The ultimate study abroad survival guide

Reading Time: 7 minutes Thinking of studying abroad or traveling internationally? Here’s everything you need to know before, during, and after your trip.

Budget like a boss in 3 easy steps

Reading Time: 6 minutes Learn the ins and outs of budgeting including useful apps and tools and how money can help you reach long- and short-term goals.

Thing of the month: Field Trip

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Steven TranSteven Tran,

fourth-year undergraduate, New Jersey Institute of Technology

“Don’t we all want to feel welcomed when visiting a new city? Field Trip suggests off-the-beaten-path attractions at any destination, with advice from the locals on places to explore. Choose from six interest categories: Architecture; Historic Places & Events; Lifestyle; Food, Drinks, & Fun; Cool & Unique; and Arts & Museums. You can listen to info via headphones while walking to these places. It uses Google Maps to pinpoint your location, and it’s pretty cool.”

Useful?   3 out of 5 stars

I used the app to visit New York City to see what types of attractions were nearby. It mostly brought me to restaurants. I stopped at an ice cream shop and, to be honest, it was really just average ice cream. However, some of the local attractions that were in walking distance from there were fun to explore.

Fun?  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Not gonna lie: The walk to get the ice cream was a bit shady. I didn’t expect to feel uncomfortable, but there isn’t really a guide on how to get to your destination safely. The idea of the app is fun, though.

Effective?  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Overall, this app does its job—and maybe in less-touristy places, I’d have a better experience. It’s a great tool to help narrow searches to attractions nearby, instead of using Google, where you might be overloaded by info.

Where to buy
Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

No excuse needed: Why travel is good for your health

Reading Time: 8 minutes

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When you’re deep into the semester and maybe exams, your future travel and vacations are likely not high priority. But the summer is not so far away, and looking forward to it can feel good now, as well as helping to set you up for a change of scene later. Most students want to travel, according to a recent CampusWell survey. And you’re pretty clear that the benefits of travel (including study abroad programs) go way deeper than a tan.* “I feel like I am a much better person when I travel more,” says Molly D., a student at Humboldt State University in California. “Travel encourages me to appreciate the unknown while recognizing the familiar,” says Joe Foley, a second-year undergraduate at American University in Washington DC, who in 2014 became the youngest-ever National Geographic Traveler of the Year.

What’s blocking your exit route? Not surprisingly, by far the biggest barrier to travel is cost. “You need to have money saved up to cover airfares, accommodations, food, and other expenses. As a student, it’s very difficult to do this,” says Alejandro C., a third-year undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine. In our survey, 93 percent of students who responded said lack of funds was a barrier; only 4 percent said they were uncomfortable with the prospect of unfamiliar places.

*And, by the way, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan. Use SPF 30+, whatever your skin color or tone.

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What you love about travel

“The cost of taking an airplane is a huge hassle. However, what’s living if you don’t spend your money to experience new things and go to new places?”
—Steven M., fourth-year undergraduate, University of Massachusetts Amherst

“How resourceful can you be when you’re out of money and 4,000 miles away from home? Do you panic? Do you run to the consulate? Do you go native? You learn that you can wash your undies in a hotel bathroom in Rome without embarrassment. You realize that street food really is the most delicious cuisine you’ll ever stuff in your face. Travel will grind you down to your truest self. Whether that is good or bad really is up to the person. In addition, foreign candy is legit way better. So the downside is you’ll never be happy with a Snickersâ„Ē again.”
—Lori T., third-year graduate student, San Diego State University, California

“Travel is the adventure of a new place and new people. Shortly after the earthquake in Haiti, I went on a cruise that visited a private beach in Haiti. I was taking an excursion to zip line across the ocean, which was amazing, but on the drive there, we drove through some rural areas of Haiti. Seeing the devastation of the population was just as impactful as the zip lining was. Now I’m all about helping people who need the help!”
—Laura B., second-year undergraduate, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador

Two friends traveling and taking a selfie“I love airports, planes, train stations, subways and underground metro systems, meeting new people, and dancing the night away.”
—Sarah A., third-year undergraduate, Saint Mary’s University, Minnesota

