My first trip outside of the United States was to Montreal, Quebec. It was one weekend and I was chaperoning undergrads at a college student summit. Not fun. But at least I got to go to another country and I got a passport stamp or rather I demanded the border agent stamp my fricking passport.
My second trip abroad was out of North America to the majestic city of Paris, France. Yes, that was sarcasm. I don’t ever have to go back to Paris. That’s for another post.
Paris and Vienna were the destinations for my “Counseling in the Global Context” class in graduate school. Who is going to say no to class credit for going abroad to Europe? And I’ve traveled before, this was going to be easy, Right?
I was wrong. So terribly wrong. But to be fair, I did my research about my destinations, I made sure my passport was renewed. I read travel blogs, and all the things a good international travel girly should do. I even did carry on only (Rookie mistake 1 – two week trip means a bigger bag for me. ) Imagine my surprise when I was allowed to check two bags free. International flights allowed that back in 2015.
Things I really should have known before heading out of the country:
Water is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s your hair’s friend – This is especially important for women of color with curly, coily, or kinky hair. I have been natural for going on 15 years now. I usually put my hair in a protective style. I had to wash my hair abroad because of Paris! (I don’t want to talk about it). My hair was not a fan of the water, and it betrayed me. I learned that protective styles are protective for a reason. For me at least.
Know your travel buddies –Steph and I were roommates and that was cool with me. We got along, we still get along. But when there is a trip of 20 people, there’s bound to be a problem. Be ready for the petty. We ended up needing an hour group therapy session with our professor before we left Vienna!
It’s possible to pack too lightly. – Nothing is more disconcerting than trying to learn how to read a washing machine in French the night before you’re supposed to be traveling to Vienna because you and 10 of your travel companions ran out of clean underwear. And an extra pair of glasses would’ve really came in handy when I walked into a glass window and broke my glasses. (I will not be elaborating on that). And of course no charger, no extra bag and you have an irritated traveler.
The Weather. –Paris and Vienna are rainy AF in the Spring. It rained so much that some of us got the sniffles. Because we were not prepared!
Human Beings will be Human. – Give grace. People are processing their travel experience differently. Again, some of my travel companions got on my nerves. But alone time helps out. Travel alone, hang out in your hotel room and take a nap. I learned that you don’t need to be with the group all of the time. FOMO doesn’t exist on vacation.
Finally, Have fun! – Even with the rooky mistakes. I don’t regret my trip. It prepared me for the next one. Besides, I have a photo with the Eiffel Tower!
Wander Luv 