How I've Paid For My Travels So Far

Spice Market and Grand Bazaar

I don't believe that money has to be a barrier to traveling the world. Money is definitely important and is a big factor toward travel, but it's more about changing the way you think about paying for things and prioritizing the things you spend money on.

Don't automatically dismiss that dream destination because of the cost. Do your research. And research some more. And get creative and come up with alternative ways to travel to that dream destination. Then comes the fun part - start planning and GO!

I haven't addressed exactly how I've paid for my travels so far on this website because money is a sensitive subject and is different for everyone.

I've also read blogs where the blogger explains how they fund their travels, and then a horde of criticism and whiny people troll their comments and inboxes saying life isn't fair, you suck, your lifestyle is unrealistic, wah wah wah.

Everyone is different. Everyone is in a different financial situation. If money is a barrier, think outside the box.

That said, here goes nothing...

Some facts about my financial situation:

Yes, I have bills to pay every month.

Yes, I still drink Starbucks every day.

Yes, I currently work both a full-time and part-time job.

No, I don't have a rich uncle who secretly funds my travels.

No, I don't have student loans (yay, scholarships).

---But I also don't think student loans should stop people from traveling (and have proof of friends with nasty loans that still find ways to travel).

No, I don't go shopping as much as I used to.

Croatian Islands

Here is a completely transparent overview of how I've funded my previous international trips to Europe.

1. I studied abroad in college.

After emptying out my savings account to pay for the summer tuition, I had finally convinced my parents that I was serious enough to study abroad in Italy. They reluctantly let me go, afraid for my safety "in scary Italy" (seriously, how ridiculous does that sound?). My parents paid for my flights and two weekend trips (London and Amalfi Coast), which I of course was extremely grateful for. Other than that, my spending money came from my personal remaining funds. Even though I came home with just $25 in my bank account, I was happy, smiling, and had no regrets. Luckily I had a summer babysitting job to come back to...

2. I worked as a tour guide based in Italy and traveled around Europe for my job.

After graduating college, I knew I wanted to go back to Europe, but since I couldn't afford a trip, I knew I had to get creative and find another way to do it. I found a job to work for a company that has trips around Europe for study abroad students, and part of my job was leading the trips (where travel and accommodation were covered).

I worked for the fall semester (August - January) and have no idea how I made my personal budget of $1,400 last that long, other than the fact that I ate vegetables, eggs, and bread every day and (sadly) didn't buy a dirndl at Oktoberfest. If you're going to work a similar job, I HIGHLY SUGGEST a more comfortable budget - at least $1,000/month. My parents paid for 2/3 of my flights as a birthday present, but other than that, I used the $1,400 I had left over from my summer job, plus the monthly stipend I got from the company I worked for.

I had only $30 in my bank account when I returned to the States...but planned ahead before I left - I got a job in February to work a leadership conference in DC for a month to build my money back up.

Note:While I don't regret spending all my money on these first two trips, I definitely recommend coming home with more than $25-30 in your bank account. I also recommend having some type of job or form of income set up for when you get back (unless you're using vacation days from a current job) so you don't go into debt.

3. I worked as a faculty advisor for an international leadership conference in Europe.

The same company I worked for in DC also has international conferences. I was shocked - and extremely excited - to find out I got one of the spots to work at the Europe conference for two weeks. The company covered all my expenses: flights, transportation, hotel, and food in exchange for work. I had very few minor expenses during the conference, and I stuck to a budget during my weekend in Paris beforehand. This time, I came home with a far more decent amount in my bank account than the previous two trips.

There you have it! I hope this information was helpful to you, and inspires you to get creative and see how you can make travel work for you, despite the price tag. Whether you can book a trip in the new year or formulate a plan to go somewhere five years from now, stay focused and be determined to make it happen!

Also read: 11 Ways To Make Money While You Travel

and Is Tour Guiding The Right Job For You?

5 Reasons To Go To European Christmas Markets

As the winter holidays edge closer (I can't believe Christmas is just over five weeks away), stores and restaurants are beginning to play Christmas music, decorations are being put up, and excitement is starting to buzz for this happy time of year.

If you're in Europe, you'll notice the Christmas markets scattered throughout many cities. From grand (the first "Christkindlmarkt" began in Munich, Germany, in the 1300s), to quaint (the one in Florence, Italy is small, but still worth going to if you're in Florence), be sure to stop by the Christmas markets in the cities you're in for holiday gifts and hearty food.

