Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Summer in Europe

It's almost that time of year again - summer! Which means it's time to start planning for the upcoming months. Hands down my favorite season, summer beats out the rest of the year, especially for traveling. While I will admit popular tourist destinations can get a little frustrating in the summer due to being more crowded and having longer lines, the general carefree feeling of being outside, in an awesome city, doing awesome things, makes it worth it.

It's much better sipping a glass of wine on a sidewalk cafe during aperitvo in Rome under the warm rays of the sun than it is on a cold, dreary day. (Am I right, or am I right.)

Maybe I love Europe in the warm weather months so much because my first time outside the US was to study abroad in Italy for a 6-week summer program.

While in Italy for my study abroad, I lived in Florence and took trips within the country to Rome, Siena, and the Amalfi Coast. I also went to Ireland one weekend and England the next.

Besides our orientation, I didn't have much to go off of in terms of a list for what to pack when you study abroad over the summer. Most lists were for stretching your suitcase to fit four-eight months of clothing (semester/full-year abroad), and I wouldn't need to be packing riding boots or a parka.

Instead, I'd be wading the waters of Capri with sandals and a swimsuit.

Here's a brief overview of what to do and what to pack prior to heading to Europe for a summer study abroad program.

Also Read: How To Make The Most Of Your Study Abroad

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Europe Summer

First things first

-Passport: Because you can't leave the country without it.

-Plans: Have you started planning weekend trips or any extra traveling before/after your program? Now's the time to do some research and coordinate with others in your program on where you want to go! In my opinion, having things planned out at least somewhat in advance is worth it, though spontaneity can be exciting too.

-Luggage: I brought a backpack, carry-on roller bag, and a large checked roller bag, though for six weeks I probably would've been fine with a large duffle and these packing tricks.

-Check your emails and confirm with your study abroad program that everything is squared away. This includes any visas you may need, tuition payments, program fees, housing, trips through your school, etc.

What Clothes to Pack (Ladies)

Clothing

Dresses (makes putting together outfits easier, plus they're nice for warm weather), Tops (basic tees/tanks, a couple nicer ones to dress up an outfit), Bottoms (2 pairs of shorts - one athletic for physical activity and one pair of trendy ones for daytime - 1 pair leggings, 1 pair jeans - because no one's going to notice or care that you've worn them 3 days in a row - a skirt or two, and either a light jacket, sweater, or chambray shirt for when it's chilly.

Accessories & Shoes

1 handbag (medium size is best), 1-2 pairs  sunglasses, a lightweight scarf (for chilly nights or flights), 1 pair comfortable flats, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair strappy sandals, 1 pair flip flops.

This is where I went a little crazy when I studied abroad. I brought ten (10!!!) pairs of shoes with me, and then I bought two pairs in London, so I can home with 12. However, a majority of the shoes were sandals so they took up very little room, but I really did not need that many pairs of shoes.

Realistically, you only need one pair of sandals, but if you have some room, a couple extra pairs couldn't hurt. Just keep that in mind for having to bring everything home in terms of luggage space.

Extras

Beachside in Positano, Italy

-Bug spray: you will need it. You can buy some once you get there, but if you do, make sure to get some right away if you plan on stepping outside at night.

-Electronics: Earbuds, phone and/or laptop or tablet, camera, adapters, portable speakers (nice to have).

-Journal: To document your experience.

-Toiletries: Travel-sized ones are fine because you can easily stock up while you're there, if needed.

More Useful Articles

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy

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How To Pack For 2 Weeks In a Carry-on

5 Forgettable Things You'll Want To Pack For Long-Term Traveling 

Mediterranean Musts: 17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy's Amalfi Coast

17 Reasons Why You Should Visit Italy’s Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is out of this world in terms of beauty. Rome, Florence, and Milan are great, but Amalfi is simply in its own class. There's a reason why it has become such a popular vacation spot over the years, and it is still totally worth visiting, despite the growing number of tourists.

Here's why:

1. You've got to see the iconic photo of Positano in person.

Positano, Italy

If you've seen photos of the Amalfi Coast, chances are you've seen this snap of the cliffside homes and buildings by the beach. If a picture tells a thousand words, those thousand words are sure to include, "You need to see this for yourself!"

2. ...And there are similar views all over.

Amalfi Coast

Travel during the daytime for at least one leg of your trip so you can stare out the window at views like this.

3. You'll want to look down, because you'll see this:

Blue Water Amalfi Coast

Fifty shades of blue (and some boats, too).

4. You'll be amazed at how incredible it all looks up close.

Beachside Positano Italy

Especially from the beach.