“Traveling is great because it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. It can be a road trip to a different city or it can be a cruise or it can be a plane ride to a new country—there’s an option for many budgets and comfort zones!”
—Taylor R., fourth-year undergraduate, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, New York

“Travel experiences are built by the little things. The smiles, the first bite of a foreign country’s food, the hostel chitchat. Although the globalized world of Facebook, the golden arches, and American TV shows exist in every major city, the local cultures remain vibrant. The world today is as fascinating as it’s always been, and in most places it’s safer than ever to be a tourist. Travel gives us the thrill of adventure and somewhere new while reminding us of our shared humanity across cultures and encouraging us to push our horizons.”
—Joe Foley, second-year undergraduate, American University, Washington DC; National Geographic Traveler of the Year 2014

“It’s cool to immerse yourself in other cultures and environments around the world or in your own hometown. Just make sure to learn a bit of history, culture, customs, and experience non-touristy activities in addition to the well-known attractions.”
—Amy N., fourth-year undergraduate, Western Washington University

“You learn more through experience than books or articles.”
—Sarah M., third-year undergraduate, Millersville University, Pennsylvania

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Stuff you might not think of

Before you go

Check which currencies are performing badly against the dollar—your money buys more in those places.

Apply early for a passport.

If you need vaccinations, go to your student health center.

Check the insurance that comes with your credit card. Check your health plan for international coverage too.

Let your bank and credit card company know your travel plans so your account isn’t flagged for fraud and possibly blocked.

When you go

Search online for free stuff to do in any tourist-friendly city (e.g., “Montreal free”).

Electronic guidebooks and maps (not books) reduce the schlep factor. Use Google Maps offline by typing “OK maps” in the search bar; the current area will be saved.

Check the comments on Foursquare for passwords of free Wi-Fi in local shops and cafÃĐs.

Keep your electronics charged. If you’re going international, bring a converter outlet plug.

Your top 5 travel experiences so far: 1. Beach vacations 2. Outdoor adventures (e.g., kayaking and hiking) 3. Backpacking trips (US) 4. Study abroad 5. Organized guided toursYour top 5 destinations: 1. Europe 2. Hawaii 3. Japan 4. Canada 5. California

Source: Student Health 101 survey, January 2017

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Your barriers to travel

“Time lost that you could spend working to help pay down outrageous college debts.”
—Colin D., second-year undergraduate, Millersville University, Pennsylvania

“Your body might not be prepared for the different illnesses and pathogens in other countries.” [Ask at the student health center about vaccinations and preventive medications.] —Domo E., third-year undergraduate, University of Hawaii at Manoa

“The paperwork for international travel. The visas help keep track of visitors, but at the same time, it’s like having to complete a totally different job just to earn the right to relax from your normal one.”
—Tyler S., third-year undergraduate, University of the District of Columbia

“Looking at your depleted bank account.”
—Jonathan L., fifth-year undergraduate, California State University, San Marcos

“Packing. It seems you never pack enough, even though you have five bags for a weekend trip, but then you still end up leaving something important at home. Then, in the end, you only needed like a quarter of what you packed!”
—Verronika L., graduate student, Barry University, Florida

“Never wear heels when you have a short layover. If your first flight is delayed in air, and you have to run to your connecting [flight], heels are not conductive to that.”
—Ashe M., second-year undergraduate, Lakehead University, Ontario

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How to land cheap flights

Tips

Flexible fliers get the best last-minute fares; be open to a variety of destinations.

Use a travel search engine: ThriftyNomads.com recommends Skyscanner, Airfarewatchdog, Google Flights, and several others.

Try searching for airfare deals around 1 a.m. The unsold deals from the day before will be reposted.

Before buying any ticket to anywhere, check for student discounts.

Keep your online searches incognito to find the lowest price.

Don’t make the mistakes everyone else makes.

Be smart about budget airlines.

Get cheaper domestic flights in other countries.

Find the best way to get where you’re going.

Spend less to go farther

Best sites & tools

Kayak’s Explore
Find out how far your money can take you

Adioso
Sort fares from your city by price

Get the Flight Out – free iOS app
The cheapest fares leaving from your city today

STA Travel
Expert travel itineraries and student discounts

Student Universe
Lower-cost airfares for students

One Travel
Cheaper flights for students

More cool tools
See Find out more today.