5 Reasons To Go To European Christmas Markets

1. Hot Spiced Wine and Special Mugs

Every Christmas market will sell hot spiced wine served in a special mug. For an extra fee (usually just a few euros) you can keep the mug! The mugs are unique to the market they came from, so if you'll be visiting multiple markets, you'll see different mugs.

2. The Food

Since the Christmas markets are traditionally German, you'll find stalls selling delicious German food, like sausages, soft pretzels, and beer. There are also typically stalls serving candies, chocolates, and other foods specific to the region you're in.

3. Music

The markets will be alive with music, whether it's just playing through the speakers or a live group comes to perform.

4. Holiday Gifts

If you're doing your shopping anyways, you might as well take a look for gifts for your loved ones. You'll find dozens of stalls with toys, crafts, decorations, and clothing. You can't find these gifts in just any store! Plus, whenever they use their gift, they can be like, "Yes, isn't it nice? My friend got it for me in Salzburg."

5. Festive Decorations

The stalls are covered in festive decorations, adding to the cheer of the season. If you've been to the city at different time of year, you'll be dazzled when you see the town square transformed for the season.

10 Photos of Interlaken That Prove Switzerland In November Is Absolutely Stunning

Switzerland is known for many things, and especially for the alps and stunning scenery. It's a beautiful country year-round - during the spring you have the clean, fresh air, in summer you have lush green landscapes and cliffside views, during autumn you have colorful foliage and cozy cafes, and in the winter you have the mountains sitting under a fresh blanket of snow. Last year I was in Interlaken, Switzerland in November. The leaves were changing color, but there was also snow on the top part of the mountains. It was a mix of fall and winter, something unique to anything I have ever seen.

These 10 photos prove that Switzerland in November is absolutely stunning:

Interlaken Switzerland

Interlaken 1

I Wasn't Running Away From Life, I Was Running Toward It

ireland asd

I don't like change, but I'm afraid of commitment.

Yeah, I'm a treat.

I thought I was running away from everything: from facing The Real World and getting a 9-5 job that I would be at for the next few decades. From the "American Dream" - I was now in my 20s, and my parents got married and had kids in their 20s, so if I didn't find someone soon, then I was destined to be alone forever. From living in the rainy Pacific Northwest, a great place for some people but definitely not the place for me.

I was 21 years old and fresh out of college. All of those "What  are you doing after graduation?" questions that had constantly been thrown at me and all of my friends senior year were not only getting redundant, but when my answer was, "I don't know yet," I felt like I was doing everything wrong. I felt like I should have a plan.

Since preschool, our plan was always to get up every day, go to school, then go to college, and then at 21 or 22 years of age, we're done. "What next?" is the scariest and most intimidating question that looms in our minds as we edge toward graduation day, especially when we no longer have a plan.

Purple Flowers in Sorrento

All I knew was that I wanted to travel. I was aching to get back to Italy, where I studied abroad one summer. I was aching to see more of Europe. I was trying to come up with all these bazaar plans to save money after graduation so I could go travel around Europe for a few weeks that fall.

But then I found a job in Italy that started in August. And then I found a summer job in Washington, DC and New York. Things were falling into place. But I still felt like I was running away from the life that society expects recent college grads to do.

Turning my back on the traditional 9-5 work day and getting out of Seattle was intimidating (especially since where I went to college, everyone and their grandma moves to Seattle for a 9-5 job). I didn't know anyone in DC or New York. I didn't know anyone in Europe. And I had only spent six weeks in Europe prior; how was I going to last five months?!

These types of questions floated in the back of my mind...but a number of exciting ones were at the forefront: Will seeing Matilda on Broadway be as good as Jersey Boys? (Well, it was different of course, but it was definitely amazing). Will it be hard to communicate with the international students? (Not at all. They're all fluent in English and it makes me wish I could speak at least three languages, too). Is the pasta in Italy going to taste just as good? (Yes, it was just as delicious). Will I get to sunbathe on the beaches of Positano? (Of course, that was the first trip I led for work, and most of my time was spent by the beach). Is Oktoberfest really that cool? (Yes, YES it is). Will I be able to go somewhere "exotic," like Morocco? (Well, Morocco didn't work out, but Turkey did). Will my new coworkers and I become friends? (Absolutely, and they are people I'll never forget).

DSC_0110

I wasn't running away from life, I was running toward  it. Toward new experiences. I was running toward LIFE. It was amazing, it was spectacular, and it made me happy. I found joy and happiness in exploring new places, and knew that working in Europe wasn't the final fix to getting rid of my travel bug - it was the beginning to creating a life of adventures.