5. Amalfi likes to show off, especially when you're out on the water.

Boat Cruise in Amalfi Coast

This place is meant for boats. The smell of the sea and the ocean breeze only add to it all.

6. You might see this guy around town.

Dog in Amalfi Coast Italy

Straight chillin', because that's what a dog's life is like by the beach.

7. You can hike or take a cable car to the top of the mountain from Anacapri.

Capri Cable Car

The island of Capri is worth the ferry ride over, and so is getting to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island.

8. Once you're at the top, you'll look around and see something like this:

Capri zoom

Stunning.

9. As you climb higher, you'll find yourself among the fog.

Foggy Capri

It's pretty cool.

10. Flowers are another reason to love the Amalfi Coast.

Flowers in Amalfi Coast Italy

Yet another thing to add to the list of why this place is absolutely gorgeous.

11. You'll see flower canopies like this:

Canopy of Purple Flowers

12. Actually, purple flowers are everywhere.

Purple Flowers Amalfi

13. Seriously, they're everywhere.

Purple Flowers Amalfi Coast

And we're not complaining about it.

14. There's also a little something called the Blue Grotto you may have heard of.

Blue Grotto Entrance

It looks like a simple small cave from the outside, but once you go in, you'll find the cavern illuminated with a bright blue light. The only way in is by a rowboat where you have to duck/lean back since the entrance is so small.

15. You can spend your few minutes inside the Blue Grotto in the rowboat, but sometimes they'll let you swim.

Swimming in Blue Grotto

You might have to persuade 'em with a few euros.

16.  You can find lemon groves in Sorrento.

Lemon Groves Amalfi

Follow your nose - you'll be able to smell the sweet scent as you inch closer. The Amalfi Coast is where limoncello, the sugary Italian liqueur, comes from.

17. Because once you've been, nowhere else will compare.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast, Italy

Amalfi has ruined you for life. In a good way.

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Full Italy Travel Guide

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Hiking Camelback Mountain For The First Time

Coming from the Pacific Northwest, hiking in the Arizona desert is a completely different experience. Arizona was definitely a scene change for me. Lush forests with thousands of evergreen trees on treks through the Cascades were replaced by big piles of rocks with a few cacti thrown in. Jokes aside, hiking in Phoenix is very beautiful, especially once you realize that it's going to be very different from a traditional forest setting. Plus, absolutely perfect weather in the springtime is the cherry on top.

Last weekend a friend and I hiked Camelback Mountain, the most popular mountain to hike in the Phoenix area.

The weather: Mid-April, low 70s in the morning, mid-80s around noon, clear skies and sunny

The trail: Cholla. There are two trails to choose from: Cholla and Echo Canyon. Since neither of us had hiked the mountain prior, a friend suggested we start with the Cholla Trail, which is a more moderate route (unlike Echo, which is known for its intensity and difficulty).

Time: A little over two hours round trip, including time to stop and take photos/rest at the top (plus 15 min. walk each way to get to/from our cars).

Hiking Camelback Mountain For The First Time

We arrived in the trail area around 7:00 am. The skies were starting to clear and the weather was in the low 70s; very comfortable for 7:00 am. We parallel parked on Invergordon (64th Street) quite far down the road since there were plenty of early risers that beat us to it.

The trail was simple to start. The path is somewhat wide and smooth. Once we started to increase in elevation, the trail started to get rockier and there was more "fancy footwork" to be done.

As someone who's not an experienced hiker by any means, I will say that while I started to feel a little more of a workout at this point, it was still fairly easy. We kept going and stopped at the first viewpoint to take photos. Downtown Phoenix looked so small!

After this section was complete, next came the infamous rock climbing portion. I had heard from numerous other people that you have to "legit rock climb to get to the top." (Before I had left that morning, I idly thought about bringing my rock climbing shoes from when I used to take climbing classes. I obviously didn't though. Ha!)

The thought of rock climbing slightly freaked me out, but when I saw that there were numerous jagged edges and pieces of rocks to hold onto - and that it wasn't literally a vertical slab of rock (it's at a slight angle) - my nerves ceased. Don't get me wrong - it's still pretty vertical, but not where you'd need ropes and a harness.

I really enjoyed the "climbing" part of the hike, and before we knew it, we were at the top. Once there, we took in the views of the valley and snapped a few photos to celebrate our effort up the mountain.

On the way down we realized the importance of hiking shoes. Both of us were in Nikes, which were fine, though the trail is well-worn and the gravel made it slippery. We had a few moments where we almost fell, but even if we had fallen, it probably would've only amounted to a few scrapes and bruises.

