship related to your field of study.

Bonus points for STEM or immersing yourself in a location with a language that is deemed a “critical language.”

If the price of studying abroad is prohibitive, I encourage you to look to a more non-traditional location or program. Besides, why are you focusing on a location anyway? 🙂

The bottom line – the more you know, the more prepared you will be for financial well-being with your federal financial aid!

Is there anything you wish you knew about financial aid before you got to college? What advice do you have for students who will be entering college this fall? Write in the comments below!

Looking for more advice? Follow me on Pinterest!

Visit Study Abroad and Beyond’s profile on Pinterest.

9 Tactics to Survive the Pre Semester Panic

Before, Lessons LearnedCollege, Preparation, TipsBecca Leigh

How to survive the pre semester panic - I've certainly been there, and these tactics will certainly help me get through!! As a college administrator, I always have mixed feelings about the start of the semester.

I can’t wait to see students again, because students are why I have my job.

However, I wish summer was longer because I have so many more things to do before the semester starts.

I know I will survive the days with up to ten advising appointments, but I’m also not mentally prepared for them.

And I, as always, wish that I could just pack up and leave the country for an extended period of time.

(That last one never goes away, to be fair.)

Does this sound familiar, students?

Are you also feeling a little stressed about the start of the semester?

Are you excited about seeing your college friends, but anxious about how you know you will feel two weeks into the semester?

We get it.

Before you stress too much, here are some tactics for you to arrive back at school refreshed and as ready as you can be for a new beginning!

1. Get some sleep.

No but really.

You know that it will take you some time to adjust back to college.

From study sessions to all-nighters to parties to coffee dates to catch-up time… Who needs sleep?

Catch up on your shut-eye now!

Try going to sleep earlier, shut off your phone (or just put it in airplane mode), and treat yo’self.

Even if you have a summer job, prioritize sleep so you can go back to school refreshed.

2. Finish anything you can before the semester gets crazy.

There are so many things to finish. Application essays. Volunteer applications. Internship requests. Work study forms. Financial aid information.

Take it from me – do as many of them as you can before the semester starts so you don’t miss a deadline.

Many study abroad applications, for example, are due around October.

If you get your application done before school starts, that’s one less thing to worry about when you suddenly have a million due dates for homework.

Kindly don’t miss those study abroad deadlines. We really do want you to study abroad :).

3. Set goals.

What do you want to accomplish this semester?

Maybe you want straight A’s.

How about finally learning how to cook.

Perhaps joining an intramural team sounds fun.

No matter what you do, make sure that your goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

Like “By the end of the semester, I will have earned an A- or better in all of my classes abroad.”

And then determine how you will achieve those goals.

If you are studying abroad, make a list of your “must-do” things, and some “dream big” things. You only have a few months to cram in a lot – prioritize them now!

4. Get organized.

Whatever organization system works for you, get back into it before you head back to school.

Organization is the key to achieving your semester goals.

If you need a new notebook or agenda book, get one.

Or if you like using an app, get it set up.

And if you prefer winging it, plan out how to wing it.

You do you. But just do it.

5. Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small.

Especially when you’re stressing about returning to campus for the semester, be kind to yourself.

Celebrate completing your summer job.

Applaud yourself for saving money for the semester.

Cheer for making your bed for three days straight.

Commend yourself for getting your study abroad visa.

While I don’t advocate breaking the bank for your celebrations, maybe taking yourself out to a coffee is a nice way to celebrate.

Just don’t forget to treat yo’self.

6. Connect with family and friends.

Especially if you are heading to a different state, location, or country, make some time for those you love.

Schedule as much time as you can, and try not to bail even if the weather is bad. Or if your cat puked on your shoes. Or if your car breaks down.

There’s only so much time we can enjoy with those around us when we’re not swamped with school!

And no, it was not a coincidence that I put family before friends.

And for goodness sake call your mother.