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself" -Amelia EarhartMoney icon

Cheap digs

Hotels, hovels, homes, & habitats

Homestay.com
Stay with a family who lives in the city you’re traveling to

Couchsurfing
Be a guest at someone’s house; check out the reviews

HomeAway
Find over a million rental lodges, which may offer more space than hotels

TripAdvisor
Recommendations and red flags from real people

Airbnb
B&Bs, apartments, and spare rooms for rent; try to negotiate the price.

Hostels.com
35,000 hostels in 180 countries (including US)

Hostelling International USA
Youth-geared US hostels

Hotels.com
Need a place tonight? Deals start at 50 percent off

Reserve America
Beautifully habitable campgrounds across the US

National Park Service
America’s best idea (really—the best)

Recreation.gov
Way more to do than you realized

More cool tools
See Find out more today.

Why travel? Here’s how to talk yourself (and others) into it

Be a better person

Most students who participated in an international exchange program felt it helped them become more trusting, open-minded, flexible, confident, and tolerant, says a 2006 study by the International Student Travel Confederation.

Go global

Students expect travel to make them more “global”—in other words, expand their knowledge, perspective, and social and cultural connections, according to a small study at California Polytechnic State University (2010).

Run free

Students associate travel with freedom (e.g., a break in academic and work expectations), a boost to emotional health and relaxation, and an opportunity to experience nature (CPSU study).

Step it up

Students who have taken a gap year perform better academically and report greater job satisfaction than do those who haven’t, research suggests. Gap year experiences can reignite a passion for learning and influence personal goals and values, including career paths, say Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson in The Gap-Year Advantage (Macmillan, 2005).

Stay healthy

Physically active leisure helps us maintain physical and mental health, especially during times of stress, according to a study of 20,000 people in the Canadian Journal of Public Health (2001).

Get creative

Knowing people from other cultures makes us more creative in tasks that draw on multicultural influences and more receptive to new ideas from outside our own experience, suggests a study from Harvard Business School (2011).

Love your life

Even the anticipation of vacation travel makes us feel good about our lives and health, according to a 2002 study in the Journal of Vacation Marketing.

Your best Instagram

Your best Instagram - travel“Climbing sand dunes in the desert of Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) made me push myself to the limits. I climbed until I literally couldn’t go further, and then I sat down and let the wind whip around me. I felt strong and at peace.”
—Jamie Teal, graduate student, Arkansas Tech University

Follow us on Instagram, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #SH101Travel

 

Article sources

Meghan Horne, travel marketing coordinator, AAA Northeast, Providence, Rhode Island.

Charlotte Nichols, director of business development and travel marketing, AAA Northeast, Providence, Rhode Island.

Airbnb. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from

Allerton, H. E. (2003). Not funny ha ha funny peculiar. Talent Development, 57(12), 87–88.

American Gap Association. (n.d.). Data & gap year benefits. Retrieved from https://www.americangap.org/data-benefits.php

Bedbug Registry. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://bedbugregistry.com/

Caldwell, L. L., & Smith, E. A. (1988). Leisure: An overlooked component of health promotion. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 79(2), 44–48.

Chua, R. Y. J. (2011). Innovating at the world’s crossroads: How multicultural networks promote creativity. Harvard Business School Working Paper 11–075. Retrieved from https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6645.html

Costello, C. (2012, December 13.). 10 packing tips every traveler should know. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2012/12/12/10-packing-tips-every-traveler-should-know/1764207/

Couchsurfing. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.couchsurfing.com

Crowdfunding Friends of Friends Travel. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.crowdfunding.foftravel.com

Gilbert, D., & Abdullah, J. (2002). A study of the impact of the expectation of a holiday on an individual’s sense of wellbeing. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 8(4), 352–361.

Greenberg, P. (2014, January 27). How to avoid every common mistake when booking a flight. Quartz. Retrieved from https://qz.com/169299/how-to-avoid-every-common-mistake-when-booking-a-flight/

Haigler, K., & Nelson, R. (2005). The gap year advantage. St. Martin’s Press: New York City.

