My Experience & Travel Story
- Since 2016, I have had a passion for travel both within and outside the U.S. I have been to 13 countries, spanning 3 continents– South America, Europe, & Asia.
- Studied abroad for the first time during a two-week high-school program, then “caught the travel bug” and studied abroad in Summer 2022 and the following Fall semester through UNM.
- Faculty-Led programs & UNM Semester abroad experience.
- Experience planning my own excursions abroad both group and solo.
- Planned family excursions (2 - 12 people) abroad to popular areas across Spain and Thailand.
- Personal goal is to see all Seven- New Wonders of the World (Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), Chichén Itzá (México), Petra (Jordan), Taj Mahal (India), Machu Picchu (Peru), The Great Wall of China (China), Colosseum (Italy).
What is Planning for an Excursion Abroad?
Preparation in advance - Research
Accommodation, Transportation, Dress, Local versus Tourist Spots, Food, Language, Safety, outreach, etc.
Prior to stepping on the plane:
Who, What, Where, When, Why...& How Model
Who - Who are you going with? SM/ L Group? Solo?
What & Why - What are you going to be doing while traveling? What are some of your trip goals/ objectives (i.e. relaxation, wellness, sight-seeing/ tours, family, etc.)?
Where - Where are you planning to travel to?
When - What is the timeline for your trip?
How - That's why we plan!
Important Takeaways
Students will be able to feel confident in knowing some basic steps on how to prepare to budget, plan, and navigate self and or group travel excursions while abroad.
Students will walk away with a template that showcases each step of the planning process.
Students will know the importance and delayed gratification that comes with travel planning in advance.
Students will be more aware & more informed of ways they can keep maintain personal safety while traveling abroad.
Helpful Characteristics:
- Curiosity - leads you to gaining a new perspective about yourself & others
- Basic Research Skills - Google searching, ChatGPT/ AI capabilities for itinerary planning, outreach & connecting with other travelers, talking to Study Abroad advisor, attending other workshops, etc.
- Timing - taking advantage of the time you have now (at least one month or sooner than desired departure date; timing may affect airline ticket prices)
- Adopting a Positive Mentality - linked to Manifestation
Large Group Excursions
Consists of 4-12 individuals who are traveling together as a group. Typically a good idea to have one trip leader and coordinator to help manage group, book accommodations, and trip activities. Large groups often pair well with guided tours abroad and any other group activities.
Small Group & Solo Excursions
Small group trips consist of 2-4 individuals who are traveling together as a unit or who meet up along the trip. Small group travel is a great way to share a memorable experience amongst others & embrace small group activities.
Solo excursions allow for additional independence, flexibility, and character building. Certain areas of Asia such as Japan, S. Korea, and Thailand all are very welcoming and accepting of foreign solo travelers. Research is recommended beforehand when searching for chosen destination.
Ashley's 1 Week Itinerary in Thailand - Notion
Gabby's Solo Excursions in S. Korea (Seoul & Busan) - Notion
Planning "the Basics"
- Timeline of trip (includes travel days) - Dependent upon time available & finances
- Accommodation - Hotel vs. Hostel
- Transportation / Navigating - public transportation system, car ride services (Bolt; Uber; taxi service; etc.), hotel/ airport shuttle services, etc.
- Budget - How much is it going to cost to do "x" or travel to "x" (Round-trip & One-way)?
- Itinerary - Pros to having a "rough" plan vs. Packing it all in
Researching "the Basics" - Accommodation
Packing Tips
- Personal belongings
- Dress in layers
- Function over Fashion
- Comfy shoes for walking
- Toiletries - follow liquid rule for plane
- Mini-med kit: bandaids, blister tape, Neosporin, Tums, any personal medications, etc.
***Recommend attending a Flights & Packing Workshop by GEO before departure!
Recommendations for Solo Travelers
- Keep your valuable personal belongings on you at all times and or locked away in a safe in accommodation
- Most hostels have lockers with locks you can rent and or purchase but bring your own luggage lock or locker lock
- Even if you don't know where you are going act like it
- Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it
- Keep a secondary credit/ debit card for emergencies and keep it separate from your everyday (in case one is stolen or lost, you have a backup)
- Purchase an E-Sim or abroad phone plan ahead of time (alternate option - buy Sim card at airport)
- Travel with layers, carry-on for mobility, passport & travel docs. accessible at all times, & backpack/ cross-body bag with a zipper
- Bring wired headphones with you for commuting
- Don't trust everyone
So...you're ready to set off on your adventure. Now what?
Benefits to Solo Travel - character building, navigational skills, discipline, newfound level of independence & confidence gained
Tips for Documenting & Capturing Moments Abroad - disposable camera, digital camera, film camera (be aware of scanners at tourist sites & airport; hand-check), and or iPhone [ Photography], packable journal for personal reflection
Student Discounts & Travel Cards - dependent on destination of travel
Travel App Recommendations based on personal use
Cultural Considerations
Dress Mindfully - be aware of how other cultures may perceive you (ex. Asian countries = more conservative dress)
Culture Shock - (def.) the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.
***Recommend attending a Cultural Differences Workshop with GEO before departure!
Traveler's Etiquette - The way you choose to act may have an impression on others. This can be received positively or negatively. Do your Research beforehand!
Travel Safety Tips (U.S. & Overseas)
- Purchase travel insurance prior to trip - UNM Student Health & Safety Abroad
- Know emergency contact numbers & have them saved in phone
- Share location with someone + travel plans ahead of time
- Be aware of how other cultures react to foreigners
- Be aware of your surroundings & personal belongings, AT ALL TIMES!
- Don't trust everyone (esp. those who try to stop you on the street)
- In my experience, it's not the run-ins with locals it's the other foreigners
- Avoid commuting at night (if possible), plan your travel days carefully
- Avoid the "tourist traps" & scams
Wrap-Up
- Trip planning for solo & group trips
- Budgeting for travel
- Personal safety while traveling & abroad
- Packing
- Cultural considerations
- Digital resources
Final Tips
- Start planning early with "the Basics"
- Figure out your Budget (most important!!)
- Set a timeline of when you are going to have "x" done
- Understand Visa/ Passport entry rules beforehand
- Always arrive EARLY! Account for travel time to airport (busy traffic/ rush hour/ public transpo.), tours, hotel, etc.
Questions? Comments? Stories? Share!
Contact Information
Gabriella Roe, Graduate Assistant for Education Abroad & Faculty-Led Programming
gnroe@unm.edu - Primary email
Global Education Office - (505) 277-0111 GEO Study Abroad Website
Credits:
Created with an image by The Cheroke - "Adventurous Life and Exploring"