7. If you know your classes, see if you have any pre-work.

If you are a freshman, you probably had required reading. Make sure you read that.

If you are returning to campus, your professors might expect you to read the syllabus. And they might find it fun for you to read two books prior to the first class. Check that.

If you are studying abroad, you probably don’t have too much pre-work. But you have to pack up your life for a few months, so there’s that.

Just make sure to check everything so you don’t start off your semester needing to catch up.

8. Don’t think about school for 24 hours.

Now that you’ve panicked about all the work you have (yep, you looked at the syllabus), put it away for 24 hours.

Avoid school email.

Don’t look at any syllabi.

No organizations, sororities, fraternities, campus groups, teams, or anything.

Just be present where you are.

Give yourself a break while you can.

9. …But then make a packing list.

This is important for those heading to campus, and absolutely essential for students who are studying abroad. Check out recommended packing lists, and don’t forget the important things that you might not think about:

Toiletries
Duct tape
Lamps and lightbulbs
Safety pins
Locks (for your bag, bike, computer, gym locker…)
Power strips or travel converters
Underwear
Photo and poster hanging strips
Everything else your mom insists that you bring (just humor her)

And with that, you should be prepared for a wonderful semester!

What do you usually do to prepare for the semester? Is there anything you always forget to pack? Share in the comments below!

How to Avoid Long Lines at U.S. Airports

Before, Travel TipsMoney, Pre-Departure, Tips, TravelBecca Leigh

I didn't even know about Global Entry until a few years ago - now, I'm completely convinced to get it! Thanks for pinning! When you go to any airport in the US, there are usually lines.

Then there are more lines.

Aaaaand yet more lines.

And, if you’re traveling from outside the United States back into the United States, there is likely – you guessed it – more waiting to get through immigration.

Ever since 9/11, lines at airports have been understandably, and miserably, long. Now, as a traveler, you have to take off shoes and jackets. You must liberate your liquids from your bags. Don’t forget your laptop…

No wonder some people avoid traveling.

As someone who is eternally optimistic about just how long it will take me to get to and through the lines in the airport, I would do anything to avoid lines.

And that’s where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can make a killing. And they do.

Enter the TSA Pre-Check program and, my personal favorite, the Global Entry Program.

What the… What?

In response to traveler ~~riots~~ displeasure at having to wait in these lines, the Department of Homeland Security has an opportunity for people willing to pay to avoid standing in line.

Interested U.S. citizens and permanent residents can submit an online application for one of these programs. Then you wait.

The TSA Pre-Check Program allows members to go in that short, fast-moving line at security. Yep, the one where you don’t have to take off your shoes. Or your jacket.

However, at the risk of sounding like a late-night spokesperson for the latest as-seen-on-TV item, for just 15 dollars more, you can get some added benefits!

The Global Entry Program includes the TSA Pre-Check for domestic flights, and has expedited entry back into the United States.

As someone who has waited between 15 minutes and 3 hours to clear US Immigration (oftentimes on a full bladder), this program was an immediate YES.

Here is the breakdown of what each program includes:

From the Department of Homeland Security (https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-comparison-chart)

How does the thought of line-skipping sound to you?

Sounds pretty sweet. How much does it cost?

TSA Pre-Check costs $85 for a five-year membership (or $17 per year), whereas Global Entry costs $100 for a five-year membership (or $20 per year).

It’s important to know that you will pay this in full at the time of application. Just like a passport.

If you plan on doing any international travel and are already sold on the TSA Pre-Check, that extra $15 (or $3 per year if you want to look at it that way) is more than worth it.

The lines. You would skip the lines that suck out your soul.

Shut up and take my money. So what’s the application like?

Let’s focus on Global Entry.