Hostels. (n.d.). Hostels in USA, North America. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.hostels.com/usa

Hostelling International. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.hihostels.com/

Hostelling International USA. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.hiusa.org

Iwasaki, Y., Zuzanek, J., & Mannell, R. C. (2001). The effects of physically active leisure on stress-health relationships. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 92(3), 214–218.

Kayak. (n.d.). Explore. [Website] Retrieved from https://www.kayak.com/explore/

Kugel, S. (2015, January 1). 8 ways to save on travel in 2015. New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/04/travel/8-ways-to-save-on-travel-in-2015.html?_r=1

National Park Service. (n.d.). Find a park. US Department of the Interior. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm

Recreation.gov. (n.d.). [Website]. US Government. Retrieved from https://www.recreation.gov/

Reserve America. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.reserveamerica.com/

Richards, G. (June 2006). Summary report of a research study undertaken for the International Student Travel Confederation. Tourism Research and Marketing. Retrieved from https://www.tram-research.com/

Rome2Rio. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.rome2rio.com/

Samiljan, T. (2015, March 20). Become a spontaneous traveler by using these apps. Time. Retrieved from https://time.com/3746239/spontaneous-travel-apps/

Smarter Travel. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.smartertravel.com/

Smith, C. E. (2009). Students’ beliefs about the benefits of travel and leisure: A qualitative analysis. [Unpublished]. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=rptasp

STATravel. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.statravel.com/cheap-flights.htm

Steves, R. (n.d.). Rick’s packing list. RickSteves.com. Retrieved from https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/ricks-packing-list

Student Health 101 surveys, December 2016 and February 2015.

Student Universe. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.studentuniverse.com/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com

US Department of State. (n.d.). Traveler’s checklist. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html

US Postal Service. (n.d.). Passports. Retrieved from https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm

US Travel Association. (2010, February).The benefits are everywhere: The personal benefits of travel and taking a vacation. USTravel.org. Retrieved from https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/page/2010/02/benefits_of_travel_08_pdf_87080.pdf

Utrip. (n.d.). [Website]. Retrieved from https://utrip.com/

Thing of the month: Extra Pack of Peanuts

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Reviewed episodes:

  • 35          The Top 10 Ways to Save Money When Traveling
  • 122        Money, Money, Moneyâ€ĶWhen Traveling
  • 223        The No Plans, No Problem Road Trip
  • 235        Traveling Solo

Useful?
3 out of 5 stars
The tough parts of travel (e.g., money) are presented in a way that can inspire you to want to explore the world immediately (or at least one other country). I’ve already planned my next road trip, keeping their money-saving tips in mind (seriously, my car might be packed). Where’s the beach?

Fun?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
From biking through Chicago to lounging in Miami and backpacking in the mountains, I enjoyed hearing about the hosts’ adventures—and how to have my own on a budget. #alloftheaboveplease

Effective?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I’ve traveled internationally before, but this podcast helped me feel more comfortable and realistic about it. I learned not to carry an excessive amount of cash, to contact my bank and phone company in advance, and which no-fee ATMs to use. As for food, a sit-down restaurant can be a one-time splurge, but street vendors will give you a more authentic feel for a cheaper price.

Where to buy

Sarah KayaSarah Kaya, third-year undergraduate majoring in social work and minoring in psychology, Defiance College, Ohio

“This podcast aims to inform and inspire the modern traveler, with episodes running 30–60 minutes. One of the biggest things stopping most people from traveling: money. This podcast explores how not to burn a hole through your wallet on vacation.

“The hosts are Travis and Heather, a married couple who travel the world together (goals, am I right?). Their motto is ‘travel more, spend less.’ Besides which ATM fees to avoid and how to tactfully use cash on the road, they also cover topics like taking spontaneous road trips or even traveling solo.” To find out why travel is good for you, and discover more budget resources, see No excuse needed: Why travel is good for your health.

