Before you go or B4UGO

 Last school year Konner planned a trip for Summer to Europe. Being a typical that is basically poverty stricken student Konner researched several student travel companies looking for the cheapest rates. She, along with two friends, found a company which seemed to fit their plans. All in one pricing, principal capital cities and sites in the countries visited and a connection from her home city to the departure airport in New York City. Most of all it was affordable, three weeks touring Europe, and off Konner and her friends went.

This is her report.

1. Have your trip completely planned.  This is only for those who do not go with tour groups.  The reason; When in Europe phones are sometimes VERY difficult to use and also very difficult when you do not speak the native tongue. Improvising a change in plans using local phones can be nearly impossible. So, have your trip completely planned.

2. Bring a debit/credit card!  NOT cash and NOT Travelers checks!  There are ATM's EVERYWHERE.  The only place my group had a little difficulty finding an ATM was in Rome, but it was near by and we found it with some help from the locals. With credit cards be careful.  I was charged $5 per cash advance which for me amounted to $40 in extra spending. Also tell your bank that you will be traveling and tell them where. This will allow your card to function during your travels. (Call your bank's customer service for details.)

3. Get a pouch that goes around your neck and under your shirt.  Pick pockets are everywhere and this lets you keep your valuables   (i.e. Passport, Credit/Debit card) safe. I found it VERY helpful. 

4. Your smart phone or what ever you use may not work on foreign networks.  So, if you want to call home a good phone card is invaluable. I used an MCI phone card which worked everywhere except for the Italian payphones, which don't work unless you buy a card for them in Italy, but if you find an older payphone MCI worked great.  I have also heard that you can rent cellphones for European uses, but I do not know the cost or what it entails.  But always remember you aren't going to have time or want to call home all that much.

THE CONCLUSION
In spite of all the bad things about the student travel company I went with, I got to go to a different continent and because they gave you time on your own to go look through the city and experience the culture I saw a lot. I would NEVER go with this travel company.  But, if I had the choice to go with them or not at all, I would definitely go with them again.  The rewards of going to Europe, even if the conditions are poor, outweigh everything.  So go, but if you can, be careful which student travel company you go with. I am still waiting for refunds on the things our group missed. 

The Planet College sum up.  Saving money is typically a priority for nearly all students. It is possible to have fun, learn something and save money but that takes a kind of dilligence most students don't expect to expend.  Thus, the only way to learn is through experience. But as Konner said, if you get the opportunity to travel, Go.  Just prepare to expect the unexpected. Have a fun Summer.