If you’ve ever overheard a conversation between two study abroad students, you’ll probably hear one of them ask the other, “So where have you travelled so far?”. Travelling is usually one of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad for North American students, but it can also be exhausting, sometimes even daunting.
Luckily, LSE’s General Course team has partnered with Somewhere New Tours to ease the trouble of planning our travels. They offer General Course students discounted day trips in and around London as well as weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, Ireland and other European destinations. Whether you like travelling alone, travelling with friends, or travelling alone and making friends, I’d highly recommend booking a trip with them for several reasons:
Planned Itinerary
If you’re anything like me and you look up ‘Best things to do in X’ before traveling to X and then get overwhelmed by the amount of things to do paired with your desire to do it all, and stressed by the idea of having to plan a trip all while your formative essays are due that same week, then traveling with Somewhere New will benefit you immensely. They organise everything for you right from the transport and accommodation to the must-see attractions.
The itinerary for my trip to Wales, for example, had a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation and fun. We visited historical landmarks including Raglan Castle and Tintern Abbey, toured a former coal mine and had plenty of free time to explore the local markets and pubs ourselves. It was such a relief to have someone else plan out my itinerary for Wales.
Tour Guide
Having a tour guide throughout the trip elevates your travel experience significantly. Their efficient planning, time management, and expert knowledge makes the experience altogether more enjoyable. Because there’s usually just one tour guide who shows you around all the different attractions in your trip they are able to gauge the dynamics and interests of the group and cater the trip accordingly. Personally, I loved having a tour guide because I was able to better understand and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the various landmarks that I was visiting and take back home some fun titbits of information!
Cost-Effective
Needless to say, traveling through this agency is fitting for someone on a student budget. The price is uniquely discounted for General Course students and is all inclusive of transport, accommodation, and tickets for entry into tourist attractions. The hotel that I stayed in at Wales was extremely comfortable and the places that we toured were a must-see. It was well worth the money!
Meet New People
This is your opportunity to make new friends who are also studying abroad in London. The tour group usually includes students from the General Course as well as exchange students at other London universities. I went to both Wales and Winchester not really knowing anyone else on the tour but came back with many new friends.
If you’re currently studying on the General Course at LSE, I’d highly recommend signing up for these budget-friendly travel options. If you’re looking to study abroad and travel, know that LSE has the perfect travel opportunities for you. I guarantee that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