The application is just as serious – if not much more serious – than a job application. Be prepared to provide the following information or documents:

Your name and personal information
Date and place of birth
Contact information
Citizenship Information (this would ideally be your U.S. passport, but a birth certificate would do as well)
Admissibility document (if you used your passport, that counts for this section)
Your primary residence (and all other residences from the past five years)
Your current job (and all other jobs in the past five years – there can be no breaks in your employment history. So include a one-month unemployment. They care.)
Your international travel history from the past five years outside of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
Your criminal history

This will likely take you at least a half-hour to complete, or more if the system crashes. #whoops #beenthere

You do have to pay for your application online in order to submit it. You can pay by credit card or bank account.

Then, your application will either be conditionally approved or, well, not. If it is conditionally approved, you are required to show up at an enrollment center for an interview.

If you live near a major city, celebrate! You will probably not have to go on a trek for your interview. Since I live near D.C., both enrollment centers are only a short public transportation ride from me.

However, if you live in upstate New York, for example, you will interview either at the Canadian border or in New York City. It’s worth the adventure!

You can find the locations of all of the enrollment centers on the Customs and Border Protection website.

Once Homeland Security (hopefully) approves you, you will have a Known Traveler Number. This is the number you will enter every time you book a flight.

One thing to keep in mind is that, once you get a new passport, you have to update your Global Entry account.

Unless you want to be stuck at the border.

Potentially forever.

I’m looking forward to the next time I travel internationally – avoiding lines is everything to me!

Would you pay to have a smoother and shorter travel experience? Share in the comments below!

Drinking While Abroad: Staying Safe

During, Lessons LearnedBecca Leigh

Drinking while abroad helps you experience the local culture - here's how to do it safely! Let’s talk about drinking.

It’s funny to me that some students think of me as just an advisor and that I assume that they won’t drink in excess whilst studying abroad.

That’s cute.

Apparently students forget that their study abroad advisors studied abroad (for the most part) and made some pretty questionable decisions during that time.

I promise that I wouldn’t lie to you about staying safe while abroad.

I know that safety is the thing furthest from your mind when you’re out for a night of drinking. Again, #beenthere.

However, if you take certain precautions, you will be looking out for yourself and for your friends. It is heart wrenching to see stories like this about drunk students from the United States being targeted in some of the most amazing cities in the world.

Being prepared is important for any situation, especially when alcohol is involved.

So, since you WILL go out drinking while traveling or studying abroad, here are ways to stay safe.

Try (and respect) the local alcohol.

In most countries that are not the United States, drinking (especially for those under the age of 21) is common and accepted. Having a drink with dinner, or friends, or coworkers, is completely normal.

It’s a part of cultural exchange to sample local wines, beers, and liquors. In fact, I highly encourage you to go on a distillery tour, a vineyard tasting, or visit a local brewery.

Tastings should not lead to black-outs, for the record.

(Also, the local alcohol will likely put you on your ass if it’s liquor. Keep that in mind.)

Know your limits.

Ha. This one is funny. We all “know our limits” but still black out.

But when (not if) you go out drinking and end up with a monster hangover, maybe next time you can save some money and not have as much to drink.

How much fun is it really to nurse a hangover when you’re supposed to be exploring a new city? It’s wretched to have a hangover on a ferry, a snorkeling trip, a train, a bus, a walking tour…

Use the buddy system.

Let’s say that you’re visiting a new city in the United States alone. Would you go out drinking by yourself until early o’clock in the morning, and then stumble home?

I hope your answer is no.

Students especially have a habit of assuming safety while abroad. Again, this was me, especially when I studied in Paris and the Dominican Republic.

It is so important to bring someone with you who is looking out for you and your drink, and you reciprocate this care and concern.

No matter where you are in the world, drinking with a buddy is always a good idea.

Have a “designated walker.”

I know this sounds crazy, but especially when you are in a different country where you are the “other,” there should essentially be a designated walker.

This sober friend makes sure the whole group makes it to the destination, and the whole group makes it back home.

The DW also drives hard negotiations for group members who want to go out to “just one more bar!” or who want to go to someone else’s home.

Shit gets real when drinking. Make sure someone looks out for the group.