Microtravel: How to get away without going away

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Rate this article and enter to win
What’s your vacation destination situation? If funds are low or time is short, you may be resigned to not getting a summer break from your regular life. In that case, this word is for you: microtravel. Microtravel means experiencing your own town or state as a visitor or explorer would, putting aside your usual routine, and embracing discovery. (Yes, it’s pretty much the same concept as “staycation,” but without the hint of inertia.) Travel comes with health and wellness benefits, and our happiness comes from our experiences, not our stuff. Microtravel is a sure way to add to those experiences.

In a recent survey by Student Health 101, 63 percent of respondents said they’d had at least one microtravel experience or staycation. “It’s a blast if you plan it and don’t let yourself get stuck in the mindset that it’s just your town, there’s nothing to do there,” says Spencer R., a second-year undergraduate at the University of North Dakota.

6 motivations for microtravel

1. You won’t spend much money

“Staycations are tha bomb diggity. Cheap, low risk.” —Sal I., second-year undergraduate, Michigan Technological University

2. You’ll minimize travel stress

There’s little risk of flight delays or missed connections. And if the prospect of travel makes you anxious, this is a great way to start. “The best part is you’re already there, so you just get up, go, and explore!” —Paula L., first-year undergraduate, Clemson University, South Carolina

3. You can easily go solo or social

The logistics, time, and costs of microtravel are not too onerous, making it easy to team up with partners, friends, and family—if you want to.

4. Your discoveries will enrich your regular life

Those new eateries, friends, and activities—they’re keepers.

5. You’ll get to be spontaneous and flexible

Ever felt obligated to visit the ancient relics, or devastated that the volcano you came for was hidden in the clouds? When you’re microtraveling, the stakes are lower.

6. You can cherish your roots and your locality

Microtravel is a way to honor your family traditions (or make new ones) and explore your local heritage.

The freedom, health, & happiness of travel

Run free
Students associate travel with freedom—for example, a break in academic and work expectations, a boost to emotional health and relaxation, and an opportunity to experience nature—according to a small study by researchers at California Polytechnic State University (2010).

Stay healthy
Physically active leisure helps people maintain physical and mental health, especially during times of stress, according to a study of 20,000 people in the Canadian Journal of Public Health (2001).

Love your life
Even the anticipation of vacation travel makes us feel good about our lives and health, according to a 2002 study in the Journal of Vacation Marketing.

Go global (with moderate expectations)
Students expect travel to make them more “global”—i.e., expand their knowledge, perspective, and social and cultural connections—according to the same California Polytechnic State University study (2010).

Get creative
Knowing people from other cultures makes us more creative in tasks that draw on multicultural influences and more receptive to new ideas from outside our own experience, suggests a study from Harvard Business School (2011).

Your microguide to microtravel

Compass

Consider a quirky theme or idea

A theme or project can help shape your microtravel explorations. “[You] definitely want to get creative, because [when] you’re so familiar with an area it can seem pretty mundane. Think outside of the box and you can’t not have a good time,” says Jonathan M., a fourth-year undergraduate at The College of New Jersey.

Students: Ideas that made our microtravels

“My boyfriend and I were both broke. We bought disposable cameras and drove around town taking pictures in front of different things or places that started with each letter of the alphabet, like Rockin’ Robin’s Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor for the letter R. It was so much fun and basically free! We got to experience the little town where we grew up in a whole new way.” —Brittney B., second-year undergraduate, University of Central Arkansas

“Think of something that your state isn’t really known for, then try to find a way to do that.” —Casey S., first-year undergraduate, New Jersey Institute of Technology

“During my undergrad in Atlanta, I loved exploring the city to find the urban art murals by street artists. It’s always fun to take a picture in front of it and admire their talent. It’s completely free and gets you out and about. You can do it walking or in a car.” —Nilza S., second-year graduate student, Clemson University, South Carolina

“My girlfriend and I just decided to take off to the mountains and see how many small little nowhere towns we could visit. It was fun, scary at times, but overall very memorable.” —Tanner S., third-year undergraduate, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado

“Sometimes it’s fun to dress/act the part—employ your imagination to maximize the fun times. I used to live in the Florida Keys, and one of the best staycations was dressing like a gaudy tourist and visiting all the attractions.” —Liz S., second-year graduate student, University of Maryland

To do list

Remember to do all the things

Microtravel means finally having time for that stuff you can’t usually do. “Keep a list throughout the year of places you want to go to but don’t necessarily have time to go to,” says Taylor S., a second-year undergraduate at Tulane University, Louisiana.