Now that I'm back in the States, I've moved to Arizona (Sun! Warmth! No daily overcast skies!). I'm working full time and I'm okay with that. I prioritize travel whenever I can, while (trying) to be responsible with my money. Balancing both travel and work can be exhausting, but to me, it's worth it. Because travel brings me joy. And I wouldn't have experienced the joy that travel gave me if I hadn't taken the leap to travel in the first place - and run toward life.

Find what brings you joy. Whatever it is, I urge you to do it.

10 European Experiences To Have In Your 20s

10 European Experiences To Have In Your 20s

There is no doubt that Europe provides plenty of amazing things to do. With about 50 countries on the continent alone, there are endless experiences to have. Here are 10 things we suggest to do in Europe while you're in your 20s.

Positano, Italy

1. Go Solo

One of the most enriching travel experiences is to…go by yourself.

Without the influence of being with other people, you get to do exactly what YOU want to do, when you want to do it!

You learn more about yourself when you’re completely immersed in another country, with just yourself to rely on.

Personally, whenever I’ve traveled solo, I’ve never been alone for too long. I’ll walk around and explore the city. but somehow always happen to meet locals or other travelers and end up having a fun time hanging out with them!

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

2. ...Or Go With Friends

Traveling solo isn't for everyone. Even if you do enjoy solo traveling, taking a trip with friends is an entirely different experience. You'll make memories with your friends for years to come.

Want to travel with other people but can’t rally your group to all travel at the same time? Consider joining a group tour! There are a number of group tour companies around the world, some of which cater to a younger demographic. Contiki is one of them (and you can use my referral code ALLY28 to get $50 off a booking)!

3. Go to a Music Festival

Europeans know how to party, and if you're looking to do that and listen to some live music, going to a music festival is bound to be an experience you'll never forget.

Check this website for tons of info on music festivals around Europe.

Oktoberfest Festival in Munich, Germany

4. Go to Oktoberfest

If you've been coming by this site for a while, you'll know I love Oktoberfest.

While Oktoberfest can be fun at any age, going while you're young, able to hold down a few steins of beer, and can stay up late makes for a smoother - and totally fun - time. Prost!

Interlaken, Switzerland

5. Hiking, Snowboarding, or Skiing on The Alps

Whether they're Swiss, French, Austrian, or German, the views will be amazing and the trails just as great.

To go off the tourist track (and save a few bucks), head to the Slovenian Alps, which are just as beautiful at a fraction of the cost.

Outdoor activities are aplenty any time of year, whether you prefer hiking in the warmer weather or enjoying winter spots in the colder months.

6. Take a Cooking Class in Italy

Because now's as good a time as any to lay down a foundation of cooking skills, and where better than in Italy?

In my opinion (and I know many people agree with me!) Italy rivals France as the food capital of Europe.

7. Party Sailing

Renting a yacht for a week and cruising around the Mediterranean would be an awesome way to spend summertime in Europe.

You get to travel by boat to different destinations, drink and go swimming with your boat mates, and wander around whichever city you dock at for the day.

8. Stay at The Pink Palace on Corfu Island, Greece

The Pink Palace is the #1 party hostel in the world. Plus, it's surrounded by spectacular beaches with spectacular views.

If you're headed to Europe to party and meet others with that same mindset, then you won't regret staying there (and going to the infamous pink toga parties).

The Louvre, Paris, France

9. Go to Art Galleries and Museums

If you studied history, art, art history, or anything of the like in school, then you'll have a better appreciation of seeing what you learned about in person - because not only does Europe house some of the best museums in the world, but the random notes you remember about ancient emperors will only last so long.

It's cool to know facts about what you're looking at without needing to consult a guidebook.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an art or history buff, you may be surprised by how interesting you might find European art galleries and museums.

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland

10. Take a Cross-Country Road Trip

Whether you rent a car or take a bus or train, crossing countries by land can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Let your mind wander as you look out the window at the passing scenery and countryside on your way into the big cities.

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Book a Place to Stay in Europe

My all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

The Best Places In Italy To Eat Traditional Italian Foods

Italy has arguably the best cuisine in all of Europe, and you'll find the Italian staples all throughout. While you can find delicious pizza and pasta anywhere in Italy, exactly where in Italy can you find the best? Italians truly believe that food from their home town is the greatest in all the world, so it's best to try the region specialties in the areas where they came from. If you're heading to the boot-shaped country to "eat your way through Italy," consider this your personal road map.

Pesto - Liguria

While the five towns of Cinque Terre (that lie in the Liguria area) are mostly known for their picturesque olive groves and homes along the beaches, the pesto from this area is hard to beat.

