10 Things Travel Taught Me

Sedona 7

It can be difficult to sum up how travel changes you or what you learn from travel.

I feel like a lot of the time this happens when people asked how your trip abroad was. When I got back from my study abroad program a few years ago, all I could really say was, "It was amazing," because it was amazing. It's difficult to describe it in more detail to someone who doesn't share that common ground.

But as the years have gone on and I've been able to travel a little more, I've been able to reflect on what I've learned so far.

1. People are very similar

Humans have the same basic needs: to be fed, to have shelter, to be loved. We want to surround ourselves with positive people, friends, and family. We want to better the lives of others. We want to learn and to grow.

People are very similar, even if their ways of eating, living, or loving are vastly different than your own. They don't do things in a "weird" way, they just do things differently. And that is okay.

Florence

2. The world isn't as scary as you think

It's important to keep your wits about you while you travel (just as you would in any city) and to research the cities you're visiting beforehand to be aware of tourist scams. However, most people are nice people, and the world isn't as scary as you think.

In Paris, I encountered girls asking me if I spoke English, thrusting their "petitions" (scams) into my face, but I simply ignored them. However, there were quite a few people I encountered as a solo female traveler that weekend showed nothing but kindness.

Also read: Solo Travel Stories That Confirmed My Faith In Humanity

3. Your appearance doesn't define you

When you travel, you can wear what you want, put on makeup if you want, or do your hair if you want. You'll never see these people again, so what does it matter if you decide to not make your hair perfect or wear the same thing two days in a row?

Istanbul Mosques

4. ...But it is still smart to respect customs, especially in terms of dress

When you travel you're likely to come across religious locations. In Italy, you're required to cover your shoulders, knees, and toes in churches. In Turkey, females must wear a headscarf in mosques.

In general, knowing the cultural clothing customs will not only help you blend in, but show the locals you care enough about their culture while you're spending time in their country.

5. You can communicate with body language just as much with words

It's best to know at least a few phrases in the foreign language before you go and to attempt to use them. However, unless you're fluent, there will be parts of your conversation with others that sound entirely like gibberish. I've had a number of conversations where body language and/or the usage of hand signals were the majority of the conversation.

DSC_1080

6. I'm better at directions than I thought (and other soft skills)

Navigation was never my strong suit. When I got my driver's license at age 16 I was constantly getting lost...in the city I grew up in. Traveling forced me to be aware of where I was going and to be able to find my way around. Slowly but surely, I became more confident with directions to the point where I was leading tours for my job in Europe to cities I hadn't been to before.

When you travel you learn so much that is applicable to everyday life. Independence, communication, and cultural understanding are a few soft skills one tends to pick up abroad.

7. You can learn more from the world than you can from a textbook

Going off of the above point - travel makes you wiser beyond your years. Going to school isn't something to be taken lightly, and even if you build off your education, there is so much to learn when you travel. You get life experience that you could never get by reading a book or watching a movie.

8. Material things aren't important

The more I travel, the more I realize I don't need a ton of material things. When you're traveling with just a small suitcase of possessions, it becomes clearer that you truly don't need a ton of stuff. Growing up on vacations I used to love to take home souvenirs. Now I'd rather spend it on experiences versus tacky trinkets.

I'll cherish the memories of the times I spent on a boat cruising through the Mediterranean or clinking beer steins with Germans at Oktoberfest more than snow globes that say "Cannes, France" or "Munich, Germany."

switzerland interlaken

9. Give it a second chance

It's important to give things another shot, because not everything is perfect. I fell ill with a terrible stomach ache a couple days before my weekend in Switzerland - a country I was extremely excited to visit as it held a high spot on my bucket list. I also lost my debit card in Turkey the weekend prior and had to borrow cash from friends throughout the weekend. And to top it off, it was really foggy, so even if I had had money to go skydiving, the weather conditions weren't safe.

Needless to say, the weekend in Switzerland was my least favorite trip in Europe.

But it wasn't Switzerland's fault. There were just a number of factors and unfavorable coincidences that all happened at the same time. I'll be sure to give Switzerland another chance if the opportunity arises. You can't totally judge something entirely based on one experience.

Denver Horses 4

10. Getting out of your comfort zone allows you to grow

One of my college professors once said something along the lines of, "When you look back at a past relationship, you have three periods: the comfort of being in the relationship, the break-up and grieving portion - which is undoubtedly the toughest part - and the part where you move on from it. Which part did you learn the most? After the breakup, when everything seems unfamiliar and tough and scary. You're out of your comfort zone. But after you've gone through it, you'll look back and realize that the point when you were out of your comfort zone was when you learned the most."