If you are a study abroad student and are attending a school-sponsored event that involves drinking, don’t get sloppy.

All study abroad advisors have at least one story of students who have created chaos by binge drinking at a school-sponsored event – especially during orientation week.

It makes you, and your university, look really, really bad.

If the event open bar, stop yourself before three drinks.

This is not a suggestion. It’s a plea from advisors everywhere.

Leave valuables in a secure place at your apartment, hostel, and anywhere but on you.

Or, if you want them to find a new home, bring them all with you.

But seriously, bring as little as possible with you when you go out for a night of drinking. Some cash, your I.D. (that is not your passport), and a credit card if you desperately need it is more than sufficient.

You’ll probably also bring your phone, but make sure that everything that comes out with you finds its way home with you.

Don’t mix alcohol with drugs.

Also known as “don’t do any drugs when you’re abroad.”

No exceptions.

Make sure you have the local emergency number saved in your phone, as well as the emergency contact at your school if you end up needing help.

Let me make this clear – while you are out for a night of partying, your study abroad program is only peripherally responsible for you.

Just like when you go to an apartment party or bar while at home, if something happens to you, your home university is only peripherally responsible for you and your actions.

The people who will be able to help you in the event that shit gets real are the local police. And maybe your emergency contact at your school.

Keep this number on your phone, and maybe even on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse.

If everyone in your group has this information saved, at least one of you will still have it at the end of the night.

There are real risks to drinking in a new city, but there are precautions that everyone can take in order to stay safe and have an amazing time.

Let’s make sure that those nights you don’t remember are not nights you will regret!

Salud!

Being Cheap Without Missing Out

Money MattersMoney, Savings, Tips, VacationBecca Leigh

Being cheap is not the same as being frugal, and I fall into the latter category. Here's how I try to out-cheap my friends to enjoy delayed gratification while traveling. I met up with a friend in NYC the other day and, in addition to filling my soul with joy, she reminded me of how we used to try to “out cheap” each other.

It made me miss her even more!

It’s hard, in this society, to ignore the constant barrage of advertisements, endorsements, and other things that make us think or say SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY.

I get a lot of flack at work for being cheap. I’d like to call it frugal, but it might look cheap to those who do not have the same priorities.

As explained previously, travel is my priority.

We all learn to be cheap in college, or “act like a college student,” but as soon as we get out of college, we suddenly have more bills, loan repayments, and the expectation of trying to keep up with the Joneses.

I have preferred to continue acting like a college student – there are some great skills that college students learn out of necessity with, usually, small paychecks.

And for students who are planning on studying abroad, being cheap and saving money at home is critical in order to afford all of those cheap flights whilst abroad!

How I Try to Out-Frugal My Friends

Money is an intensely personal topic, but I work well under self-imposed structure for money.

I keep a budget that includes a little flexibility, but try to keep my expenses low so that I can spend money on future gratification.

Things That Might Seem Cheap:

Roommates

Many people have the dream of living alone – having a place to call their own has many perks, including individuality, privacy, and independence.

I have three roommates, and because of that, I spend less than 25 percent of my take-home pay on housing. Because I live in the DC area, I have the opportunity to spend at least 50 percent of my income on housing, but… that makes me want to weep.

In a perfect world, I would live alone, have an entire refrigerator to myself, have everything be set up the way I want it to be…

But then I hear my passport calling my name and none of that matters as much.

Clothing

New clothes are fun, but let’s be real – if we choose right, we can blow our entire budgets on new clothes, shoes, and new things in general.

I prefer the lightly used clothing option. Clothing swaps with friends, consignment clothing, and thrift store shopping benefits me (low or no price), the environment (reusing items means less raw materials being used), and still looks as good as new (if you choose right).

Win-win!

Transportation

I hate paying for a commute. For most Americans, the impact that commuting has on our budgets, environment, cars, and souls is significant.

