How To Make The Best of Your ExperienceBy: Victoria Tea

1. Be prepared.

Not only be prepared physically, but mentally and emotionally. For a few, it was their first time traveling alone. Being away from home and loved ones may be difficult, but if you constantly have worries at the back of your head, you will not be able to indulge in the experience fully.

2. Come in with an open-mind.

A key note you must remember when traveling is that everyone is different. Thus, of course, when you are traveling to a different country, you will experience new people with different lifestyles – maybe similar – and new challenges. As you may have noticed, Costa Rica is not as well developed as the United States. Limited water supply and exotic foods/fruits are something you will have to learn to adjust to.

3. Travel with people you know.

It is always good to have good company. No one ever wants to travel alone. When you have good people with you, with a good attitude, the experience will be merrier for all of you. Experiencing new things with good people not only helps build stronger bonds between the each of you, but you are able to develop memories that will last a lifetime.

4. Learn a new language.

Learning a new language not only benefits your adjustment to your destination, but it is something you can leave this wonderful experience with, that isn’t materialistic. It is part of the learning experience.

5. Take the opportunity to grasp the moment.

Seize the day. Sure you can leave your trip with many photos or videos, but never again will you be able to feel what you’re feeling at that exact moment in time – when you’re biting into that delicious, juicy piece of chicken, or when you’re standing, staring across a beautifully sky-blue colored lagoon. Those are moments you don’t forget.

6. Capture the moment.

What better way to bring back the beautiful scenery, wonderful people you have met, and significant turning points in your life? Whether snapping a pic or recording the moment, you will be able to re-live that same exact moment, even ten years after it has happened.

7. Reflect upon your trip.

Taking a step back to recall what you did and what you learned is a great way to take in the experience. Being able to list such things will make you realize that you came out of the experience with something. Compare your daily routine (while on your trip) to your daily routine back at the United States. You will realize the differences and how they have impacted you in all aspects.

8. Oh! And don’t forget! Gig’ Em!