As exciting as it is to travel while you’re already studying abroad, there’s a side of it that people don’t really talk about. It’s not hard, but it does take a little more awareness and preparation than just booking a flight and going.
When I traveled to Bali, one of the first things I had to figure out was the arrival process. Before landing in Indonesia, you have to complete an arrival card. A lot of it is online now, which is helpful, but only if you actually do it ahead of time. It asks for things like your passport information, where you’re staying, and the purpose of your visit. It sounds simple, but after a long travel day, trying to find your hotel address or pull up documents with no Wi-Fi is not the vibe. Having everything screenshotted and ready made the whole process so much smoother for me.
Another thing I didn’t fully think about at first was insurance. If you’re studying abroad, you probably already have some kind of coverage through your university. The problem is that it usually only applies to the country you’re living in. Once you leave that country, you might not be covered at all. That was something I had to double check, and I realized pretty quickly that getting additional travel insurance was the smart move. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but it gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered no matter what happens.
Something else that really stood out to me was how important it is to be aware of different laws and cultural expectations. Bali is beautiful and welcoming, but Indonesia has its own rules and customs that people take seriously. Things like how you dress at temples, how you behave in public spaces, and just overall respect for the culture matter a lot. It’s not about being scared to do anything, it’s just about being mindful and doing your research, so you’re not unintentionally disrespectful.
On a lighter note, one of the best parts about being there was how affordable everything felt. Compared to what I’m used to, I was able to do so much more without constantly thinking about money. Food, transportation, activities, even little things like coffee or souvenirs were so much cheaper than expected. It made the experience feel more relaxed because I could actually enjoy it instead of worrying about every dollar.
And that really connects to one of the biggest things I’ve learned while being abroad. Take advantage of where you are. When you’re living in another country, places that once felt far away suddenly become so accessible. Bali is a perfect example of that. It’s somewhere I always thought of as a dream trip, but being abroad made it realistic. A short flight and some planning turned it into something I actually got to experience.
Traveling while abroad teaches you a different kind of independence. You’re figuring things out in real time, learning as you go, and becoming more confident in yourself without even realizing it. It’s not always perfect, and things won’t always go exactly as planned, but that’s part of what makes it so meaningful.
If you’re thinking about taking a trip while you’re abroad, do it. Just be prepared, stay aware, and then let yourself fully enjoy it. It’s one of those experiences that you’ll carry with you long after you leave.