As an industrial engineer, I am always looks for ways to improve my process and learn for my mistakes. Here’s a list of safety and travel tips I’ve learned while abroad.
Ireland/Dublin Specific:
• Cars are on the ‘wrong side’ of the road in Ireland. Be extra careful when crossing the street and resist giving into muscle memory-looking the wrong way at a crosswalk will not end well.
• Most stores close around 8 or 9, sometimes earlier on weekends and 24/hour options are very limited. I had to search the whole city for a pharmacy open after 7 on Sundays because I desperately needed cold medicine.
• Always keep a couple Euros worth of change around, it’s useful to have for the bus in case I forget to top-up my bus card.
• Stick in umbrella or raincoat in your bag. Unexpected rain showers can happen even on the sunniest of days.
Traveling Outside of Ireland:
• The UK and Ireland use different outlets than the rest of the EU. Bring both converters.
• If you like to be spontaneous with your travels and not plan activities ahead of time, that’s fine, but make sure you know how to get from the airport to where you are staying. Knowing how the local train or bus work saves time, money and stress at the airport.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport somewhere on you, but separate from your passport. I even has a photo uploaded to my google cloud, so I can get it anywhere. I also like to know where the nearest US embassy is, just in case.
• Don’t rely on technology. Access to wifi and power outlets can be inconsistent. Print out any important reservations, tickets, and directions. Grab an English-language tourist map ASAP- they can be found at most airport information desks.
• If you are dead set on visiting a certain museum, see if tickets are available ahead of time. The Anne Frank House and Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam have famously long lines that can be avoided by purchasing tickets ahead of visiting.
• Be wary of people speaking English is some countries. I enjoyed going to Italy, but many people approached me speaking English, trying to get me to buy something or con me. Be wary of pickpockets as well.
• Try to learn a few basic phrases in other languages. When I was Paris, I noticed lots of the French speak English, but they are more open to helping you if you at least attempt some French-a simple Bonjour and Merci goes a long way.
• Some places are very credit card friendly, while others are cash cultures. Depending of your bank handles fees, it might make sense to withdraw a lot of cash before you travel.
• Denmark, Sweden, and Holland are all places where bikes are more popular than cars. Make sure you’re walking on the sidewalk and not in a bike lane.
Saving Money
• Keep your student ID and passport on your person. Many places offer either student or young people’s discounts.
• Check out the museum’s website. I learned the Louvre was free Friday nights for anyone under 25, saving me 15 bucks.
• Instead of eating out, buy one your meals at a grocery store, market or bakery. Shopping at a grocery store is a great way to observe how locals eat and live. In Paris, I grabbed some fruit from a market, cheese at the grocery store, and a baguette from one the city’s best bakeries. I made a great picnic lunch for about 5 bucks and ate at a park near the Eiffel Tower.
• When staying at a hostel, see what services are provided. Many charge extra to rent locks, towels or provide toiletries. I bring my own lock, and toiletries and I bought travel towels that dry quickly and fold up small.
• Many hostels also provide free walking tours, be sure to ask when you check in.
Traveling Alone
While traveling alone isn’t for everyone and it can be fun and perfectly safe. I went to London, Paris and Amsterdam alone and enjoyed the independence. Being able to travel alone gave me a self-confidence boost and made me feel like a real adult.
• Going solo requires a lot of self-reliance so make sure you do your research before traveling.
• Never leave belongings unattended or with a stranger. Take everything with you to the bathroom.
• Hostels are full of college-age students from all over the world. While I never did anything with people I met at the hostel, I had great conversations. Hostel roommates can provide good advice at what to do in the city. I learned a lot about Germany from German roommates in London and I had an interesting breakfast conversation with a member of the peace corps in my Paris hostel.
• Make sure you tell your roommates and your parents when and where you are going. I always check in once a day with my parents when I’m traveling alone. It only takes a minute to text them and gives them assurance that I’m okay.
My most important travel tip.
When I was packing to go abroad, I stuck a foldable reusable shopping bag in my suitcase. It’s become my most essential and useful travel item. Here’s a brief listing of it uses:
• Saves me money every time I shop. Many places in Ireland and Europe charge a plastic bag tax, which I avoid my bringing my own.
• Laundry bag when I travel.
• Shower caddy when I stay in a hostel with a hallway bathroom
• Makeshift umbrella when I forget mine.
• Lunch box
• Holds my knitting or anything else too big for my purse, but too small for my backpack.
• Extra space when my souvenirs won’t fit in my backpack.
