Travel Guide: 24 Hours in DC

Washington, DC is one of my favorite cities in the world. Beyond the politics and power is a charming city with plenty of things to do and see. There is such an energy in DC. If you get the chance to spend a day here, here's what I'd recommend:

Travel Guide: 24 Hours in DC

(Yes, some of these are "touristy." But there's a reason why they're touristy - they're worth it! Please add any additional items to this list in the comments below.)

9 am: Have brunch

DC is known for having fabulous brunches all across town. Get your seafood fix with the Chesapeake Bay Crab Omelette from Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, or Eggs Benedict with with thick cut ham from Graffiato. You're bound to find great options anywhere you go. Don't forget the mimosa!

10:30 am: Visit the White House

Take a free tour of the nation's most iconic building, where the President and his family live. Note: you need a reservation at least three weeks in advance to take a tour.

1:00 pm: Walk around the National Mall

The National Mall (not a shopping mall) is lined with Smithsonian museums across many different subjects. Marvel at the Hope Diamond in the Natural History Museum, see the First Ladys' gowns from Inaugural Balls in the American History Museum, or learn about journalism at Newseum.

You will also find the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and plenty of memorials, such as the World War II Memorial or the Lincoln Memorial.

3:30 pm: Head to M Street for shopping and a bite to eat

M Street is known for its adorable charm and abundance of shops and restaurants. Try Clyde's for a traditional DC staple, Bodega for Spanish tapas and wine, or The Tombs for a Georgetown college bar classic. Have a Georgetown Cupcake for dessert!

5:30 pm: ...then take a walk around the Georgetown neighborhood

The homes are adorable and have that east coast charm. The Georgetown campus is beautiful, too.

6 pm: Go to Happy Hour

Like brunch, you'll find happy hours all over. Check out this article and this article for more in-depth info on the nightlife scene.

There is so much more to do in DC - if you have time, head to Dupont Circle, take a boat out on the Potomac, visit King Street in Old Town Alexandria, or go up to Annapolis. This list just scratches the surface of the many things to do in the nation's capital!

How Travel Changed Me

It can be hard to sum up how travel changes you. When I try to sum up how it changed me, I think of how I'm more interested in different cultures, more open-minded, and more willing to try new things, not to mention all the "soft skills" I've strengthened like getting better at navigating directions, independence, and a better understanding of the world.

But it's so much more than that. To put it into words, to sum it up in one sentence - it just isn't enough. I could write a novel on how travel changed me, but when honestly trying to come up with how to describe it, I feel like I'm coming up short.

You just know you've changed from travel. You know you're a different person, and a better person because of it. And when people ask you why they should travel and leave the comfort of their home country, or why they should spend money on plane tickets instead of designer bags, you answer saying it's worth it and it'll change you for the better. But how, they ask?

I think the answer is different for every person, but the only way to know how travel changes people is to go out and experience it for yourself.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

– Mark Twain

10 New York City "Tourist" Activities That Aren't Overrated

There are many "tourist" activities all over the world that are overrated - it's all hyped up, but then when you go to do or see it for yourself, it's a letdown. Like going to the Leaning Tower of Pisa just to take that picture of you "holding it up," and then realizing there isn't much else to do in Pisa. (No offense, Pisa). I've been lucky to have been to NYC four times in my life so far, and to be honest, most of my time was spent doing "tourist-y" things. I'll have to head back for a longer trip to get more of an extensive feel for the city, but in the meantime, here are some so-called tourist-y activities that I totally don't find overrated.

1. Seeing a Broadway Show

New York is the capital of entertainment, and live musicals are no exception. The actors/singers/dancers are amazing and among the best in the world. Seeing a Broadway show is definitely worth it!

2. Strolling around Central Park

Clear your mind away from the hustle and bustle in this huge park.

3. Scouting out film locations from your favorite shows and movies

From the Gossip Girl filming locations to the Central Perk from Friends (plus SO many more), New York City is the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies. Scout out the locations of your favorites and get excited when you see them person.

4. Window shopping on 5th avenue during the holidays

Yes, it's very crowded, but the window displays are beautiful during the holiday season. And if your budget allows, head inside the stores and shop!

5. Ice skating at Rockefeller

Another holiday favorite is skating at the rink at Rockefeller Plaza. How fun would it be to skate in one of the city's most well-known centers (and next to NBC Studios)?

6. Boat cruising around Lower Manhattan

I'm not sure how popular this is, but I went on a boat cruise here for work last summer and it was incredible. Not only is being on a boat in the summer already fun, but the views of the skyline - and being so close to it - are amazing.