Moving to DC (a city I'd never been to) the summer after college for a job was out of my comfort zone. Moving to Italy at the end of that summer to work in Europe was even more out of my comfort zone. Leading a group of students by myself from the thermal baths through the Hungarian metro was, you guessed it, out of my comfort zone. But I did it. I pushed past the fear and got through it, and learned so much from doing so.

After all, facing your fears is the only way to get over them.

Phoenix Flea 2015

Phoenix comes to life on the weekends, with numerous festivals, outdoor markets, concerts, and food trucks. And with the March weather officially ringing in spring at a delightful 86 degrees, one simply must take advantage of everything going on in the valley.

I had the pleasure of attending this year's Phoenix Flea, which features booths selling locally made art, food and baked goods, crafts, and vintage fashion.

The event is located in downtown Phoenix at Heritage Museum Square with the entrance behind The Rosson House.

We couldn't resist getting waffles loaded with Nutella, raspberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the Waffle Crush truck.

These macarons from A BakeShop almost looked too pretty to eat. Their treats are delicious, by the way!

Loved the woodwork art pieces from WhiteFive Designs.

Float Balloon Tours were handing out yummy samples of virgin mimosas. I've wanted to ride in a hot air balloon for a while, so this is definitely something I'm going to look into!

There were a number of booths selling artsy prints that would liven up any room.

It's been nice to have weekends back to do fun things like this. Traveling to faraway places is amazing, but I feel like we often get caught up with only exploring abroad and don't take the chance to explore our own backyard. I'm definitely looking forward to discovering more of what Phoenix has to offer!

8 Must-Have Items For Surviving Overnight Bus Rides

Traveling overnight can be an inexpensive way to get somewhere and is sometimes your only option for transportation. 

And if it's a long trip, you might as well get some rest without having to pay another night's accommodation.

We traveled by private coach bus at my job in Europe and would leave on Thursday evenings. While some trips were only a few hours each way, others took all night. Florence to Budapest, Hungary; Florence to Split, Croatia; and Florence to Prague, Czech Republic were a few trips in particular where we would be traveling for 10-12 hours straight. By the time we arrived, it would be morning of the next day and we'd be off to start the trip's activities.

Being comfortable and having at least a semi-decent night's sleep on the overnight bus or train is essential. If you're not somewhat well rested, then the next day will just drag on as you attempt to explore through weary eyes and a cranky attitude.

Whether you're on a bus, train, or even a long haul flight, there are essentials you must bring with to ensure the most comfortable night possible: 

Earbuds/Headphones

For entertanment, to keep out miscellaneous noise, or to help you wind down.  

Scarf  

Whether you're a guy or a girl, you'll benefit from having a scarf with you. As a fashion statement or as simply something to keep warm, a scarf is a must-have. I've used scarves for many reasons, but mostly to keep warm or as a pillow. 

Makeshift "bed" items: neck pillow and travel sized blanket 

 To get some real sleep, you'll need to be as comfortable as possible without sacrificing room in your luggage. A neck pillow will be worth it after traveling for hours on end, and if you forget a scarf (or don't have a scarf that's good enough for the occasion) then a travel blanket (compact, warm but thin, and enough to cover at least your legs) will do.   

Melatonin 

This is an over-the-counter sleep aid that makes you tired. It's nice to have on hand when you have a long journey and just want to sleep through it all.

Sunglasses and/or eye shades

Because there are windows, which means sun in your eyes during the day or headlights from oncoming traffic at night.

Water bottle and snacks

Overnight journeys tend to be long, and you don't want to go without water or food if you're not stopping along the way. 

Portable phone charger 

If you're like most people, you probably charge your phone while you're asleep. Having a portable battery pack is handy for overnight rides, since oftentimes you'll be without a power source to charge your phone for a night. This way you'll have your phone ready to use the next day when you're out exploring.

Pocket Coffee 

Some countries in Europe sell Pocket Coffee, which is a packet that includes bite-sized chocolates that are filled with a liquid shot of espresso. These are so nice to have on hand for the next morning when you need an extra jolt! Otherwise, definitely grab a coffee or fresh glass of water when you arrive to get energized for the day!

Experiencing "Happy" Culture Shock

I had the goofiest smile on my face as the fellow students and I stared out the bus windows, mesmerized at the beauty of Rome. It felt like we were inside a movie set, only this time it was for real and not through a TV screen of a replica somewhere in Los Angeles.