For two of my previous jobs, I was actually required to have a car in order to be employed. Not that I had to have a car for commuting, but I actually had to own one as a condition of my employment.

Currently, I am fortunate in that I have multiple options for my commute. I can either bike, take the (free) bus, or drive. Because I bike, I get a workout while commuting.

I know this isn’t an option for everyone, but reducing my transportation costs to work has enabled me to reroute those funds to things that matter (like flights out of the US).

Food

As a college student, I would jump on free food like white on rice.

Now, as an “adult,” I still jump on free food opportunities.

Need volunteers? Maybe. Lunch will be served? I’ll be there.

If this reduces my food bill, and I get to meet new people? Everybody wins.

When I’m not reaping the benefits of free food, I try to eat at home every meal, or look at menus in advance to plan out my meal if I know that I’m going out.

Haircuts, manicures, pedicures, or spas

I love do-it-yourself spa activities, since I haaaate spending money on them. I will pay for a haircut no more than once a year… maybe.

On the bright side, there are so many tutorials for all personal care needs, so I just defer to that for inspiration.

Since my hair is pretty long, I have used YouTube videos on many occasions.

I haven’t screwed it up. Yet.

Sales

I love the word “sale.” However, I know that it’s normally a brilliant way for vendors to sucker us consumers into spending our money on things that we want, and maybe even need.

For this reason, I have a Google Doc on which I have my list of “wants” and “needs.” Then, I have separate columns for “want soon” and “want later.”

It’s a little crazy.

However, if my “needs” and “want soon” coincide with great sales and space in my monthly budget, I will jump on them.

By having everything written out, it is easier to prioritize before committing to anything. It did take me six years to finally buy a bike, after all…

Working Out

I love the environment of gyms. The pumping music, the variety of televisions, other people… It’s a positive thing for me.

But those prices though.

I have been fortunate to have access to free gyms through my work. Even though the free gyms aren’t the prettiest, they are – in fact – free. Between the free gyms, biking, and the YouTube channel BeFit (as well as the channel Yoga with Adriene, which I love!), I am pretty covered with my workout needs.

Things That I Splurge On:

Car and Bike Repairs

A car is useless if it cannot run. In the United States, it is almost impossible to live without a car if you live outside of a major metropolitan area.

Because of this, many of us in the United States either own or lease a car. I own mine, and I refuse to pass up any opportunity to fix it (after getting a second opinion on some things that seem shady, though).

My car and I have an understanding that if she needs something, she asks politely instead of getting sassy. It works out well for both of us… most of the time.

Transportation for Travel

In order to leave the United States, unless we are driving to Canada or Mexico, we need to fly. However, for anyone living abroad, cheap transportation is a huge perk. Between planes, trains, buses, and car sharing, it’s super cheap to get around in other parts of the world.

With that being said, I am willing to spend up to $600 on my international flights. This price range has gotten me to South America, Central America, through Asia, and to Europe (even Eastern Europe!) many times between 2006 and today.

I know I will need to spend more money in the future, and I am willing to do that, but not until I have to.

When Traveling

I am very willing to spend quite a substantial amount of money when I am traveling. There is a lot to be said for spending money on experiences that are unparalleled.

By being cheap at home, I have the delayed gratification when I’m traveling.

Some things I have willing spent quite a bit of money on while traveling:

Climbing the Harbor Bridge in Sydney
Touring throughout Iceland, including a Puffin Tour
Taking a multi-day trip through Turkey to see far-flung places… and then paying top dollar for a day in the Turkish baths to recover
Joining a day trip to a national park in Thailand
A fjord tour through Norway
Visiting the DMZ in Korea

And many more.

While I may be cheap at home, the delayed gratification of being able to have fulfilling experiences while traveling greatly motivates me to keep up with my frugality.

What are ways that you try to be frugal? Do you believe in delayed gratification? Share in the comments below!

