Planning my first weekend trip while studying abroad was a thrilling but daunting task for me. I had little prior experience constructing a full itinerary in a completely new and unknown country, and since it was my birthday weekend, I felt some pressure to make it as stress-free and fun as possible for my friends and me. Now, after returning home to Barcelona, I can gladly say our first trip away was a huge success—one that will be hard to beat. In this blog, I’ll cover what I learned from planning this past weekend and give tips that will help you start planning your own unforgettable trip!

Step 1: Choosing the Destination

Arriving in Barcelona for a study abroad semester, my two roommates and I agreed that we wanted time to settle into the city before planning our first trip away. But as soon as we felt well-adjusted, the excitement of travel took over. We dedicated an entire afternoon to planning this trip, visiting a cozy little laundromat/bar while sipping on wine and munching on tapas.

LaBar – the perfect place to do work while doing your laundry! 

We were all missing the warm weather from our southern hometowns and decided to go somewhere where we could lounge in swimsuits and flip-flops instead of coats and boots. As we searched for the highest UV possible, we settled on Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands—a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

If you’re unsure where to go, start by considering:

• Weather preferences: Do you want to relax by warm beaches, go shopping in a busy city, or explore the outdoors on a snowy adventure?
• Budget: Some destinations are significantly cheaper than others, depending on the time you visit.
• Travel time: Weekend trips are short, so consider how long it takes to get there and back.
• Group interests and activities: Pick a place that aligns with your group’s interests or has something for everyone to enjoy.

Step 2: Finding the Best Travel Deals

Once we picked our destination, we moved on to finding affordable flights and transportation. Using websites like Expedia, Priceline, Kiwi, and Ryanair, we located the cheapest flights in accordance with our class schedules. If, like us, you don’t have class on Fridays, it is tempting to book for Thursday evening to maximize your time. However, this meant paying for an extra night’s accommodation, which wasn’t worth it for our late arrival.

More tips on finding good travel deals:

• Alternative transportation: Depending on your location, it could be cheaper or more convenient to take a train, bus, or even a ferry. A website I recommend for this is The Man in Seat 61, which provides details on routes by train and ferry across Europe.
• Different airports: Although the biggest airports are usually the cheapest, sometimes flying into a nearby city and taking a train or bus to your final destination can save you money.
• Incognito mode: Flight prices can increase based on your search history, so browse in private mode or clear your cookies before booking.
• Book early: Prices tend to go up as the departure time nears, so buy your tickets as soon as you have a good plan.

Step 3: The Perfect Accommodation

Originally, we had just planned on the three of us traveling, but after chatting with our new neighbors and friends studying abroad elsewhere, we expanded to a group of nine students from all over! Although traveling with a large group has its difficulties, one benefit is splitting the costs of accommodation. We wanted to find an Airbnb with good reviews and a central location, so we considered:

• Safety and neighborhood: Research the areas best for visitors.
• Proximity to attractions: Staying within walking distance of main activities or sights can save time and money.
• Transportation: Are you willing to spend money on Ubers or taxis? If not, is public transportation accessible?
• Amenities: For a big group, having multiple bathrooms and a kitchen is a plus. Also, double-check and make sure your place has your non-negotiables, like hot water or air conditioning.

Our view facing the ocean and the other side facing the mountains

Step 4: Planning Your Itinerary

It is always my first instinct to pack the day with back-to-back activities, but it is important to leave some time for relaxation or spontaneity. Some of my favorite moments in both Barcelona and Tenerife happened when we were just wandering around without a plan but open to exploring new opportunities. That said, having a couple of activities planned will keep you from wasting time figuring out what you want to do once you arrive. Here are some tips for planning your day-to-day schedule:

• Prioritize your must-do activities: Identify two to three activities or sights, and organize the rest of your time around them.
• Reservations: Booking restaurants or tickets ahead of time can save you from long waits.
• Local events: Festivals, concerts, flea markets, etc., could be fun and unique activities to plan.

Discovering little hermit crabs in Playa Duque

Step 5: Packing

This is one area where I didn’t do great, but hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes. I checked the weather before we left but ignored the forecast, packing for cooler temps instead of trusting that it would actually be warm. Unfortunately, I spent the next couple of days wishing I had listened to the weather app.

Another mistake? I got stopped at airport security because I forgot to put my liquids in a clear bag. Save yourself some time by putting travel-size toiletries in a quart-sized bag in an easily accessible spot.

To keep costs low, we all brought carry-ons but quickly realized we needed just a little extra space. Instead of upgrading all our bags, we decided to split the cost of checking one small suitcase. This gave us some shared room for things like extra outfits and accessories. We also wore all of our bulkiest items (boots, coats, sweatpants) to the airport to save space. This definitely looked a little ridiculous—sweating through security—but it was so worth it.

Final Thoughts

My first weekend trip abroad couldn’t have been more amazing. I celebrated my birthday somewhere unforgettable, spent time with great friends, and even came back with a tan. Looking back, all the planning was worth it, and I wouldn’t change a thing (except maybe my packing choices).

If you’re planning your own trip, hopefully, you took away some helpful tips from my trip to Tenerife. My best advice is to be prepared but not rigid. Book things early when you can, but leave room for spontaneity. No trip goes exactly as planned, and that’s not a bad thing. The best moments are usually the ones you don’t see coming.

Lounging on the beach with my besties