Valuing Experiences More Than Things

Earlier this year I went to Southern California for a few days to visit family. Over the course of the days, we went out to eat, did some shopping, and went to Disneyland. What sticks out in my mind as the highlight of the trip? DISNEYLAND! It was so much fun and totally worth the (kind of ridiculous) $137 ticket.

I wear the funky printed shorts I got at a boutique and my favorite pair of heels I got at the mall in California all the time. But what sticks out in my mind the most from that trip is Disneyland. Spending money on experiences while you travel is definitely worth it. Though I still love shopping....

I used to have a personal style blog. I've always enjoyed fashion, and even had my first internship writing for a popular fashion blog. For my internship I photographed girls' outfits on my college campus and wrote about their style. I wanted to do it for myself too - showcase my outfits through blogging - and I've always liked writing. Therefore, my style blog was born and I was eventually posting photos of my outfits regularly.

After college, my bank account wasn't as pretty as it used to be. I was traveling a lot  - I spent the summer in Washington, DC and New York City, moved to Italy to travel and be a tour guide for five months, was in DC for some time after that, then went back to Europe for a few weeks again....and then I moved to a new city when I got back.

Within that year I was not posting as often on my old blog. I didn't have as many creative outfits. My outfits looked fine and put-together, but they were getting too repetitive to post on my blog. I didn't have the money to keep up with trends as much as I used to. The personal style blogging niche is extremely saturated and I began feeling like most of the style bloggers' outfits and websites were all looking the same. I was getting bored with blogging about my style, because I was bored with my style. I was just not excited about personal style blogging as I used to be.

Then I started posting more travel-related articles. I had realized within the past year how passionate I was about traveling, even more so than fashion. I would look at the cost of a Tory Burch bag that was $350 and immediately think how one could spend $350 toward travel instead.

I was slowly beginning to realize what people have been saying all along...

Experiences are more important than things.

I started Go Seek Explore in May 2014 and have been loving writing about travel. I love writing about my experiences, because I have been valuing my experiences more. The more I travel, the more my eyes are opened up to the world. The more I travel, the more I enjoy experiences. I still enjoy shopping and doing a little retail therapy. I would rather spend a little more on quality because I like my clothes to last longer.

Sometimes it can be hard to want to save money for travel when I see friends wearing cute new designer things - I see their fabulous outfits and it makes me want to spend all my money on designer things too. But in the back of my mind I always try to remember that experiences are more important than things, and that the few hundred dollars I spent to go to Paris for a weekend was far more worth it than that Tory Burch bag I contemplated buying. (Though if I could've afforded both...I probably would've bought it. Ah, the materialistic struggle...)

What do you do to balance spending money on material things versus experiences?

It's Better To See Something Once Than Hear About It a Thousand Times

Earlier this summer, I got an exciting and somewhat unexpected opportunity to go to Europe to work for a few weeks. With that opportunity came flights paid for by the company, and which could be flexible if I wanted to travel before/after. Of COURSE I jumped at the opportunity to do a little side-traveling! While I wanted to do a big trip around the Balkans or travel around Spain and Portugal for a few weeks, there was no way my budget would've allowed either trips at the time.

Instead, I chose to spend a long weekend in one of the most popular European destinations...Paris.

Though I had been to Europe a few times prior and had even been to the French Riviera, I had never made it up to Paris. I've had so many friends tell me that I would love the city, and from the popularity in books and movies I knew I had to get there.

I had seen so many pictures throughout my life of Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower. I had seen videos on Instagram of friends jumping or dancing around with the tower in the background. I had seen it sparkling at night in the background of a scene on Gossip Girl, my favorite show.

Seeing the Eiffel Tower in real life from Placa de la Concorde was exciting, but it wasn't until I got up close to it that it took my breath away. That thing is giant! I found a spot in the grass in perfect view of the tower and watched it slowly light up as the sun set. It was beyond beautiful - much more so in person than it was in photos. And then it sparkled at 11pm that summer night and was even more gorgeous.

I realized at that moment why Paris is such a popular city for people to travel to. You can find beauty everywhere in Paris - even at the seemingly "cliche" spots like the Eiffel Tower. That's why this quote resonates with me:

"It's Better To See Something Once Than Hear About It a Thousand Times"

If you've been wanderlust-ing about going somewhere, find an opportunity and go. Looking at pictures of your dream destination will only fulfill you for so long.

10 Gorgeous Places in Europe To Add To Your Bucket List

I recently wrote about 14 Europe Experiences You Must Have In Your Lifetime, but there are also places in Europe that I believe you should see just for the sheer beauty. Even though a picture doesn't do justice to these gorgeous places, it's more than enough to make you want to see it for yourself!

Lake Como

The drive from Como to Bellagio in Northern Italy is absolutely stunning. The homes along the water on either side is enough to make these views worth the drive. But you'll just have to see it for yourself!

Interlaken, Switzerland

Gorgeous all year round, Interlaken is a perfect small Swiss town right up by the alps. Head up the mountains for adventure sports or hiking, or even walk along them for picturesque views.

