After roaming around European cities almost every weekend this semester, I have discovered quite a lot about the do’s and don’ts of traveling. While some are common sense, you would be surprised at how much of an impact a few amateur mistakes can pose on your trip. As you probably would expect, venturing around various countries definitely adds up. It’s simple: the earlier you book your trip, the cheaper it will be. Start early and plan ahead. Map out your “must go to” cities, book those first, and fill in the other weekends (but don’t forget to leave some weekends open to spend in Florence). Research conversion rates before you go; some of the most beautiful yet overlooked cities such as Budapest, Prague, and Istanbul are fairly cheap.

If you want to be surrounded by other American students and have American tour guides, then using one of the many tour companies is perfect for you. However, I have noticed that the best way to really see a country is by diving into it headfirst and experiencing more than what is shown to you through a tour bus window. Get out there and explore! Go with the flow. Try the typical cuisine, no matter how outrageous. Aim high, but manage your expectations. You don’t have to fall in love with every country you visit. Most importantly, learn how to say “please” and “thank you” in that language. Trust me, it will go a long way.