The Case for Using Vacation Time

Lessons Learned, Travel TipsJob, Lessons, Preparation, VacationBecca Leigh

In a recent study, Americans still do not use all of their vacation time. Let's change that. There are many things I enjoy about the United States.

I feel like I have to start with that because I am always trying to get people to leave the US and travel.

I love the all-night restaurants, Target, road rules that make sense to me, and the enthusiasm with which Americans do many things.

There are also many things that frustrate the hell out of me in the good ole’ US of A.

For one, we suck at taking vacation time.

I’m not saying this just to be provocative. The Today Show had a brief segment today during which Natalie Morales essentially said “Americans still aren’t taking vacations from work, and a whole bunch of vacation time expired at the end of last year.”

Womp, womp.

There was also a story about this in 2015, also on The Today Show. Not taking vacation time was affecting our relationships.

Not to beat a dead horse, but a similar story appeared in 2014. Yep, still Today.

A bunch of other news sources have made the same depressing realizations.

If less than 25 percent of Americans are taking all of their vacation time (which, in the US, is at a painfully low 10 days), HOW ARE WE STILL FUNCTIONING AS A COUNTRY.

No, really. I’m asking.

I’m not going to even focus on that pitiful amount of vacation time in this post (10 days? Really?).

But I really can’t take vacation.

Vacation time is part of your compensation for work (if you are a full-time employee and it is part of your employment package). It means that your employer acknowledges that employees operate better when they have time to shut off their minds and phones for some time.

I get it. It’s scary to let someone else take charge of your projects, your clients, or your risk management oversight for a few days, or even a week (… or more).

You do your job well.

You pride yourself on your relationships that you have with various stakeholders.

But I promise you that the world won’t come to an end if you take your vacation time.

If the president of the United States can take a vacation every year, you sure as hell can.

You don’t know what it’s like.

I’m writing this as a reformed non-vacation taker.

Some of my former supervisors did not support me taking vacation time, and I didn’t focus on making my case to them.

So, I received two vacation buy-outs from my previous positions. Across 3 years, I was paid for 25 vacation days that I did not take.

That money was not worth it, in my opinion (and I love money).

Currently, with my 25 vacation days annually (I’m truly, truly lucky to have this), I will have exactly .8 days remaining by December 31st.

Yes. .8 days.

I have a running joke with my supervisor that I never work. This is far from true, but in the business culture of the United States, it would seem that taking any time away is viewed as frivolous.

Selfish.

Lazy.

Uncommitted to the job.

This is simply not true.

Using vacation time demonstrates a commitment to yourself, your relationships, your mental health, and your job.

Yeah. I said it. Taking vacation time demonstrates a commitment to your job.

You are at your best when you have time away from your job. How many times have you had a brilliant idea when you’re not actively thinking about something?

If that’s not motivational enough, how about taking the opportunity to rejuvenate yourself and returning to work ready for anything?

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah. You would return to work like a rabid chipmunk. Ready to take on anything and hyped up.

What can I do now?

Take the time you have rightfully earned.

I don’t care if you take a staycation, traverse the US, journey by train across Europe, cruise down the Amazon, go on a South African safari, hike the Great Wall of China, or surf in Australia.

The world is out there, and it’s begging you to explore it.

The world is out there, and it's begging you to explore it. - Leigh

So, managers. Empower your employees to schedule their vacations. And, more importantly, take your own vacation time to be a good example to your team.

And, employees. Schedule your own time away. The world won’t end. You actually aren’t indispensable.

Finally, students entering the workforce. TAKE. YOUR. VACATION. TIME. Make this a part of your life now to make it a healthy habit.

Sure, you want to get ahead. You can still get ahead by kicking ass in the time that you are in the office, and taking time away.

Here’s to your well-deserved rest.

Do you take all of your vacation time? Why or why not?

How Your Smartphone Has Improved Travel

During, Travel TipsLessons, TravelBecca Leigh

The smartphone has changed the way we travel, and it's not always for the worse! The other day, I came across this article from The Telegraph about how having a smartphone has ruined travel.

