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It would be a dream come true if international airfare and traveling were free and we could roam the world as we pleased. The reality is that that doesn't happen to be the case, and traveling - especially long-term - can get expensive, even if you stick to a budget. One of the best ways to travel and remain on the road is to work while you do so. Working abroad can allow you to extend your dream trip even longer.
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?
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.
If you are interested in working while traveling, then a job as a tour guide could be a great option for you.
Being a tour guide is an great way to see the world. In fact, that's exactly what I did. I was a guide based in Italy and led trips all around Italy and Europe.
Before I graduated college, I knew I wanted to travel around Europe, but couldn't afford a long trip (or even just a few weeks).
While the "gap year" is common in many countries around the world, it isn't so much in the US.
The pressure for finding a job after college can really build up and get stressful, especially if you're unsure if diving into the corporate world is the right decision for you.
No matter if you're recently out of college, have been kickin' it in the workforce for a few years, or are looking for a way to sustain your long-term travels, being a tour guide can give you valuable work experience in addition to providing a way to travel.
Just off the bus to see the Krka waterfalls in Croatia
Still make sure you save up money, though, because it's always better to have some breathing room with your budget, especially when you're constantly traveling.
Depending on which company you work for, you still may need to pay for some things: Airfare. Food. Rent/utilities. Dining out/bars. Museum entry fees or any other sightseeing outside of your work.
Remember that you'll be working and making money to help with these costs, but always keep your budget in mind.
Positano, Italy
You'll constantly be around your co-workers and fellow tour guides but also the passengers on your tours.
You'll need great customer service skills as your priority will always be the customer.
(Don't worry, you'll still get to have fun!)
Some of our team working a trip at Italy's Amalfi Coast
After all, your job is to speak about the places you're at.
Being excited to lead the tour is important as well - the people on your tour will be able to see through fake enthusiasm.
Being quick on your feet, flexible, and able to make snap decisions are good skills to have too, and being a tour guide will only improve these skills.
Our group of students on a weekend trip to Budapest, Hungary
People are paying the tour company to get a good experience and accurate information.
If you don't at least know the basics of the country - like currency, local language, or how to pronounce the city you're staying in - it will discredit you as a guide, as well as the company you work for.
Doing your homework before a trip is so important!
Topkapi Palace view in Istanbul, Turkey
For example, if you're leading a tour in Italy and you're hosting a three-course dinner with unlimited wine, don't get totally hammered and be unable to take care of your guests.
Obviously have fun and enjoy yourself, but know where to draw the line between professional and sloppy.
Galata Tower view in Istanbul, Turkey
Things will inevitably go wrong here and there, and sometimes the situation will be out of your control.
Do your best to fix what you can and move on (and laugh it off)!
Travel perks
Being based in a different country
Opportunities to learn the local language and meet people
Traveling for your job
Discovering new places
Getting to become friends with your co-workers, and working/traveling/partying/hanging out with them
Adding lines to your resume with valuable work experience
Long days (there usually is no "day off," and it's not an hourly gig either)
Can get exhausting from always being "on" 24/7
Salary typically isn't much, so you'll probably need to learn how to budget really well or have some extra savings before you start your job
Prague, Czech Republic
I hope this gives you more of an idea of if a tour guiding job is right for you.
I had an amazing time being an international tour guide in Europe after college and have no regrets.
Add your thoughts/advice in the comments below, and of course contact me if you have any questions!
Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo
I've already covered what you should pack for a semester in Italy, but there a few common items that some students think to bring that are actually unnecessary. Save yourself the hassle of bringing these items and leave room in your luggage for souvenirs or whatever else you'll want to bring home after four months of travels!
It's nice to have just one regular sized bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at home. Though when you're studying abroad, even though you have a home base, you'll likely be traveling most weekends. It's easier to have a few travel sized bottles that you can use and also take with you on trips. If you run out, you can always buy more. When I went abroad I made the mistake of stocking up on a large sized body wash, etc. and had over 10 pounds of liquids in my checked bag - these took up room, but more importantly, made my suitcase get closer to the airline's standard weight limit.
If you're living in Italy and traveling throughout Europe, you'll mostly just need this converter. You can get singles from Target for about $3-4. (If you're going to the UK, you'll need this one). Many people buy the world-wide converters that can be $30-40. Unless you're traveling to other regions after your study abroad, save yourself the money by just getting a Europe converter.
Your host family/dorm/apartment should have sheets for you. If you're unsure for some reason, get in touch with your host family or the study abroad staff and ask. In most cases, hostels will have full bedding. I've stayed in both private hostels and cheap dorm-style hostels all around Europe, and every time my hostel has had clean sheets and towels. Definitely check up on this beforehand by doing your research on Hostelworld or reading reviews.
Chances are your dorm/apartment/house back on campus is decorated with your own style and flair. When you get to Italy, you'll already have furniture and decorations, and bringing your own is just unnecessary. Plus, the rooms tend to be pretty small and you won't have much room anyways!
Netflix and Hulu technically aren't available in Europe yet. However, if you use this handy trick you'll be able to access those and similar sites. (Note: works on laptop/desktop, not mobile!) Hopefully you'll be spending a majority of your time out exploring and traveling, though there may come a time when you just want to relax with a show. Getting your TV and movie fix online saves you room and leaves less opportunity for your DVDs to get damaged.
