Live in the Country you want to travel in most:
For me, I didn't really have a choice. In a sense Germany chose me because I met the family in the states and moved here, but if you have the choice, choose a place that you'd be really excited to explore. In my time here, I have found that it is cheaper to travel in the country that you live, than to go outside of the country. There are a few places that were at the top of my list to get to, and its more expensive and time consuming than I thought to get to some of those places. Although I like Germany, my mind was set on seeing Europe, and unless you've got unlimited funds, I would say pick the place you want to travel in most, because you're not going to get to every major city in Europe. I was disappointed when I found this out, but in the end I guess I'll just have to plan to come back! ;)
Money:
I have a few things to say about money. To be honest, I hate money. Its an evil necessity that we have created and as a student or someone just our of college, life can be stressful and most of that stems from money. First, you're money goes fast. In Germany, most Au Pairs are paid 260 EUR for the month. You can also make more for taking a language course, but overall, thats about what you make. and it can GO FAST!! It is really hard to save enough to travel outside of Germany with just that money. In preparation for coming to Germany, I worked hard before I came, and saved a lot of money to bring with me. That was the only way that I could afford to go to Italy, to go to Paris and Salzburg when my parents come next month, and some other smaller trips.
I also had this notion of cheap airfare that could take me everywhere. Although this can be true, you also have to remember that you have to pay for accommodations and food in every city, plus the cost of the things you do an see. A weekend trip could cost 200 EUR easily, depending where you go. (50-100=flight, 60-90= hostel, 50 =museums/tours/etc).
The best tip I have found is to travel in a group of 4-5 people, take the slow trains and travel around the country you live in. I have been to several cities nearby in one day and it has only cost 50 EUR or less. You just have to satisfy your need to travel with these small, short trips. In the end, you get to say that you've seen a lot of the country you lived in and can give people a clearer picture of your host country. And in the future, you get to have more places to visit in Europe.
Another thing that I've learned that also has to do with money is about where you live. One thing that I have struggled with is the cost of taking the subway when I want to go downtown. Unfortunately, its not a short walk for me to get downtown, so I need to take the subway train. Each time I go downtown and come back it costs about 5 EUR. This can add up quickly if you are making a few trips each week to hangout with friends, go to church or go shopping. Negotiate in your contract for help with the cost of a monthly bus/subway pass. I wish I had known to ask for this! In Stuttgart the pass costs between 60-80 EUR for just a few zones, which means that I would need to pay that with the 260 EUR I make each month. I wish I would have asked for them to help me cover this cost. Even if they paid 30 EUR it helps. The you can travel anytime you want, and when you take a language course, you can get there without worry. If you live further away from the city than I do, your pass could cost more. Ask your host family to look into it for you and ask if they will help you pay for it.
I hope you find these tips helpful. IF you're an Au Pair and have more tips, please leave them below. If you have other questions as you're considering being an Au Pair, leave them below!
Check back soon for a look at the Christmas Markets, Weilnachtsmarkt, I have visited!