Buda Castle

The hill is worth the climb to get up to this castle in Budapest, Hungary. At the top you'll find not only the castle with its patterned glazed tiles (a signature in Central Europe), but the views of the famous parliament building, the chain bridge, and the city are amazing.

Charles Bridge

This bridge in Prague is crowded all year round with tourists, but for good reason. Not only is there history surrounding the area, but you'll find gorgeous panoramas as you walk along the bridge over the Vltava River. There are also statues lined up on either side, as well as merchants selling things like jewelry or paintings. The views of the Prague Castle are amazing.

Southern Croatian Islands

There are many reasons to visit Croatia, and one of them is due to the gorgeous islands. Think palm trees, red-roofed homes built into the lush, green hills, and some of the clearest water you'll find in the Adriatic Sea. Go now before tourism makes this hidden gem into the next hot spot.

The Seine River

No list like this would be complete without France's famous capital and the river that winds through it. Every bridge leads to somewhere spectacular in the city, and views along the river are not to be missed.

Blarney Castle

The Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland is more than what you imagine when you think of Ireland. So much GREEN! It's a fun spot to visit (and to kiss the Blarney stone for good luck) but walking around the grounds and taking in the scene atop the castle will show endless emerald views.

Topkapi Palace

Istanbul's Topkapi Palace is definitely somewhere you must go if you find yourself in Turkey's major city. It's much different than your typical castle or church  in Western Europe with the architecture and colorful tiles.

Monaco

Its own tiny little country in the French Riviera, Monaco has spectacular views of the coast, not to mention the yachts of the rich and (sometimes) famous. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Amalfi Coast

A popular summer spot, you'll find the likes of Sorrento, Positano, and Capri here. The views are spectacular whether you're cliffside, on the beach, or walking through the windy walkways.

All photos by Ally Archer.

10 Signs You Have Major Wanderlust

"Wanderlust" is defined as a strong desire to travel. It's that aching feeling where you're dreaming about going somewhere. It can consume you as travel is all you think about, until you finally plan that trip you've been dreaming of in your head and actually do it. But it doesn't stop there - once you've been bit by the travel bug, you're "infected" for life, and that wanderlust will happily come creeping back.

Lemon Groves in Positano

10 Signs You Have Major Wanderlust

1. You're always planning your next trip.

2. You dream up different routes to take, including some to circumnavigate the world.

3. You're intrigued by other cultures and want to see how other people live their lives.

4. You're often looking through old travel photos, which makes you nostalgic.

5. You'll do whatever it takes to travel, like using your airline miles, vacation days off of work, or even taking time for extended travel/work overseas.

Galata Tower View

6. You often look up flights to faraway destinations.

7. You get excited as you anticipate your next trip, even if it's weeks or months away.

8. You spend a majority of your free time looking at travel Instagrams, reading books about faraway destinations, and perusing travel blogs.

9. You keep mementos like leftover change from other currencies in hopes you will be back again soon to use it.

10. You read lists like this and resonate with every point.

3 Things I Learned During My First Solo Trip

My long weekend in Paris this summer was the first time I ever traveled solo, and I learned a lot within that short span of time. I had a lot of questions before I left, which I can assume are the same nervous jitters most people get when they travel by themselves for the first time, especially to a foreign city. Starting in Paris was a good "intro" to solo travel, so if I ever travel by myself again, I have a good impression of it.

3 Things I Learned During My First Solo Trip

1. Do your research

I read travel blogs, looked up places I was going on TripAdvisor and Yelp, and skimmed a couple guide books. Since I didn't do any formal tours of the city, I looked up a quick history of the main attractions I'd be walking past to have a little background knowledge. Most importantly, I found quite a few tips and tricks over TripAdvisor and Yelp about where I was going - like cutting my time in line at The Louvre in half by going in the underground entrance! Research also helped me be aware of the tourist scams so I could avoid them.

2. Walking is the best way to see the city

I lucked out in Paris with beautiful sunny weather every day, which made walking everywhere enjoyable. One morning I got up early to make an hour-long trek from my hotel to Notre Dame. I loved seeing the city slowly wake up and the peacefulness of walking along the Seine. I took a couple wrong turns (but quickly found my way!) and stumbled across cool things I never would've found, had I taken a cab or public transportation.

3. People are friendly

The hotel staff was very friendly, because, well, they're a hotel staff. They were so nice and gave me tips and showed me scenic routes to walk on a map. But even out in the city, people were friendly too. If I had to ask a Parisian something, of course I would try to attempt my best to say it in French first, or at least ask them in French if they spoke English. I never experienced any of the stereotypical "Parisian snottiness," everyone was friendly. I met a number of other people traveling as well who were from all over the world. Smiling is the universal language.

Paris in the summer was a great intro to solo travel for a number of reasons: it's already a pretty safe city, and since it's high season, there are plenty of people/tourists out and about; it happened to be warm and sunny, which was great for walking (and saving money on not using public transport); and there is so much to do in the city that you're bound to avoid boredom and loneliness. I would definitely suggest Paris as an intro to solo travel.

"If We Were Meant To Stay In Place, We Would Have Roots Instead Of Feet."