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As the school year begins again and students head back to campus (not me unfortunately, as I've already graduated, *sniff sniff*), those going abroad have a reason to get extra excited - they get to travel for four months! Whether it's your first time out of the country or your fifth, a semester abroad tends to be unique to any other travel experience. From studying abroad in Italy in 2011 and working/living in Italy last year, I've come across both the semester essentials and the unnecessary nuisances that take up precious room in your suitcase. Here's what I suggest you pack for a semester in Italy:
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-Your regular clothes: jeans, tops, night out outfits, sleepwear, etc.
-Church-appropriate clothing (covered shoulders, knees, and toes): you're more than likely to be visiting beautiful churches throughout the country and you'll want to be respectful and abide by the dress code. If not, you risk getting kicked out and scolded by a priest!
-Swimsuit: chances are you'll be headed to a beach, pool, lake, or some form of water. You can buy swimsuits in Italy, but just know that the cuts are generally different from American cuts (the swim bottoms are usually "cheekies" for women, for example).
-Good walking shoes: Sandals and flats are your best bets. If you bring heels, wedges will help you avoid getting your heel stuck (and ruined!) on the cobblestone streets. Converse tend to be popular with Europeans, as are sneakers in general. You can find quality leather boots and shoes in Italy if your cheap H&M shoes fall apart (been there).
-Exercise clothes: for if you somehow find time to make it to the gym (in which case, I'm extremely impressed), or for when you get active outside (like hiking).
Remember that you will experience multiple seasons. The climate is pretty mild in Italy but you will need a coat for mid-November and December. Also consider the weather of other cities when you travel outside of Italy and/or if you plan on doing any outdoor activities (like water sports in the summer or skiing in the winter).
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-Your laptop: the "study" part of study abroad still includes homework. Having a laptop is nice for homework and because it's another platform to back up your photos. I knew a few people that used tablets instead of a laptop, but I personally prefer a laptop.
-Unlocked cell phone: If you have a smartphone that can be unlocked, there's really not much use in getting an ancient Italian flip phone for international calls/texts. You can bring your unlocked phone to a phone carrier in Florence and get an Italian SIM card. I used TIM for my carrier and was on a 10 euro/month plan where I got a generous amount of calls/texts (to other Italian numbers) and data. I could add on extra money if I wanted to make calls outside of Italy.
-Adapters: because you'll need to charge your stuff. Bring a couple and write your name on them with a Sharpie. Chances are your roommates will have the same or similar-looking adapters and you don't want to accidentally have them "stolen" by others by mistake.
-Camera: I love my Nikon D3200! I've used it since my first time abroad and the quality of the DSLR is still leaps and bounds better than my smartphone. (Though I will admit my phone is 2.5 years old...) Any camera will do, even a point-and-shoot. It's nice to have a real camera on hand in case your phone gets lost/stolen.
-Hair tools: if you'll actually use your blow dryer/flat iron/curling iron, then bring it. Just make sure it's the correct voltage so it doesn't die. If you know who your roommates will be, coordinate which hair tools to share - this will save yourself room in your luggage.
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-When you think, I'm going to be living somewhere else for four months, your first instinct is to probably pack as much as you can. My advice is to not bring more than a large checked bag, a small roller carry-on, and a backpack through the airport, if possible. Anything more than that and it just becomes a hassle to lug all your bags around. If you really need to you can buy extra luggage in Europe before you head back home.
-If you're an over-packer or your wardrobe is a little larger than most, I highly recommend Space Bags - I don't know what I'd do without them!
-For weekend trips it's nice to bring just a backpack and/or small duffle.
Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo
-Toothbrush/toothpaste, shower stuff, face wash, etc.
-Makeup, hair supplies, feminine products (for the ladies)
Know that Italy has everything the US does in terms of toiletries, like toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. They may not have the same name brand you normally use, so if you prefer a certain brand, make sure to bring enough. If you need to stock up on makeup while you're there, there are stores like Sephora and Kiko.
5 Forgettable Things You'll Want To Pack For Long-Term Traveling
Oltre Arno Florence Ponte Vecchio
-Reusable water bottle: it's very nice to have it on hand for drinking water at your apartment but also to take it with you out and about. Buying plastic water bottles adds up over time.
-Umbrella: You can find cheap umbrellas all over the place in Europe. In Italy if it's raining there will undoubtedly be men wandering around selling umbrellas (and they will constantly ask you if you want one if you're not using an umbrella). If you have a small compact one though, it will be nice to have on hand when you experience your first Italian downpour.
-Notebook: Studying abroad is a great time to record your memories (and funny things people said!) so you don't forget them down the road. It's also nice to have a physical notebook to write down things like hostel/hotel addresses and phone numbers to have on hand in case your phone dies.
vespas in italy - go seek explore
-Passport: well, obviously. If you happen to lose your passport make sure to get it replaced ASAP.
-Photo copies of your passport, printed out and on your phone: helpful if you lose your passport. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
While this is specifically geared toward spending a semester in Italy, this is basically what you'll need for a semester anywhere in Europe, with maybe a few tweaks here and there. Feel free to ask me any further questions or leave your thoughts/advice in the comments!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
