What is WSA?
Andy Steve’s Weekend Student Adventures (WSA) is a travel program that is specifically programmed for students studying abroad. I learned about this tour program during my orientation at John Cabot University, and it interested me because it seemed like an informative, yet laid back way to travel and see other countries, and it was a super good deal (all the trips are only 199 Euros!).
What really caught my attention, and solidified my choice to go with WSA (instead of going solo, or with another tour group) was their mission statement:
“WSA's mission is to foster fun, respectful, in-depth and unforgettable travel experiences for students. We empower students to become immersed in the cities they visit by experiencing cultures as a local, rather than merely observing them.
WSA provides a unique experience for students, an invaluable resource for universities and peace of mind for parents. We truly maximize the long-term value of the study abroad experience. With WSA, the journey does not end after a weekend -- students leave with a contagious worldly attitude, enthusiastic about bridging cultural gaps.”
As an anthropology student, this really made me excited because I am all about the seeing of different cultures and experiencing new things!
I chose to travel with WSA because they provided a holistic travel experience that was created uniquely for students. I decided to pick traveling with WSA, not only because of the great reviews I heard from other students at John Cabot University, but also because WSA trips include a little of everything – from interesting facts about a city’s history, fantastic food and drinks, unique experiences and wild parties at night. They know what makes each city special and want tour members to make the most of their short visit. They included much more in each of their packages than competitors who only build in bus transportation and accommodation.
Anyone who is studying abroad should check out this wonderful program!
Here are 10 reasons why:
1) Many destinations to choose from
They hit up London, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, Dublin, Swiss Alps, Budapest, Amsterdam and Rome.
2) Popular with the Students
Last semester they had 485 for a total of more than 1200 students on trips in two years!
3) Unique Tour Experience
Each tour differs slightly, so check tour details online at www.wsaeurope.com/destinations, but each includes hostel stay, walking tours and professional WSA guide, some meals, entrance into key sights and museum and unique experiences in each city such as bike tour, boat cruise, tea at the palace, etc.
4) Exclusive opportunities (that you wouldn't experience on your own)
Doing something on your own will always be cheaper, such as cooking dinner for yourself instead of going out to eat, but it’s about the quality of the experience that matters! the trips are very competitively priced and the value you get of having an unforgettable time in the city without wasting time and money on touristy decisions makes up for the slightly higher cost of an organized weekend. WSA benefits from group discounts when they go places, so you’ll be able to check out spots you might not have been able to get to on your own, in addition to cool experiences such as boat cruises and bike tours that we set up for you exclusively!
5) So many things to do.....
WSA trips include a little of everything – from interesting facts about a city’s history, fantastic food and drinks, unique experiences and wild parties at night. The know what makes each city special and want tour members to make the most of their short visit. They include much more in each of the packages than competitors who only build in bus transportation and accommodation, AND they offer opt in experiences for those who can’t get enough. You can’t do a trip yourself and get the same value that you do with their service!
6) Discounts, discounts, discounts!!
When you book your second trip with WSA, you will recieve a return customer discount for 15eur off. If you have a group of friends heading there together, email them so that we can make sure you each get 10eur off – get 15 people on the trips and they will give you your trip for free!
7) Major Meals Included!
They include some meals in each one of our tour packages, but leave others open for you to decide what sounds best depending on your interests .they have optional activities such as sangria classes, brewery tours and 5 course meals that they head to, but if you have something else in mind, this is your free time to explore.The guides have tons of experience and are happy to point you in the direction of your favorites to make sure your taste buds are satisfied!
8) Local Tour Guides
Andy Steves does several tours across Europe each semester, but WSA has found local guides in Paris, Barcelona, Prague and London who grew up in these cities and know all the sweet spots and local haunts that you might miss heading there on your own. Exploring a city with a local is a unique experience, and many tour members have become great friends with our WSA guides, which is an added bonus!
9) No hidden fees!