During my senior year of college, I started the post-college job search early. I took my resume and cover letter to the career center on campus to make them perfect. I got in touch with mentors in big cities all over the country to network and get tips on my job search. I applied to a ton of jobs and did interviews. I even made business cards...

Though when I went to a practice speed interview session during the spring of my senior year, one of the interviewers asked me what I wanted to do with my public relations/marketing degree. I said some horrible rambling answer like, "I'm interested in traditional PR, but I really like the creative side of marketing, and also social media, I could do events too, or advertising, or magazines. I'm also looking for jobs in Southern California, Arizona, Texas, or North Carolina. Maybe New York, but I don't know since it gets cold there. Ha!" The interviewer's feedback was to focus in on one thing and to know exactly what I wanted. Because, according to my answer, I had no idea what I wanted exactly. But what did I want?As graduation got closer, I started getting stressed about finding a job and the perfect place to live after graduation. I was open to moving to pretty much any big city in the US, but that would require money to move, and a job to get the money to move. I was afraid of the unknowns and being tied down to a single city.

One day I was going through my study abroad photos and the travel bug within me started acting up. That was it. I wanted to travel. I wanted to go back to Europe. What time is better than right after graduation? I didn't want to be tied down to anything - not right away, at least. This Rachel Wolchin quote really resonates with that moment:

"If we were meant to stay in place, we would have roots instead of feet"

There's nothing wrong with finding a place to start your life after college, but I knew that there was so much more to see and to learn from the world and I wanted to take advantage of the timing to travel before settling down.

My parents were definitely not on board, since I didn't have much money saved up to take a big trip, nor would they fund something like that. They told me that, well, if I found a job in Europe where I could travel and make money, then that would be a better plan.

And that is exactly what I did.

I ended up getting a job in Europe where I lived in Italy and traveled to different countries almost every weekend. I was doing marketing and tour guiding, learned a ton from the experience, and was able to improve my skills in an international setting. I found a job that I loved, and while it took a lot of time and dedication to make it happen, I didn't settle for less. I finally knew what I wanted - to travel and inspire others to travel too. (And I still got to put my degree "to use.")There are so many ways to travel after graduation, and if it's something you truly want, then figure out a way to make it happen. Whether you're just traveling for fun, working, or volunteering abroad, there are a number of ways to do it. If you can find something that aligns with your career path - awesome. If traveling makes you reconsider your original chosen career path - even more awesome. Your 20s are the time to figure out who you are and what you want, and for those of you with travel dreams, that can't happen when you settle for something you're truly not interested in.

This was originally written as a guest post by Ally Archer on Alter Apathy.

Photos: We Heart It

Pursuing The Stomach Drops

It’s easy to float through life. Whether it be not challenging yourself at school or work, not trying something new, not branching out and meeting new people, not traveling, or any other excuse or rationalization that you might have for not doing the things that would ultimately make you happier, it’s easier to not do new, exciting things than it is to take a leap of faith.

This is human nature. As humans living in the chaotic and crazy modern world, constantly being bombarded by information and news (often bad news) from seemingly infinite sources, we are starved for comfort. Because of this lack of comfort, most of us try to find order and peace by keeping our heads down and doing what’s expected of us. High school, college, good grades, a good job, a 401k, a promotion, a retirement plan. Each instruction leads to another, and as we complete each step, we become more and more entrenched in the process and the routine, making it more and more difficult to step away, and harder and harder to remember, or decide, what exactly it is that we actually want out of this wild ride that is life.

But is this comfort really what we need and want, or is it just a by-product of a streamlined life where our constant listening to others’ plans for us leaves us scared and alone when finally forced to make decisions for ourselves about our life? At a certain point everyone has to realize that they are the only one in charge of their life. Parents, teachers, bosses, the media, and society as a whole will always have opinions about what you should do, but only you can decide what it is you really want to do, what will really make you feel happy and fulfilled, and take the steps necessary to pursue this path.

There are bountiful examples of this unfulfilled attitude throughout our modern society. Countless bestsellers have been written by lawyers, doctors, accountants, journalists, and every other type of profession imaginable, who, after years of this unfulfilling “comfort” in their lives, threw caution to the wind and finally did what they truly wanted to do. This is undoubtedly difficult, because it essentially means undoing all of the years of conditioning telling us to follow a set, acceptable, and streamlined path. But it seems to go without saying that the risks are far outweighed by the reward: a happy life doing what you’re passionate about.

So here’s the big question: if we realize now that there’s a large chance that we’ll get a point where we understand that we want to stop living how others want us to and finally do what we’re passionate about, why not skip the in-between?

Life is short. There’s no time to waste living other peoples’ version of your life. So throw caution to the wind! Relentlessly pursue your dreams, and don’t be disheartened by other people that don’t get it. Travel, go skydiving, meet new people, drive a little bit too fast. Pursue the things that make your stomach drop. That give you a rush. Because that rush, that anxious anticipation and air of possibility when you begin your next adventure, that smile you get after having a great conversation with a complete stranger, these are the things that make life worth living. Life’s too precious to float through with no self-initiated path or purpose. So take that leap of faith, and dive headfirst into your life.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

This post was written by Derek Ball. You can find him over at his blog, Alter Apathy.