5 Most Common Mistakes Student Travellers Make

5 Most Common Mistakes Student Travellers Make

 

1. Not reasearch properly! Students of all people should have the know-how with the wealth of resources at their fingertips. Before jet setting make sure you read up on blogs, articles and government advice. Having some general knowledge is better than none.

 

2. Packing wrongly! Youd be amazed at how many people arent aware of the right clothing, travel gear and supplies to take overseas. Research the weather, the terrain and possibly what activties you could be undertaking. Remember to take light weight material in order for easier travels, along with 'quick dry' clothing for those awkward laundery moments.

 

3. Getting lost! While getting lost may be a badge for some, cities around the world can be very dangerous. Invest in a map, feel free to ask informative questions to locals, and plan your day trips before setting off. Not only does this mean you stay out of trouble, but can enjoy your day without stress. 

 

4. Diseases/Vaccines! Whilst we all might have some fears of needles jabing into our arms, not only is a essential but a requirement to have immunization to enter some countries (e.g Yellow Fever injection in Tanzania). While they are costly, preparing medically before jetsetting is a must in all student travellers preparation. Hospitals and clinics around the world, especially third world countries cannot be dependable to the point of the Australian system. Prepare a basic medical kit to also carry in your day back, suited to your needs, (e.g. anti-climate sickness tablets to climb Mt Kilimanjaro).

 

5. Not reading the Uni Student's Guide to the Galaxy Blog! Not many informative sources, such as blogs or websites are directed to our student travellers. Spread the news, and follow this blog in order to round off your travelling expertise before leaving home. Spread this promo video on social media to support us and invite others to join our exploration of the galaxy!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oGUdTmIXDk&feature=youtu.be 

 

Public Transport

Using Public Transport

 

When travelling as a uni student, the cost of transport can increase to the point of a money drain. In preventing and managing these costs, its important to take into account a nation's public transport system.

 

Source; http://www.facebookbeststatus.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/The-Most-Crowded-Trains-In-The-World2.jpg

In handling the foreign systems some basic advice is useful;

- Be respectful of others whom the system is part of their way of life; in nations such as Italy, the city of Milan depends upon its public transport system as its lifeline. Each day, thousands of communters cram into tiny carriages, heading to work. Respect these people as their commute is part of their work and not pleasure

 

- Carry minimal luggage. When exploring, carry minimal luggage on public transport for security and respectful. Theft can occur often on crowded, busy transport, making you a target for unsavoury characters. Further, packed transport does not have room for you and your friends oversized backpacks. Leave luggage at your accomodation, and try to minimize your transport use when carrying it

 

- Be aware that the safety standards that you hold in your counrty may not be required overseas. Transport operators may not act as a policing force as they do in Australia, and can be manipulated by corruption. 

 

- Take your time. Instead of rushing onto the first bus or train that comes your way, take your time to sort out your destination, route and stops. Prior planning is esstential when navigating unfamiliar transport systems. In asking questions to locals, referring to maps, and being aware of ticks such as trains stopping at 10pm, the student traveller can stop themselves from being caught out.

 

-Ensure you know the translation. How many times have you been on CityRail only to hear an annoucement affect your travels? When overseas, ensure that you know the translation, or take effort to understand what is happening around you. Dont let fate control your future; be aware of yourself when travelling overseas. 

Source; http://londonliving.at/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tube_map.gif

 

Traveling Blogs

Our favourite travel blogs!

Here is a list of travel blogs that we as travellers find helpful, funny, informative, and overall well-written. Reading a wide variety of travel blogs is extremely helpful, you can find a plethora of advice and different stories that will help you on your particular journey. Happy travels!

1) http://www.501places.com/

Balances thoughtful pieces, debates, and good information

2) http://www.wanderingearl.com/

Earl is the ultimate nomad, and his blog will surely inspire you

3) http://hpoole.wordpress.com/

This flight attendant shares helpful info and good plane advice

4) http://www.travelfish.org/

Great for advice on traveling in Asia

5) http://philintheblank.net/

Helpful tips for less traveled countries and areas

Happiness across the World

Happiness across the World

This is just an inspirational travel video; it has a lesson for us all. Happiness is found across the world, shared through the simplest means, Whenever you leave your home to experience someone else's, bring them a piece of that happiness. Share it across the world as Matt does. Youll soon find that happiness is found only with others. Dance and live life. Safe travels.