Students: What we did with that time when we got it

“Going for bicycle rides and hitting up the wineries and breweries like a tourist is always good fun, staying the night at a hotel out at the coast. There’s a reason people from all over the world come here.” —Jason K., first-year graduate student, Sonoma State University, California

“[I would do] different types of fitness classes that I otherwise cannot fit into my day, and different art museums/studios that I may not want to do in my normal weekend routine (or maybe those facilities are too busy on the weekends).” —Kristen S., second-year graduate student, Hofstra University, New York

“I have lived in my college town for almost two years. Any time my family stops by, we all stay in a hotel (even though I could stay at my own place) and we experience new aspects of the city together. Some things, such as the farmer’s market, we experience over time, but for the most part we try different museums and festivals and scavenge for different food spots.” —Jordan M., second-year undergraduate, Drake University, Iowa

“I’ve lived in Wyoming for around eight years, and not once had I been to Yellowstone. Last year I was working in an oil refinery in Montana shortly before my first semester was to begin. My sister and mother drove up there to bring me home. On our way back home we randomly decided to go to Yellowstone. We spent all day at the park, and it was beautiful. Surely a great memory with the people I’m closest to.” —Miguel S., first-year student, Western Wyoming Community College

Suitcase

Seriously consider leaving home

When you microtravel, it’s vital to establish boundaries to protect against the distractions of regular life. That’s especially important if you’ll be based at home.

Students: When to lose (or keep) the homing instinct

Problem
“I feel like individuals still fall into their routines and won’t disconnect like they would on a vacation. Instead they may feel the need to clean up around the house or declutter.” —Kristen S., second-year graduate student, Hofstra University, New York

“Another [drawback] is having work readily available, since you are at home or close to it.” —Name withheld, second-year online student, Fort Hays State University, Kansas

Solution
“Stay in a hotel or hostel so that you don’t have to go home, and then you can spend more time relaxing, and perhaps use the hotel spa to relieve the stress of your day-to-day life.” —Kelsey R., first-year undergraduate, University of North Dakota

“My most memorable staycation was spending time at a local bed-and-breakfast where I grew up and doing the things that were recommended by the owners and were in walking distance. There are so many things I hadn’t even thought to try until the exposure and opportunities were given to me. Alaska has so much to offer.” —Brynn J., second-year undergraduate, University of Alaska Anchorage

Unless being at home is the point
“[I went] camping in my backyard with my little brother.” —Robert G., fourth-year undergraduate, Hofstra University, New York

“I got to stay at home over winter break and visit with old friends
I had not seen in a while.” —Name withheld, fourth-year undergraduate, University of Maryland Baltimore Country

Bus

Got public transportation? Use it

Even if public transportation doesn’t feature much in your regular life, take another look at the routes and schedules (if you have access to them). Buses and trains can deliver you affordably to many adventures.

Students: How we got around

“Start small and use the public transportation. It’s a great learning experience and puts you in closer proximity to the locals.” —Courtney F., fourth-year undergraduate, University of Kansas

“[I did a] tour of Portland using all modes of transportation available—train, car, walking, hiking, streetcar, and elevated tram.” —Dave S., fourth-year graduate student, Oregon Institute of Technology

“Traveling to the beach/tide pools in the San Diego area—I love just getting on the 30 MTS bus and taking it south and getting off at a random spot. One time, I came across a sick sea lion pup with another group of people. We called the rescue people, and they came and took him to safety.” —Gillian E.-E., fourth-year undergraduate, University of California, San Diego

“Uber is also a great way to get around; going from bar to bar or something like that. I want to do this, get my friends, get a room somewhere. For me, travel is typically such a pain. The airport security look suspiciously at my braille laptop, and they try to take my cane, and ask if I need my service dog with me. Apparently, somewhere I signed on to educate the ignorant.” —Caitlin W., fifth-year undergraduate, Northern Illinois University

Map

Plan your plan

Figure out your policy on planning. The risk of going planless is that the demands of routine life may encroach on your precious exploration time. On the other hand, spontaneity is a rare pleasure. “Planning or spontaneity can set the tone for the vacation and can present its own set of pros and cons,” says Cristophet C., a first-year graduate student at the University of California, San Diego.

