20 travel savvy ideas for a fashionista on a budget. You
don't have to spend a lot to look good and get the full experience.
Rosina Mae recently caught up with the team over at Halfstack after a multi-month adventure in Europe! Here are some great shots of her adventures as well as some tips on traveling for the fashionista in us all.
1. Travel
light. It's hard omitting things, but you'll most likely want to shop once
you arrive in another country. Have a close friend help you part with things if
your suitcase is overflowing.
2.
If things fall apart during your trip or get damaged (which will happen if
you're gone for months at a time), you can find designer replacements at
outdoor markets! Like a thrift store, you do have to be patient. Most
markets are open very early on Sunday mornings in Madrid, Milan, and Berlin.
Some people sell various clothing for only 1-3 euro a piece!
3. Find
FREE or discounted places to stay on AIR b n b or Couch Surfing. Always
have a backup plan and keep phone numbers and skype info of friends and
relatives in nearby towns and cities just in case. Hostels are also an
affordable option.
4.
Limit your eating and drinking while exploring. While traveling, I cooked most
every night and I would snack on little things during the day while trekking
the city. Take advantage of the healthy street food around you... and I
suggest buying wine and drinking before heading to the bar. In places in Spain,
Italy, and Germany… you can get some great wines for only 2-5 Euro!
5.
It's okay to rely on the kindness of strangers if you can do something for them
in return. Be aware of your own talents and use them to your advantage.
While I was stranded overnight in the airport in Madrid crying my eyes out
because of my own stupidity for missing a flight… nice strangers swept me up
and bought me coffee. I also practiced my Spanish while helping them improve
their English. And while this kind gesture didn't resolve my situation... it
gave me a temporary peace of mind and some comfort since I was alone and far
from home.
6. Never
look lost even if you are! Looking lost only makes you a target. It's like
having a large x on your forehead. Study the language as much as possible...
even if your comprehension isn't the best, try and ask directions in the native
tongue. People appreciate that more than you wanting them to speak English.
7. Keep
one hand on your belongings at all times especially while on public
transportation. Don't take out fancy phones and cameras in crowded areas where
people could snatch them away... or where they could fall through the
cracks.
8.
For as many things as you purchase... also be willing to part with that many
things. It's also fun to swap with friends! You'll look stylish and fly…
and they'll also be happy with a new look.
9.
If you are couchsurfing and buy groceries.... keep track of what is yours and
bring it to your next "couch" if you don't leave the leftovers with
your host. Though living is free on CS... it's nice to bring small gifts like
chocolate or wine. If you are able to cook for your host in return, that is
also a nice gesture. Lastly, always be courteous and write someone a
review.
10.
Always remember to get keys. Have the directions correct… and make detailed
notes about landmarks and locations on each place that you stay. You must
be able to find your way back safely... and silly mistakes will set you back. I
didn't even have a phone while I was abroad so this was extremely important for
me.
11.
Read and research as much as possible on the city you're heading to...
news, blogs, etc. Also talk to friends. They will likely give you tips. :) Also
a very small pocket dictionary or city guide with phrases may also be useful.
12.
Keep a notebook and pen handy at ALL times... You will need it for many
things. Directions, landmarks, people you meet, jotting down things you learn,
observations, inspirations... It is also a wonderful reminder of your trip.
When I open my notebook I am flooded with amazing memories and instantly
transported.
13.
Go off the beaten path... Go ALONE. Make solid moves. Find your own way.
Be free. Have a plan, but don't jam pack your schedule and make your life
stressful. Do what you want to have the BEST time ever.
14.
Budget as best as you can and be content with living on less. Be happy with
just one cup of coffee or a snack instead of having a huge meal. Don't
indulge too much or you may be hurting later on. ;)
15. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude.
Other customs may be shocking or make you feel aloof, but this is good and all
part of the experience. The fun is finding commonalities with total strangers.
16.
Take a few important things that remind you of loved ones if you need
to. Great souvenirs that are very much appreciated are postcards and currency
from another country. My friends loved my handwritten notes with stamps from
abroad.
17.
Take pictures and do your best to record your trip without going overboard.
I didn't post everything on Facebook, but I did try to update the important
people in my life of my little adventures… posting pics here and there.
18.
If you go for business, take things seriously. Even though no one may know you
while you're abroad, still try to be professional. Don't go overboard with
partying. There is a time for work and a time for play. Try to find a
balance.
19.
Let your taste buds indulge. Try new foods every other day. During the
holiday season there is always an abundance of chocolate and traditional cakes
in Europe.
20.
Get out and do something each day! The world is at your fingertips and there is
so much you can take in. Don't find yourself in a sedentary mode in front of a
TV or lost in a book for more than a couple hours. Get out of your comfort
zone.
Bon
Voyage! :)
xo,
Rosina Mae
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