A Recent Grad's Guide to Globetrotting

A Recent Grad’s Guide to

Globetrotting Adventure (Part 1)

By Tamara Litt, a KAG Sister, Associate Board Member + Travel Enthusiast

“I can’t possibly afford to travel on my modest student (or recent grad!) income.” That’s simply not true! If there’s one thing my travel adventures have taught me it’s to always look for creative solutions. Now is the perfect time to broaden your horizons and experience everything this amazing world (+ your fellow humans!) have to offer!

First Things, First

Your own adventure starts with reaching your destination and getting around once you arrive. Look into low-cost air carriers – Ryanair (based in Ireland), EasyJet (based in the UK), and Vueling (based in Spain) are just a few options.

Don’t forget to not only plan your transportation to and from your initial destination, but also how to get around once you’re there. Taking the train between countries can be an experience all its own. When I was studying in Milan, the train was the preferable option to explore parts of Switzerland. However, I needed to fly for some places in Italy. Another option to consider - traveling through ridesharing services. I used BlaBlaCar to travel to Florence from Milan because it was so inexpensive! You can view driver’s bios, as well as ratings to ensure a smooth ride.

A Place to Rest Your Head

Make sure to do your homework and carefully research as you plan each part of your trip. Take into account all the options: hotels, motels, hostels, Airbnb apartments, etc. I utilized all of the above for living arrangements while traveling. Forget what you’ve seen in movies, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF HOSTELS - they can sometimes be nicer than hotels and offer extra accommodations! I svvtayed in a hostel in Florence that had a pool, bar, club, laundry room, restaurant, etc! Another hostel in Italy, offered free shuttle bus rides to and from the hostel!

Some hostels are coed and can be all different sizes - if you’re traveling with a small group of four or six, you might share the same room. Pick the option that’s best for you. Be sure to check in advance with your choice of hostels so you know what to expect from the accommodations and avoid any surprises. Insider safety tip: Some hostels provide lockers for your belongings, but you’ll need to provide your own lock.

Airbnb can also provide a better bang for your buck. I used Airbnb in Rome, Barcelona, and London. But remember, it’s all about location, location, location! Make sure your accommodations are conveniently located to ground transportation alternatives. I learned the hard way that the cheapest option may also be the most inconvenient to reach. When I stayed in Venice the first time, my hotel was nice and cheap, but incredibly far from the city center. The second time, Airbnb brought me right into the heart of Venice. That’s always the best bet: to stay close to the center

USA Pavillion, World Expo, Milan, Italy

of the city or airport, because even if it’s a tad pricier getting around will be easier. Check with the hotel for transportation options. The essentials: A lot of the Airbnbs I stayed at offered food, as well as some hostels (read the fine print). Plus, ask if they offer WIFI so you can check in with friends and families stateside throughout your journey.

Just like your college term papers, properly researching ahead of your expedition is the key to earning an A in Global Travel 101!