The entire time, I giggled, agreed, enthusiastically shared it with friends, and lamented my newish relationship with my phone.

Ah, traveling before smartphones was a simpler, more enjoyable time.

…Or was it?

I started thinking of all of the things I would not have experienced if I had had a phone to help me out.

I wouldn’t have learned first-hand that putting the period in the wrong place when withdrawing Luxembourg francs cost approximately $10,000, not $100 (Dad learned this the hard way at an ATM).

I would have searched for the best calzone in Venice (which is a subjective search, to be fair) instead of stumbling into a restaurant with 16” calzones and an enthusiastic chef.

Hell, I might have sent fabulous, closely edited pictures of China to my parents immediately in 2003 instead of having to wait for the (sometimes not-so-great) pictures to develop.

It was a simpler time.

However, I think that today – in this age of smartphones – there is a lot of power, and there are a lot of benefits to traveling with a smartphone.

It can connect people, it can help bridge cultural differences, and it can securely store travel plans.

… But this doesn’t mean that Snapchatting everything is absolutely necessary.

Here are ten things I love about traveling with a smartphone.

1. Constant access to books.

Let’s talk about just how many books I had to bring in my suitcase when I moved abroad.

Would five be enough? (Nope.)

Where can I get new books? Should I lovingly con my mother into sending me more books?

Now, I simply download books from my library onto my tablet or phone (I talked about how great it was here). I have successfully downloaded books in every country I’ve visited, as soon as I had a wireless connection.

Because of my love for overland travel, e-books are my key to happiness for those 3+ hour train, boat, ferry, car, or plane rides.

And my bag is lighter as a result!

How your smartphone has improved travel: 1. Constant access to books. — Don’t mind if I just curl up with an e-book for the next few hours.

2. Music connects people.

I can’t tell you how many times I have used my music to connect with others.

From roof-top hostel jams to beach music to YouTube parties during storms, having access to swaths of music created memories I will not soon forget.

On the six-hour third-class train from the Thai border with Cambodia at Aranyaprathet to Bangkok, I befriended the girl sitting across from me.

There’s a lot to be said about sharing water, smiles, face wipes, and granola bars.

Between us, I knew 5 words of Thai and she knew about 10 in English.

She pointed to my phone, I unlocked it, and she selected the music app.

“Pop.” she said.

I played her as much Taylor Swift as I could find on my phone.

Eventually, she furrowed her brow and said “pop”… “hpop”… “hipop”… “hip hop”

Ah. No wonder TayTay wasn’t working.

Where would I have been without music?

How your smartphone has improved travel: 2. Music connects people. — Without phones, this long journey across Thailand on wooden seats would have led to much more character building.

3. Wandering is still an option… but now you can recover from missteps.

I’m a huge fan of wandering side streets until… forever.

I also wholeheartedly believe in asking someone on the street for directions in whatever broken words I have attempted to learn in the host language.

However, I love being able to have access to at least a map of an area with Google Maps after connecting to WiFi once in the city.

I was ambling aimlessly in Stockholm until I was way off of the paper map I had (ha HA! Still using paper maps!).

If I hadn’t had my phone, that would have been an expensive taxi ride back… If I could have found a taxi.

How your smartphone has improved travel: 3. Wandering is still an option… but now you can recover from missteps. — Despite my best efforts to get completely and hopelessly lost in Stockholm, my phone helped me find my way back.

4. Connecting with family back home is easier than ever.

I know, I’m supposed to advocate for complete immersion into a culture, and I do.

But sometimes it’s nice to be able to check in with family.

Or gloat about your amazing experiences (within reason).

Or find out when things are going on that you might be interested in knowing.

For example, my dad didn’t learn about his grandmother’s death until 6 weeks after she passed away since he was living in Botswana at the time.

Also, I learned about my aunt’s passing one week after it happened when I was studying in the Dominican Republic in 2006.