Pasta - Everywhere

Okay, being totally honest, pasta anywhere in Italy is simply amazing. Even the 3 euro plastic bags of pasta from the grocery store  are good!  Everything from typical noodles like penne and spaghetti or stuffed pastas like ravioli are bound to be of the best quality. Top it off with sauce, of course!

Limoncello - Amalfi Coast

Lemon Groves in Positano

Limoncello is an Italian malt liqueur made from lemons that comes from the Amalfi Coast of Italy. It's mainly used as a sweet finish to the end of a meal. You can find the lemon groves around the Amalfi Coast, which also make for great photos if you're in the region.

Pizza - Naples

Pizza is a staple throughout Italy, though it originates in Naples. While other countries have their own take and flair on pizza, you'll find the most original and authentic pizza in Naples, a city along the west coast of Southern Italy in the Campania region.

Florentine Steak - Florence

You'll typically find Bistecca alla Fiorentina on restaurant menus for at least 40 euros per plate - but its rich, tender cut makes for a flavorful meal.

Wine - Tuscany

Ciao, Chianti! The Tuscan region was made for wine. Taste some different blends while you're in this region, and I highly recommend doing wine tastings to nearby Tuscan towns and traveling by train or bus. You'll try some of the best wine in the world as well as find views of the mesmerizing countryside scenery in this region.

Cheese - Everywhere

You can find Italian formaggio anywhere in the country, and anywhere it's going taste fresh and amazing.

Tiramisu - Venice

This is one of Italy's most famous desserts, and if you're going to have tiramisu, you might as well try it in Venice, where it originates from.

Pane Toscano - Tuscany

You'll find unsalted bread served with your meals, especially in the Tuscan region. However, the bread isn't served as a bread-and-olive-oil appetizer; its intended use is to mop up the leftover sauce from your pasta.

Bruschetta - Lazio

Lazio (home to world-famous Rome) is also home to bruschetta, toasted bread that's topped with olive oil, garlic, salt, and tomatoes.

Ribollita - Tuscany

This thick vegetable and bread soup also comes from the Tuscan region. It's served warm and is comforting on a chilly day.

Seafood and other meat dishes - Sicily

This southern region of Italy is surrounded by water and takes culinary influence from many other cultures due to invasions from years past. Some typical dishes you'll find are swordfish or sardines, or a meat dish such as vitello al Marsala.

Polenta - Northern Italy

Along with risotto, rice, butter, and corn, polenta is more popular in the north than some pastas and olive oil (though you'll still find pasta and olive oil here)!

Cool App Translates Languages in Real-Time

Some of the greatest/most frustrating moments you'll come across while traveling are when you're trying to get past the language barrier. It's always helpful to learn key words and phrases before you go, though if you're traveling to multiple countries, it's just not practical to become fluent in each and every language.

Signs, instructions, and menus are all important things to be able to read when you're traveling. You don't want to be stuck in a situation where you're unknowingly disobeying certain signs (let's not get arrested in a foreign country, please) or you order the completely wrong item on the menu.

Enter: World Lens, a cool (and free!) app that translates languages in real-time.

You hold the phone up to text and the camera shows a translated version in your desired language.

Languages: English <---> Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Portuguese

Before I had an iPhone, I was using the Bing Translator app on my Windows Phone. That app worked well, especially when a friend and I were trying to figure out what to order on a menu written completely in Turkish while in Istanbul. Luckily the restaurant had wifi so we were able to use the app and figure out the menu without having to ask the server in attempted, choppy Turkish. There are some aspects of World Lens that I find better than Bing Translator, though.

What I like about World Lens compared to Bing Translator

-No need to be connected to a network: Anyone who travels internationally and doesn't buy SIM cards in every country knows the importance of being able to access an app like this without wifi.

-Pause feature: Once you get your words translated, you can pause the camera so you don't have to continue hovering in the same spot. You can take the phone away from the text without losing your translation.

-Speed: The Bing app is fast, but when comparing the two, World Lens is faster. The faster the speed, the quicker you understand what the words mean.

-Other features such as a translate dictionary and an off/on light switch. It's the little things like this that make things so much easier.

However, Bing Translator has more language options.

I couldn't use World Lens to translate Turkish, because as of now, that's not one of the language options. Hopefully they update the app with additional languages in the future, especially because Bing Translator isn't available for download on iOS.

Have you used this app? What are your thoughts? Please suggest any other helpful travel apps!

This is not a sponsored post. Just wanted to share this cool app with all of you!