The first time I stepped foot outside the United States was in May 2011 during the opening tour for my study abroad program. We were to spend four days in Rome, and I was a mess of emotions ranging from excited to hysterical on the trip over. Once I had collected my bags and was on the bus to the hotel, all my reservations subsided as I was immediately transported into extreme culture shock - the good, happy-feeling culture shock that comes when you're off the charts excited about experiencing a completely new destination for the first time.

The architecture was so different and so beautiful. The colors, the palm trees, the "lion king trees." The streetside cafes. The old men in suits walking a tiny dog or the ladies donning high fashion on their scooters.

Everything was so different. Everything was so incredible.

As we checked into the hotel, we made plans for first things first - Italian food. We found a cafe and ordered our meals - me, pronouncing "caprese" totally wrong. Rookie mistake! Then we set out to explore, finding our way along the Tiber River and posing for photos along the way. "Guys, can you believe we're in Italy?!" we kept saying to each other.

That extreme boost of happiness carried on throughout the whole weekend, and still stayed strong as we made our way into Florence. I remember walking up to the Duomo for the first time and thinking wow - being frozen still, staring at its dazzling enormity.

Seeing the lights glitter along the river at night, the fluffy pastries in cafe windows, the cobblestone streets, and hearing the Italians speak their musical language. It was all part of the culture shock, and it was positive. I was so happy to be in Italy.

The goal of this blog is to inspire you to travel, whether it's your first trip abroad or your fiftieth. Have somewhere you've always wanted to go? Take the opportunity to go and just book the trip. The excitement that comes from planning a trip and the burst of happiness that occurs during will be worth it 100%.

Travel Tips: Ways To Save Money While You Travel

This is the second part to Travel Tips: How To Save Money For Travel.Now that we've covered a few ways to budget and save before you travel, here are some ways to save while you travel.

Make Money While You Travel

Work abroad, freelance, or work remotely: Working abroad is how I funded going back to Europe twice after college. Whether it's a short term trip and your company pays for you to go there or you're living abroad and working overseas, working as you travel is one of the smartest ways to cut travel costs. Yes, your job is your priority, but even if you have less freedom in your day-to-day schedule, you still get to travel.

This article lists 11 ways to make money while you travel. Some of these are pretty awesome jobs, and if you love what you do, it won't even feel like "work."

Ways To Save Money While You Travel

1. Shop at street food, markets, and grocery stores for food

Eating out should definitely be on your itinerary when you travel! Though you don't necessarily need to go to restaurants for every meal. You can find street food in just about any city, as well as grocery stores (which are great for snacks and pre-made meals like sandwiches). Head to the town's local market for fresh fruit and vegetables and other quick bites.

2. Walk and use public transportation

Rental cars and taxis add up. Plus, you tend to see much more of the city when you walk and pick up on things you wouldn't see otherwise.

3. Bring a refillable water bottle

Another way to curb your costs is to use a refillable water bottle. (Get one with a built-in filter if you're wary about the water). It helps the environment and keeps you hydrated. You can fill it up at your hotel or at a drinking fountain instead of searching for a grocery store - and buying yet another one - when your bottles runs out.

4. Skimp on souvenirs and spend on experiences

Do you really need another magnet, shot glass, or souvenir t-shirt? Spend your money on experiences instead. Take photos and/or videos as a "souvenir" of your amazing time zip lining in Costa Rica or sky diving in Switzerland. Memories last a lifetime - unlike your shot glass that broke in your suitcase on the way back home.

5. Go during the shoulder season if possible

Airfare and hotels are notorious for having outrageous prices during the high season. Which makes sense, since most people can only travel at certain times of the year (like summer or holidays). Crowds are at their busiest and entry lines to attractions are at their longest during the high season. If you can go during the off season (or "shoulder season," which is a few weeks before/after high season), then you're likely to save more than a few bucks on your trip.

6. Carry on your luggage

Checking a bag time and time again can add up, especially if you're taking multiple flights. Excess luggage weight adds even more fees. Try to carry-on as much as possible to avoid this - and the possibility of having your luggage lost. Here's an article with tips on how to pack for 2 weeks with just a carry-on bag.

Liked this post? Follow on Bloglovin’ for updates.

Travel Tips: How To Save Money For Travel

Spending money on travel is by far the best thing I've spent money on to date. Growing up, I would always insert money from babysitting and birthdays into my savings account, but I didn't know what I would spend it on. When the time came to study abroad in college over sophomore summer, I went to the bank, took out almost the entirety of my savings, and paid my tuition.

