My name is Mary Patton. I studied abroad this May through the UA in Croatia:
Intermediate Macroeconomics program. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the trip,
but I thought I should share some travel tips.
First off, I would recommend bringing snacks on the plane ride. On the plane
ride from Rome to DFW on the way home, our plane sat on the tarmac for three
and a half hours before the flight was cancelled. I had a small meal before we
left the hotel in Rome at 6:30am, but by the time we got off the plane, it was
about 1:30pm. I had been counting on the plane food, which I do not recommend.
Luckily, some of the people I had studied abroad with were on our flight and
offered me snacks. I got some chocolate covered Oreos and pringles.
The next day, we also sat on the tarmac, this time in Dallas, and I was
extremely thankful for the protein bars I had brought. I highly recommend being
patient with air travel and trying to maintain a cool head. Everyone on our
flight had their flight cancelled on the way from Rome to Dallas. It was the
end of one couple’s honeymoon and one man’s birthday. There were a lot of
sitting in uncomfortable chairs and waiting in customer service lines. One guy
in our group called it “a game of hurry up and wait”.
To prepare for any travel mishaps that may occur, I recommend keeping all
your necessary paperwork (i.e. ID, credit/debit card, passport, boarding pass)
readily accessible. Also, plan to pack snacks, a portable charger, headphones,
a book, and water. I highly recommend dressing in layers on flights and train
rides. This will allow you to keep more clothes out of your luggage and dress
based on the air conditioning. On the long flight, I kept my sweatshirt and
sweatpants on, but while we sat on the tarmac without AC, I shed them and sat
in my tank top and shorts.
A little preparation can make all the difference in travel mishaps. But I hope
you have a smooth travel. Either way, it made for a story for me. Five of us on
the trip spent an extra night in Rome, and I had fun despite it being
unplanned.