With a WSA tour, there are no hidden fees or "optional upgrades." When visiting Rome, you have to see the Colosseum. When visiting Paris, you gotta see the Louvre. So what sense is there making you pay individually, and then wasting time standing in line?
10) Great Hostel Locations
You get 2 nights in a top-rated hostel in the heart of the city (Fri, Sat).
WSA is a good, well centered and well run program and I recommend it to anyone who is abroad. I had such an amazing time with them in London, that I will most definitely do anther trip if I had the chance!
Check them out at: www.wsaeurope.com
I picked to go do the London Trip with WSA because of it’s unique itinerary. London is an expensive city and for a student that can be hard. I loved that the tour was all inclusive! I picked the destination because not only was it the destination for the 2012 Summer Olympics but also because I LOVE anything and everything that has to do with England (The Royalties,The Accents, Orlando Bloom, The Beatles, Castles, Tea, Double Decker Buses, Harry Potter, London Bridge,Sean Bean, Biscuits and how the British pounds are so much prettier than the American Dollar).
Highlights of the trip:
I went with my roommates, Linda and Becca. It was quite the adventure trying to get to London. In Rome, it was raining cats and dogs which made getting a cab difficult. Once we got one, we were on our way to the Airport. We flew with RyanAir, which was the cheapest flight available. RyanAir is something different, they are so strick with luggage! But we managed to get through without too many problems. I have never been fond of flying, but I do admit that it was thrilling seeing England from that high up. All that talk about rolling green hills is very true!
We had taken a super late flight that Thursday, and we didn’t arrive in London until midnight that night, and then we spent 3 hours sitting in customs. I was so glad to be in a place where everybody spoke English, it made going through the lines so much easier. When we finally got through customs, we were able to hire a cab right away to take us to the hostel.
The hostel- even at 3:00am- was so cool. I had never rented a room in a hostel before, it was a very new experience for me. This one was conveniently located right near the Tube and was super easy to find. It reminded me of something out of Harry Potter, with the antique iron fences and winding corridors (I got lost twice trying to find the showers, there were so many hallways!). I loved it.
The next day, we met our tour guide, Jamie and got started! Jamie was super relaxed and very knowledgeable about London. The size of the group was perfect, there was just six of us, which made it so comfortable and personal. The first thing we did was go on the Tube (as they call it in London), so much fun, and so easy to use. The first day was a blur of getting oriented with the area, riding double decker buses and trying to stay warm (London is COLD!).
I think my favorite part was the bike tour through the gardens, Buckingham Palace and central London. I LOVE biking, so this part of the tour was perfect for me. It was a great way to see all the sights and stay warm. I saw so much, and Jamie was so informative about the various monuments and places we saw, it made me feel like London was a home away from home.
We ended the night by checking out the west end of London, and by walking around Pica-dilly, then Jamie let us loose for some free time. I loved that the schedule was flexible!
The second day we toured around London some more with Jamie, and saw some amazing sights! I absolutely loved seeing the Wobbly Bridge (it was in Harry Potter!), and the Tower Bridge. We then toured The Tower, which was amazing. The tour guides, also known as Beefeaters were awesome. We got to see the crown jewels, which were so beautiful and see where Anne Bolyen was held. After the Tower, we had some free time to shop around for gifts/souvenirs.
That night, (with the help of Jamie) we were able to map our way out to Abbey Road! So cool! We even got a pretty decent picture of us crossing the street. We also made to platform 9 3/4, but alas could not get in :,-(
Day 3 was our final day (so sad). We met up with Jamie, and he took us to the local farmers market to get to delicious snackies and to shop around, and then he took us to this amazing Indian restaurant to eat the best curry in England. So good, and spicy!
Then we said our goodbyes to Jamie and headed back on the Tube to the airport.
Overall, it was the perfect weekend. I loved our tour guide, and that our group was so small and personal. I got to see all of London, and left satisfied that I had seen it all in such a short time. Thank you WSA for such a perfect weekend!!
Kathleen
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