Amsterdam

A Travelers Guide to Amsterdam

While Amsterdam may be known for the famous red-light district and the laid-back drug laws, in reality there is so much more to Amsterdam. It is a city over-flowing with culture, history, and beauty.

1) Visit the Museums

The Netherlands is home to some of the best museums in Europe. This includes The Rijksmuseum, which is the largest museum in the Netherlands, and the Van Gogh Museum which houses about 200 painting and over 550 sketches by Van Gogh.

2) See the city by bike

Get around like a local for a day by travelling by bike. Almost all Dutch people own bicycles, and it the most common type of transportation. Bike rental shops are quite common around Amsterdam, and reasonably priced.

3) Visit the Anne Frank House

This house in the center of Amsterdam is where Anne Frank wrote her diary, and also hid during the Holocaust. The House has been turned in exhibition and you can walk through the empty rooms, see the diary, and it will truly leave you speechless. 

4) Take a boat ride on the Canals

This is a wonderful way to see the city, and especially to see the canals. 

Belgium Cities

The 5 Best Cities to visit in Belgium

1) Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and also the capital of the European Union. It is a bustling city, known as being a center for politics, where people of all different cultures live and where English, Flemish, and French as well as other languages can all be heard being spoken. There is heaps to do in Brussels, including seeing the famous Manneken Pis, the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the abundance of museums, pubs, waffles shops, chocolate shops, and restaurants.   

2) Bruges  

Bruges is the capital of the Flemish region of Belgium, and perhaps the most beautiful city in the country. It is a canal-based city, and often referred to as "The Venice of the North". Take a boat ride down one of the canals in Bruge, visit one of the many festivals, or just spend some time strolling through the little side streets and alleys that are overflowing with shops and cafes.

3) Namur

Naumr is located in Southern Belgium, and it is between the Sambre and Meuse river, and also between three different regions. Naumr is known to have the most beautiful views in Belgium, including old parks where you can climb up stone steps and over look the rivers and the city. 

4) Antwerp

Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium, and it also has one of the largest seaports in Belgium. The city is known for it's old architecture and buildings, such as Antwerp City Hall, the Guildhouses, and the Cathedral of our Lady. There is also amazing local food in Antwerp, and it is known to have some of the best beer in the country, which is also made locally.

5) Mons

Mons is one of the most culturally rich cities in Belgium, boasting many different festivals throughout the year, including the famous DouDou festival. Mons has been selected to be the European capital of Culture in 2015. Many buildings from the Middle Ages still exist in Mons, making it an enchanting city.

Online Safety Advice

Safe Travelling; Using Internet Advice and Guidance

When travelling as a student; the issue of safety and security is huge. Insurance is a separate issue; we will cover this in a later blog, however today we are going to focus on government advice and traveller advice websites.

The internet is a special place. With its potential to be located anywhere in the world (try the base camp of Mt Kilimanjaro); it allows you insight into others personal experiences and advice.

The internet therefore allows the student traveller to gain insight into their personal safety when travelling. Questions such as; safe areas, police and authority figures, recent local history, crime rates and local legislation should be answered before travelling.

Before travelling; the uni student should ready and research in the following websites for safe and secure travelling;

Smart Traveller; http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ This Australian government initiative remains up to date and informative as can be. Its reliable nature maximises its safety warnings; with direct information on each nation travelled commonly by Australians. It has a direct ‘warning’ or label of security in the nation, with its warning needed to be heeded by travellers. It should be the first point of call when considering booking an overseas holiday.
 

 Source; http://www.tnooz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/fco2.jpg 

Lonely Planet; http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ While not traditionally a safety based website; Lonely Planet remains as the top travel advice organization beyond that of governmental. With up to date records and information about nations, towns and even suburbs, lonely planet. Its health and safety advice in each nation quotes up to date figures and facts from the UN. Its foundation as one of the strongest user- informative organization means its an important stop for the student traveller.

Source; http://s3.amazonaws.com/crunchbase_prod_assets/assets/images/original/0008/8306/88306v1.jpg

 

 

  Trip Advisor; http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ While focused on places to stay; Trip Advisor has the unique option of travellers personal reviews on individual hotels, cities and stays throughout the world. With personally written reviews, it allows the traveller unique insight into individuals experiences before them. A must read for awareness and safety in your choice of residences.

 

Source; http://www.etourismishere.com/files/2012/07/Trip-Advisor.jpg