7. Taking a picture on the Brooklyn Bridge

Stepping foot on this iconic bridge is a cool experience. Plus, there are plenty of photo opportunities on the bridge, of the skyline, and of the water.

8. Staying in the Plaza like Eloise

The Plaza Hotel is one of the most famous and historical hotels in the city. If you were a fan of Eloise growing up, check out the Eloise suite. If you're a fan of The Great Gatsby movie, the scene in the Plaza Hotel was actually filmed there.

9. Spending a day at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is among the world's best art museums.

10. Arriving at night when the city is all lit up

Driving out from the airport and into the city is a purely magical experience at night. The bright lights of the skyscrapers invite you as you edge closer and closer. There truly is no other city that feels this magical.

6 Simple German Phrases To Say At Oktoberfest

oktoberfest bretzel

We're right in middle of the Oktoberfest 2014 season, and whether you're celebrating in Germany or anywhere else in the world, you're bound to have a jolly ol' time. To get even more in the spirit while you're celebrating the festivities, you'll want to be in-the-know when it comes to fun German phrases (and know what they mean).

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1. Prost!

This means, "Cheers!" Always prost with eye contact while you clink each others' steins.

2. Wies'n

This is the nickname for Oktoberfest.

3. Ein, zwei, drie!

(pronounced ine, tsvy, dry)

This means, "One, two, three!" There is bound to be at least one countdown happening at some point.

4. Mehr bier!

This means, "More beer!" I mean...who goes to Oktoberfest for only one bier?

5. Brezeln

This means, "Pretzel." Those giant soft pretzels are tough to pass up. They just taste so good with a stein full o' beer.

6. Bitte? Danke!

These are "Please" and "Thank you!"

Solo Travel Stories That Confirmed My Faith In Humanity

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There is no doubt that while travel is amazing, it does come with the occasional struggle. When I was leaving Lake Como with a friend last year, the taxi driver first overcharged us, and even though we paid him the full price, he still chased us all the way into the train station.

We missed our train to Milan because he started shouting, "Polizia! Polizia!" and almost got us arrested. Luckily the police officers believed us when we told them we did indeed pay him the right amount and he was just trying to scam us.

In that moment, I was not too fond of strangers.

For every frustrating situation like that, there is usually at least one (if not more!) good situation to make up for it.

Solo Travel Stories That Confirmed My Faith In Humanity

During my solo weekend in Paris this summer, I experienced the kindness of strangers firsthand. I was by myself, in a foreign country, in a foreign city. Paris is an easy city to travel in, but these few moments where I was given a helping hand definitely confirmed my faith in humanity, and that a majority of the world is made up of good people.

The English Couple and The Louvre Tickets

While waiting in line underground to get into The Louvre, I was chatting with an English couple while we waited. I told them that I was most excited to see Napoleon's Rooms, which I believed would be worth the extra few euros to get in. They said they were most excited for all the Italian paintings.

Once inside, we rushed to the ticket machines and were lucky to get there when we did - a massive line began forming behind us for the ticket machines. On the screen, I was surprised I wasn't prompted to purchase the add-on for Napoleon's Rooms and asked the English couple if they knew anything about that.

They offered to hold my machine (one of them stood at mine and the other stood at their's) while I quickly ran over to the information booth to ask. Turns out there was no extra fee for the rooms! I hurried back to the machine, thanked the couple for holding it for me, and was grateful I didn't have to stand in the continuously-growing line.

The Vietnamese Man That Led Me To Starbucks

Since Paris was the first portion of my summer Europe trip, I was really jet lagged. On Sunday after hours of walking and exploring the city, I collapsed onto my hotel bed into a deep sleep. When I woke up from that long nap at 9pm, I happened to be really hungry. Upon the realization that it was late Sunday night and the cafes and grocery stores were closed, I thought I might have to skip dinner and wait till morning.

But - alas - there was a Starbucks around the corner! I walked over to it and my hopes were tarnished as the sign on the door said it closed at 7pm on Sundays. As if on cue, a man walked up to me and told me there was a different Starbucks about 10 minutes away that was open till 10pm on Sundays. He said he was headed to that area and would show me the way.

In the past I would've had my guard up and politely declined, but my instincts told me he was a normal person and not a serial killer. As we walked we chatted about where we were from and the differences in culture (he was from Vietnam and is living in Paris). We parted ways once we got to Starbucks, but I'll remember our conversation and the kindness of him showing me the way. I was also glad to find food!

The American Students at The Eiffel Tower

The next night I walked a long 45 minute walk from my hotel to the Eiffel Tower to see it light up at sunset. I found a nice spot in the grass and was marveling at the enormity and beauty of the tower. A man came and sat down near me, photographing the tower. He then started a conversation with me, saying he was a magazine photographer and it was his first assignment. I learned he was from Turkey, and told them I was in Istanbul recently.

