5 Temporary Cures For Wanderlust

We all know that aside from traveling (and continuing to feed the travel bug when it acts up), there is no real "cure" for wanderlust. Temporary fixes in the meantime only feed us for so long, but they're better than nothing. Here are 5 ways to satisfy that ache to travel in the meantime.

1. Google Street View

Occasionally I'll find myself needing to look up some random info about somewhere I've been, and somehow my Google session turns into a Google street view session where I "re-visit" the streets I've walked on in other cities. This is pure nostalgia at its finest! It's also fun to look up cities you haven't been to to see what certain places look like.

Here’s an example from Google Street View:

Rue de Caumartin

hotel athenee view

2. Read travel blogs and books

The best way to get inspired for travel? Reading about others who have done it/are doing it! You're bound to find new places and tips about where to go. Make sure to vary the blogs you read so you get multiple perspectives on places.

And as far as books go, there's nothing better than sitting down with a good read and transporting yourself to a faraway fictitious land of adventures.

3. Watch shows or movies set in places you want to go

Whenever I'm about to go to New York, I always watch Gossip Girl. If I'm going to Southern California, I watch The OC. On the flight to Italy I watched Letters to Juliet and a few months upon returning home I was missing it, so I watched Under The Tuscan Sun. It's fun to anticipate your trip (or dream up future ones!) with shows/movies set in that location.

4. Draw inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest

Like reading travel blogs and books, seeing other places through someone else's eyes is always a nice way to temporarily feed your wanderlust. Visuals are even better! A picture says a thousand words.

5. Map out RTW routes

Go to a RTW planner website (like AirTreks) and map out all the different routes you could take to circumnavigate the world. Oh, a stopover in Dubai would be on the way? Add it to the itinerary! I know I can't be the only one who does this as procrastination to more important tasks.

Extra points if you draw it out on a physical map.

And bonus points if you actually book the ticket!

Why Studying Abroad Was The Best Decision I Ever Made

My first time going outside the United States was to Florence, Italy for a summer study abroad program in college. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and it fueled my love for travel. My life would be very different had I not taken the leap to go in the first place. Going abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made - and I've broken that down into reasons why below.

First time out of the country

The only notions I had of other countries were what I had seen in photos or movies or read about in books. My jaw dropped in amazement the second I stepped foot in Rome and watched the Italian architecture go by out the bus window. It was incredible, beautiful, and blew my expectations away. And this was before I had even made it to the Colosseum!

Just enough organization for my first trip abroad

Our classes were already set up, we knew we'd have pensioni (housing) during the duration of our stay, our flights coordinated with the opening tour in Rome, and we would all meet up at the airport upon arrival to go to the hotel and welcome dinner. Classes were Monday-Thursday in the mornings and after our 3-course lunches at our pensione, we had the rest of the afternoon off to explore Florence and long weekends to travel to other places if we so desired.

Had a home-base

When we traveled on weekends, it was so nice to be able to bring only what I needed and to leave the rest at the pensione. This ensured our backpacks would fit in tiny Ryan Air carry-on restrictions and we didn't have to bring everything with us everywhere we went.

Safe

I felt safe throughout the duration of my study abroad. Florence is very safe (just mind the pickpockets in touristy areas) and there were always people to walk home with after dark.

Applied classroom learning to travel and other cultures

Since summer session was just two classes, I took the opportunity to get some core/marketing classes out of the way. Even with those classes, the professors made a point to tie parts of the lecture to what we were experiencing abroad. Other classes, like Italian language, the arts, or religion had outings around the city - physically seeing what you're learning about in person enhances the experience so much more.

New friends

I was able to make friends with people outside my regular "friend group" back on campus in the States. It was refreshing to meet new people, and when we returned to campus that fall, we had that shared experience in common. And I'll never forget my roommates - we had so much fun!

Problem-solving

Traveling occasionally comes with complications. I'll never forget when a big group of us went to Elba Island and on Sunday night when we were making our way back to Florence, found out that there was a bus/train strike that day. After walking miles back and forth to different stations, we were about to camp out in the station for the night when a random bus pulled up. We were able to make it to Pisa, and then get on an extremely crowded bus back to Florence late that night. (And just in time to get a few hours of sleep before a few of us gave a presentation in marketing class!)

When situations like that happen, you have to figure out the best solution, and when nothing seems to be going your way, make the best of it. At least it will make for a good story later on, like the time they found a bomb in the Pisa airport and I didn't go to Barcelona.

Studying abroad is a unique travel experience

Going abroad for school is a unique travel experience. Even if you've traveled abroad before with family, solo, or with a group of friends, the experience is so much different. With study abroad you get to have a home base, some structure/routine with classes during the week, opportunities to travel more (since you'll likely be there longer than if you just went on vacation), and opportunities to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

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If you're on the fence about studying abroad, I highly suggest you do it. You only have so many years in college have an experience like this. Throw away the excuses and just go for it.

9 Reasons To Go To Rome During Your Trip To Italy

Rome is definitely a popular city in Italy, but if you're thinking of just skimming the surface with Venice or Lake Como - think again - and make sure you add Rome to the itinerary.

Even though Florence holds a special place in my heart...

And Venice has romantic vibes...

And the Amalfi Coast is beyond gorgeous...

Rome is amazing. Here's why you need to not skip Italy's capital on your next trip.

1. The History

Basically everywhere you step will be somewhere where Julius Caesar has stepped. Think about how cool that is. Then go see ancient, man made monuments for yourself - the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps are remarkable in person and are far more interesting than the photos you saw in history textbooks during school.

2. The Tiber River

Going along with the previous point - when you're walking along the Tiber and realize that you're walking along the Tiber, another realization sets in that you are near the river that holds so much ancient Roman history, as it was an important element to the development of the Roman Empire.

3. The Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Airport

This airport is big and is typically cheaper to fly into than Florence or other small cities (win!). Rome is a great location to fly into if you're heading to other cities in Italy since it is in the middle of the country. For example, if you wanted to take a day trip to Florence from Rome, you can simply hop on the fast train and be there in under two hours, allowing for a full day of exploration.

4. It's big, and there is plenty to do

There are so many pockets and neighborhoods to stumble upon as you turn every corner of the winding streets. Hop on the tram to get to other parts of the city to explore a whole new area. I recommend heading over to Villa Borghese, a large area filled with gardens, parks, and museums.

5. Vatican City

Visit a country within a city. That's right, Vatican City is its own country. Head over there on Sunday to see the Pope and hear the Pope's blessing, stand in the line to go inside the church (it's free and the wait is worth it!), climb to the top for a spectacular aerial view, or take a tour of the museum. Every inch of the interior is covered in the most extravagant art. It's definitely worth it to spend a day over here.

6. The Food

Compare the tastes in Rome to the other parts of Italy. Make sure to try restaurants and cafes that aren't right next to tourist attractions, though, because it will be overpriced and the quality is just not as good.

7. The palm trees, grass, and other plant life

At least when you compare Rome to Florence, you'll find more grassy spots, trees, and other plant life throughout the city center, adding to the beauty of the city and breaking up the colors of the buildings.

8. The stray cats

If you're away from your pets at home, seeing these little kitties roaming around are sure to brighten up your day.

9. Readily available (and clean) drinking fountains all over the city

Rome still uses ancient water systems to this day - they know their water. There's no need to keep buying disposable water bottles throughout the day when you can just fill it up with cold, clean water on the street or take a quick sip.

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.