It went like this:

Dad: Just got back from visiting family!
Me: Great! How is everyone?
Dad: They’re doing well! It was good to see everyone at the funeral.
Me:…
Dad:…
Me:… Who died?!

It might have been nice to learn about this before the funeral.

5. Language learning and translation apps are just a touch away.

So you’ve probably tried to learn a little of the local language, but sometimes you need a little extra help.

We’ve all been there when we use the wrong word and end up offending people.

(For the record, pronouncing the Korean province “Jeolla” as joe-la is horrendously offensive.)

Between Duolingo for practice and many translation apps, you can communicate far easier in your host country. Maybe you can even offend fewer people with the help of your smartphone!

6. Pictures, pictures, pictures!

Yes, there is such a thing as taking too many pictures, too many selfies, and having too much connection to social media.

However, if we remain responsible with our social media usage and don’t only focus on Instagramming and Snapchatting all of the things, having a really strong camera on our phones is fantastic.

When my camera summarily died in the middle of the rainforest in Costa Rica, I could still take high quality pictures of the landscape because of my phone.

The only downside to ubiquitous cameras is having to empty out your photos to have enough storage!

How your smartphone has improved travel: 6. Pictures, pictures, pictures! — Well hello, Arenal… Even though my camera is sassy, my phone can still capture your beauty!

7. Safely storing and having access to travel plans and documents.

When I traveled internationally in my youth, I made sure to have multiple copies of all of the things stashed throughout my luggage, on my person, on my carry-on, and of course back at home.

Now, I have pictures of all of my credit cards, license, passport, travel documents, and itinerary stored on my smartphone, which is password-protected.

Oh yeah – I also have this information stored in my email.

And on my Google Drive.

And with my parents.

And I bring paper documents.

Being prepared for anything is critical to resolving any problems. In the event that all of my luggage catches fire and I’ve lost my passport, my phone, copies of everything, or money, I could still feasibly access my information via the Internet.

The Cloud is powerful.

(Bonus point: This is why it’s important to register for the STEP program and be prepared for an emergency abroad!)

How your smartphone has improved travel: 7. Safely storing and having access to travel plans and documents. — Thanks, screenshots!

8. Access to online journaling or blogging software is easy.

As a study abroad advisor, I always encourage students to either write in a journal to document their experiences or start a travel blog.

Everyone processes experiences in different ways, but journaling is a great way to remember details that would be lost in time without documentation.

Now that I have a smartphone, I type all of my journal entries either on my Notepad or my travel blog. Then, I write everything in my journal when I get back home.

I’m very conscious about weight restrictions on luggage, so this is huge for me!

How your smartphone has improved travel: 8. Access to online journaling or blogging software is easy. — Where would I be without a journal app?

9. Even in remote locations, my phone has a compass.

I can’t be the only one out there who loves using the compass on my phone.

Am I?

*crickets*

Okay, moving on…

10. Despite traveling with a phone, I have the power to put it away and disconnect simply by not being on WiFi or data.

I find it so much easier to disconnect from social media when I am traveling.

I’m too cheap to buy a data plan for when I’m traveling, so when I’m out and meandering, I don’t have access to that brain-suck that is the Internet.

Sure, I take pictures and read things and try not to get hit by cars (looking at you, Italy, Thailand, and Korea), but I still am focused on the destination.

How your smartphone has improved travel: 10. Despite traveling with a phone, I have the power to put it away and disconnect simply by not being on WiFi or data. — Thanks, phone, for helping me capture a flawless San Jose day! (#nofilter, for the record)

The moral of the story is that traveling has changed because of the advent of the smartphone and social media, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s for the worse.

I guess Uncle Ben was right when he said “with great power comes great responsibility.” As long as we use our phones for good, they are powerful tools that can enhance our travel experiences.

What do you think about traveling with a smartphone? Is it ruining travel or making it better? Share in the comments below!