Students: The pros and cons of planning

The plan plan
“Staycations can become fun as long as they are thought out decently; otherwise you just view your time off as wasted.” —Aron A*., second-year graduate student, University of North Dakota (*Name changed)

The no-plan plan
“You just have to let yourself go wherever you feel your feet are taking you. If you have no idea where you are, that’s even better. It makes the experience more enjoyable and chances are, when you are trying to find your way out, you will find something amazing that you would never have even seen.” —Elizabeth S., first-year undergraduate, University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

The part-plan plan
“It helps me to make a schedule for the first part of my staycation, to help get into the ‘vacation mood,’ and then leave the latter part a little looser, to decide as I’m going along.” —Reba S., second-year graduate student, University of Wisconsin–Madison

“Having a plan helps, but always be ready for the unexpected. Spontaneity can sometimes be the best part of your staycation! And to make it work you just kind of have to pack your bags and leave. I’ve rarely planned a staycation down to the last detail; it’s more fun to be spontaneous with it!” —Name withheld, fourth-year undergraduate, East Tennessee State University

Tent

Switch off when you can

To protect your downtime and your headspace, try a remote campsite or B&B beyond the reach of phone signals or wifi. You probably won’t get irretrievably lost in the woods—and a printed map (remember them?) is great for getting found again.

Students: How to disconnect

“It was a three-day backpacking trip, and I went with a group of six. We packed all our food and belongings into four large Tupperware bins and canoed out for about three hours to a desolate island in the middle of the Everglades. No phone service, no water, no electricity. It was great!” —Andrea W., graduate student, University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences

“Put down your cell phone and get off your computer and enjoy the outdoors.... I went to Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania, with my girlfriend’s family. It’s about three hours from home, and there’s no TV or cell service. Board games, hiking, snow, and family.” —Ben G., fourth-year undergraduate, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Pennsylvania

“Rather than taking out your phone to take photographs and video, use a disposable, digital, instant, single lens, or any other type of camera. Another option is to not take photos or video at all, to allow oneself to immerse fully in the present.” —Amy N., fourth-year undergraduate, Western Washington University

“If you are so in love with a town, it can change, and if you used to hate it, it can become the most beautiful city you have ever seen and experienced.”
—Callixte N., first-year graduate student, University of North Dakota

“I was so amazed by the old and the new that I have taken for granted for so long.”
—Emily L., third-year undergraduate, University of New England, Maine

“The key is to not think that this is what you’re doing because you can’t afford to do otherwise. You should be entirely into this and try to get the most out of it.”
—Elham M., graduate student, Clemson University, South Carolina

Students’ stories

Solo, pair, or group?

Alone
“It sometimes feels best when experienced alone. I finally explored downtown LA and all the museums that were so close to me, [which] I never visited.” —Nur B., fourth-year undergraduate, University of California, Los Angeles

“Last year for fall break I stayed in St. Louis and explored the city on my own. It was a really nice experience and more relaxing than having to fly or travel to another location.” —Kriti P. third-year undergraduate, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri

With a friend
“My best friend and I used a weekend to visit different tour spots in our hometown. First, we went to a local rafting place we had never been. It was a blast! After taking a catamaran down the river, we then went to a local putt-putt golf place. We played all 18 holes; I even got a hole in one!” —Abby B., second-year undergraduate, Northern Michigan University

“Went hiking with a friend of mine. Awesome experience.
Saw new sights that I’ve never seen before and pushed
myself to complete things that I hadn’t done.” —Luciano E., third-year undergraduate, New Jersey Institute of Technology

In a group
“I visited Nashville in December for the first time with an all-women group from my church. We toured three of the [historically] black colleges. We enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights. Enjoying a nice restaurant and shopping was a treat.” —Name withheld, fourth-year undergraduate, The University of Memphis, Tennessee

“I find it’s better to go in smaller groups than in larger groups. It makes things more intimate, and people tend to not split off into smaller groups.” —Arnaldo M., fourth-year undergraduate, Florida International University