Since then, I've been able to save money for travel in other ways - whether it's working abroad or working full time to save for a trip. Here are a few ways to travel without emptying out your savings account, and how to budget beforehand.

Oh, and don't worry, this isn't another list insisting you give up your daily Starbucks - I happily drink my tall iced coffees daily and still put aside money for travel!

Ways To Save Before a Trip

1. Get a second job ...but don't overwork yourself to the point past exhaustion. If you're already working full time, consider getting a side gig on the weekends.

I worked at a restaurant on the weekends for the past six months, which has brought in hundreds of extra dollars per month. If that seems like too much of a time commitment, you don't have to get a traditional part-time job on the side - consider odd jobs like babysitting or house sitting for more flexibility.

2. Separate your direct deposit paycheck

Put a certain percentage into each of your checking and savings accounts. Keep just your monthly budget in your one account, and don't spend more than that. Physically seeing that you only have $50 in your account till your next paycheck will make it much easier to not buy those new designer shoes.

When you're tempted to dip into your savings for something unnecessary, remind yourself that soon you'll be using it on a trip. Your future self will thank you.

3. Bring your lunch to work This is one thing I've been doing more often. I'm not a fan of cooking, preparing, or even eating food from home (I'm lazy when it comes to cooking) so this took a while for me to begin doing regularly.

When I compared my food spending to last month, I've saved about $300 by bringing my lunch. $300 can go pretty far in some countries.

4. Sell your clothes Do you have old clothes sitting in your closet that you know you'll never wear? (Or those clothes that you think you just might find a use for?)

If you haven't worn them in over a year, you won't even notice they're gone. Anything that's still in decent condition can be sold online. I use Tradesy, but eBay or similar sites work as well.

5. Watch TV online instead of paying for cable

Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube are your friends, allowing you free or inexpensive access to television. If you're going to be traveling anyways, you won't want to be paying for cable when you're abroad, right?

Traveling somewhere where the above sites aren't available? Try this handy trick.

Keep up the inspiration: Make a vision board, Pinterest board, or whatever you need for a visual reminder of why you're saving. It could even be your desktop wallpaper of a map or a photo of your number one destination. Something that serves as a visual reminder to keep you motivated!

Check out the second piece of this article on ways to save money while you're traveling.

Liked this post? Follow on Bloglovin’ for updates.

It's Time To Start Living

It's almost March. Where are you on your New Year's goals? Did you set any goals to "travel more," do more of "this" or "that," or simply experience life to the fullest? To take advantage of every opportunity coming your way?

As we've settled into the routine of 2015, our New Year's goals may have gone to the wayside. We've become blind to the list we've had taped to the refrigerator since we see it every day, and as we go about our days, things start to blend together. Now's the time to take a look at how you're keeping track of your goals. (The SMART goal system is my favorite method).

Have you been keeping up with them? Do you need to create a new list in a different color and tape it to a different part of the refrigerator?

Or were your goals crap? I know I've set goals in the past that were over-eager and unattainable for the time frame. Maybe you can throw away the weak goals you've had and just focus on one thing: to live life to the fullest, however you define it for yourself.

It's time to start living. Now, more than ever.

For me, that means focusing on experiences. Specifically, travel experiences. I love traveling so much and to me, traveling as much as possible is living life to the fullest.

So what have I been doing since the new year started? 

-Not traveling, unfortunately...

-Working. A lot. Full-time during the week and part-time at a restaurant on weekends. Which leads me to the next point...

-I'm quitting my weekend job. Working full-time is my priority, and while the extra money has been nice to have (and is going toward my travel savings), I'm beyond excited to have my weekends back. Being able to have the time to relax, recharge, and write is much-needed in life right now.

-I'm planning weekend trips to San Diego and the Grand Canyon, which I can finally put into motion now that my second job isn't holding me back.

-I made a logo for GSE, which was one of my blogging goals. I like it enough for now, and I may look into getting a professional design in the future.

-Reading blogs and travel books. They're enough to satiate my wanderlust while I'm not traveling.

Most of all, I'm taking another look at my goals for the year and tweaking and changing them where it's needed.

You're not tied down to the goals you made almost three months ago. You've probably even changed a little in the past three months. Reflect on if you're living life to the fullest - the way you want to live. Because it's time to start living, and you owe it to yourself to do the things that make you happy.

Liked this post? Follow on Bloglovin' for updates.