Our conversation wasn't really going anywhere after that, but he lingered a little. My gut instincts told me he was also a normal man and there was nothing to worry about. (Besides, there were hundreds of people around anyway).

However, a group of American students sitting near me noticed this and invited me to sit with them. They weren't sure if I was uncomfortable or not, but in case it was a bad situation, wanted to help me out. I learned they went to school in Florida and were studying abroad for the summer. We chatted about college, Paris, traveling after graduation, etc. It was nice to make temporary friends for the evening and know that even though we had never met prior, they were kind enough to invite me to hang out with them to keep me out of a (potentially) bad situation.

While these are all little moments of kindness, they are all moments where I realized that most people are good people.

Even things like holding the door for someone, giving a warm smile, or pointing out directions to those who are lost goes a long way. Let's continue the kindness both while traveling and in everyday life!

More posts on solo travel right here >>>

Where To Find The Best Views In Istanbul

While Istanbul is a major tourist destination, it still isn't as well-known as other major European cities like Paris or Rome. In fact, when I went to Istanbul last year, many of the reactions I got were, "Wow, that's random." In reality though, Istanbul is far from "random." Turkey is the true connector of Europe and Asia, and Istanbul is very far west Turkey, close to Bulgaria. With the Bosphorus Strait, Marmara Sea, and Black Sea surrounding the capital city, Istanbul has an extensive international history. Today, it is visited by many who enjoy the blend of Ottoman and European architecture, Mediterranean food, and attractions to go to.

Istanbul is a beautiful city. If you find yourself there, you must take advantage of many of the locations where you can find spectacular views. Here are a few:

Galata Tower View

Galata Tower

This tower stands at 205 feet tall. It was built in 528 AD and renovated in the 1300s. What was once a former watchtower is now an observation viewpoint. It is great for panoramic views as you can see across the water to the Asian side as well as the mosques in the distance. Look down for some people watching at the surrounding cafes.

Address: Bereketzade Mh., Galata Kulesi, Beyoğlu, Turkey

Price: 18.50 TL

Topkapi Palace view

Topkapi Palace

This huge palace was home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Other than the gorgeous architecture, colors, and rooms, the Topkapi Palace also is home to some seriously stunning views of Istanbul. Since the palace was built atop a hill, the elevated views of the Bosphorus, the Asian side, and even the Galata Tower can be found.

Address: Babıhümayun Caddesi

Price: 30 TL

admara hotel

Adamar Hotel's Rooftop Restaurant

Right near the famed Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, this rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Adamar Hotel provide amazing views. Imagine watching the city and mosques light up at sunset while you eat!

Address: Yerebatan Cad. No. 37 34110 Sultanahmet - Istanbul

Don't Let Your Dreams Be Dreams

Everyone has goals in life. Big or small, opportunities are always coming our way - though  more often than not you must seek out such opportunities to accomplish your goals.

You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

The above quote sums up how I feel about most things I go after in life, especially when I was in college. In addition to a full time major/double minor class schedule, I was part of a number of things outside of class: Dance Team, Student Publications, Study Abroad Ambassadors, Freshman Orientation Leaders, a board member of PRSSA, a Zumba instructor, and an intern at a few different companies. I also took extra classes like graphic design or rock climbing just for fun. My college lifestyle is not for everyone - and if I could do senior year all over again, I would narrow my workload down to just one or two things besides class to enjoy my college experience more - but I did so much because I was interested in so much. I wanted to utilize as many resources as I could during the short four years I had.

As a naturally self-motivated person, I didn't always get it when someone would ask me how I worked up the courage to do many of these things (like applying for a competitive internship contest or applying for a job to work overseas in Italy after graduation). I just tell them that I had everything to gain and nothing to lose. There was no harm in going after any of those lofty goals - the worst that could've happened would be to not get that internship or that job in Italy. But you know what happened? I got that internship my junior year. I was offered that position in Italy after graduation. None of that would've happened if I hadn't gone out there, put in my best effort, and just went for it.

There have been plenty of jobs I've applied for and didn't get. What did I "lose" from applying, though? Nothing! Maybe a half hour of my time spent filling out the application and an hour for an interview. The chance of making something happen is too great to just not try in the first place.

Setting goals can take some planning, organization, and sometimes, a lot of soul searching. Personally right now I have so many random goals in my head that I just need to sort out. The best way to turn those dreams into reality is to get started. Start by creating a "SMART" goal. Do your research. Ask for advice from family or friends or bloggers. Once you get started, things will become much clearer and those goals will seem more reachable.

Don't let your dreams be dreams. Turn those dreams into reality.