“One weekend, a group of us went the Getty museum and tried a new burger place (thank you, Yelp—great suggestion). Afterward we went to Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. The next day we woke up early, hiked to the Hollywood sign, had a picnic in the park, then ended the day with a movie at a new theater that has reclining seats—super cool. It was all pretty spontaneous, and we all had a great time!” —Briana R., third-year undergraduate, California State University, Channel Islands

What we brought back with us

“I went to a different state where food and hospitality was very different from mine. It was new and refreshing, and I took stuff home and integrated it into my daily life.” —Name withheld, second-year undergraduate, University of Maryland, College Park

“I made it a goal to eat at a brand-new place every day of the week. The experience really opened my eyes to how much more my hometown has to offer.” —Eddie F., third-year undergraduate, University of Massachusetts Lowell

“It opened more doors for me as far as networking and social events. I got the chance to explore the best restaurants and social clubs.” —Rahul S., fourth-year undergraduate, Northern Illinois University

“Boston is big enough that you definitely won’t go everywhere your first year. I mentioned to this guy that I had never seen the Public Garden, and he took me there as our first date. We’ve been together for a year and a half now!” —Jill S., fourth-year undergraduate, Suffolk University, Massachusetts

“It was Christmas break, and I was volunteering at the local food kitchen. After it was all done, I saw an older woman who had missed the event, so I took her home for dinner. The next day I drove her all over some of the neighborhoods to look at the Christmas lights. We remained friends until she quietly passed away four years later. At her memorial, I got to meet her kids and grandkids and could share some of her with them. They knew who I was!” —Manon P.-M.,  third-year graduate student, University of the Pacific, California

Traditions and surprises

“It’s so easy to become smitten with other glamorous places that you forget that excitement, charm, and culture could be hiding right in your hometown.” —Name withheld, second-year undergraduate, University of Illinois Springfield

“We went to the visitors’ center of our hometown and actually found a bust of my great-grandfather and a story about his contribution to the city’s development. It was very moving and inspiring.” —Mary M., second-year undergraduate, Hofstra University, New York

“Many of us take for granted family time, as well as our local communities. Some have an annual trip to the beach or an amusement park. While those trips can be fun and exciting, it’s also important to experience your local community and the sights it has to offer. Many times you can also experience these sights with close friends and family.” —Scott V., third-year graduate student, The University of Memphis, Tennessee

“My friends and I went geocaching here in my small college town. We ended up going to a cute little log cabin and actually discovered that there was a movie about the founding of our town. While we were there, a person who was actually born in the log cabin, a historical site, pulled up and took a picture with us.” —Derick S., second-year undergraduate, Texas Lutheran University

“My favorite staycation was when my family and I hiked [Mount] Katahdin for my brother’s 24th birthday. It had been a goal my whole life, and although the weather didn’t cooperate, it was an experience of a lifetime. We made memories along the way, and it is every Mainer’s aspiration to be able to say they reached the top of Katahdin!” —Katelynn C., first-year undergraduate, University of Maine

Your best instagram

“This was inside a sculpture in Madison Square Park. It’s easy for a native New Yorker like me to hide behind 8 million people and stay comfortable with where I am without ever leaving my neighborhood. But then I remember that I can always be a tourist in my own backyard, if I let myself.” —Persephone Tan, first-year graduate student, University of Pennsylvania

Follow us on Instagram and don’t forget to use the hashtag #Microtravel

[survey_plugin] Article sources

Chua, R. Y. J. (2011). Innovating at the world’s crossroads: How multicultural networks promote creativity. Harvard Business School Working Paper 11-075. Retrieved from https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6645.html

Gilbert, D., & Abdullah, J. (2002). A study of the impact of the expectation of a holiday on an individual’s sense of wellbeing. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 8(4), 352–361.

Iwasaki, Y., Zuzanek, J., Mannell, R.C. (2001).The effects of physically active leisure on stress-health relationships. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 92(3), 214–218.

Smith, C. E. (2009). Students’ beliefs about the benefits of travel and leisure: A qualitative analysis. [Unpublished] Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=rptasp

Student Health 101 survey, February 2016.