How can a girl describe the wonder of traveling the world? What is it that makes an amazing trip? The food? The people? The landscape? In my recent travel to the magnificent and majestic country of Spain, I learned that it is all of those things and more that make a good trip.
Teen Travel Tip Number One: travel through the Newark-Liberty International Airport
This has got to be one the best international airports I have ever been to. The people there are friendly and helpful, there are flight postings all over the airport (no matter what terminal you’re in) and they have really good food for very long lay overs.
QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
1. They are friendly and helpful
When you travel with a group of 56 people, problems are bound to happen. We had everything from bathroom emergencies to missing passports, and the wonderful people at the Newark Airport were nothing but helpful to us.
2. Flight postings everywhere!
Having flight posted everywhere sure did make travel easier. The moment we landed in Newark on our way to Madrid our planes were all messed up. We had gate changes and early arrivals. But with all the postings, we had a pretty easy time of finding our gate and flight.
3. Food everywhere! A traveling teenagers dream
After an eight hour flight, and two hours going through customs, we all were hungry. With our six hour layover, we were able to find little cafes or big chain restaurants to eat at, and that made everyone happy. Hunger teens are grumpy teens, and I have the up most respect for our chaperones and their ability to deal with us no matter what happened.
Teen Travel Tip Number Two: Bring good shoes and a good attitude!
This is probably the best advice I can give to anyone and that I have ever received. You would be surprised how often the two relate to each other. While they might be fashionable, sandals are not good for walking around Spain in especially Toledo. With the cobble stones and the hills, poor shoes can make for a poor experience. And when you hurt you get cranky. No one likes to travel with a “Debby Downer”. Be flexible, be understanding, and make good choices.
Teen Travel Tip Number 3: When in Doubt Ask the Natives
I know, that sounds like a good way to look like a complete idiot but truthfully, the people in Spain are extremely helpful and they are willing to listen to you…even if you completely butcher the language! While I was there, I asked everything from how to get to the nearest metro stop to the best place to get Café con Leche (which is absolutely delicious and addictive! You must have it at least once). The people always smiled and tried their best to help. And sometimes when I would mess up on a word, it was turned in to a learning experience and the person would tell me how to ask my question in a better manner! There is absolutely NO need to worry about looking silly. The people of Spain are very nice and understanding, they are always willing to help you! So be sure to go out on a limb and try the language, it is one of the best ways to truly experience the culture!
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