Tips For Hiking Camelback Mountain

Start with Cholla

I haven't done the other trail, though from countless stories from friends (and reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp), Cholla is the best one to start out with. It's not a walk in the park, but it doesn't require the expertise that Echo does.

Go early in the morning, and be careful depending on the time of year

Spring in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is actually summer in Phoenix. Starting the hike a little after sunrise in April was the perfect temperature - comfortably warm and not too hot. Since it's snowbird season the trail was a little crowded but it was still enjoyable. Also, the earlier you get there, the better chance you have at getting a closer parking spot.

When I first moved to Phoenix last July, I looked into hiking Camelback and was reading Yelp reviews. The reviews read more like warnings: many were saying that people can have heatstroke, pass out, or even die from the heat in the summer. The desert temperatures rise well over the 100s in the "true" summer months, so please be careful if you consider hiking during that time of year.

Wear hiking or sturdy athletic shoes

While the Cholla Trail is more of a moderate hike, you'll be making a mistake if you try to do it in flip flops. The path begins to get rocky about 1/3 of the way up, and sandals would definitely slide off in the last portion toward the top. On the way down it gets a little slipperier with loose gravel.

Bring - and drink - water

This is a given for any physical activity, but considering the heat is dry and not humid, you may forget to hydrate as you move along. I used my Nalgene water bottle which came in handy as I attached the handle onto my backpack when I needed to use both hands for the climbing portion.

Overall, my first experience hiking Camelback was a very positive one. It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect, and it was just enough of a good workout without being brutal. I'd definitely return to try this trail again, or even work my way up to Echo Canyon.

6 Simple Ways To Ease Into Solo Travel

I never really thought about the concept of solo travel until I was in Italy for my job after college and my roommate brought it up. She said during our Christmas break she wanted to do some solo traveling. She wanted to see the castles in Romania. The thought of traveling solo seemed so foreign to me, considering for our job we took groups of students around Europe, and prior to that when I studied abroad, we were always traveling in groups.

However, the more I traveled, the more I read travel blogs. I was engrossed in stories of times spent abroad and kept seeing the term "solo travel" pop up. My curiosity about traveling solo began to grow and I started looking into it. After all, while I'd love to travel with my friends, it gets to a point where it becomes too difficult to coordinate schedules, budgets, and expectations.

Are you thinking about solo travel? If it excites you in just the slightest, then you should try it.

Amalfi Coast Positano boats

You can start easy. Start by going to a new city where you don't know anyone for a day. Have a plan with a bunch of things to do (or even no plan at all - whatever you prefer).

I'd didn't realize it at the time, but when I moved to DC for a summer job I took the first step. While I was going to meet and spend most of time with my co-workers, I didn't know anyone doing the program. I had never been to DC. I didn't know anyone at all. Taking a leap of faith to do something I've always wanted to do led to an unforgettable summer with new friendships, a rewarding job, and a city that holds a dear spot in my heart.

ROME

When I moved to Italy shortly after my summer in DC, I was the first one of our staff to arrive. Like DC, I hadn't met anyone I was working with in Italy either. I was by myself for a few days before everyone else started trickling in. Between the jet lag I was out and about, re-exploring the streets of the city I had studied abroad in two years prior. It was yet another incredible experience and something I'll remember forever.

6 ways to ease into solo travel:

• Move somewhere completely new for a job - this helps you get used to taking risks by traveling somewhere foreign to you where you don't know anyone (living with your co-workers makes the transition smoother)

• Sign up for a tour by yourself with a tour company - you'll meet others in the group and travel together

• Volunteer abroad with a group or organization

• Teach English abroad through a TEFL/TESOL/ESL company that has an orientation for other teachers in the same city you're moving to

• Go somewhere solo and meet up with friends of friends

• Do couchsurfing or air bnb to meet and stay with locals

arc de triomphe 1

Solo travel doesn't have to be lonely. In fact, some people tend to favor it versus going with people they already know. I've only had a full long weekend of full "solo travel" in Paris, but taking "risks" by moving to DC or to Italy by myself previously helped ease that fear. Also, Paris is a very touristy city so I knew I'd meet plenty of others traveling too (and I did!). While I haven't done a huge solo trip for a long period of time, the thought of going somewhere alone doesn't intimidate me like it used to.

I encourage you to consider traveling solo. It can be an amazing, eye-opening experience and is something I think everyone should try at least once in their lives, even if only for a few days. Getting out of your comfort zone allows you to grow, and solo travel - or easing into it like one of the ways above - will certainly do that.

When Nothing Goes Right, Go Left (And Never Settle)

When I decided I didn't want to get a full-time, permanent job right after college, I was going against the grain. Did I have a fear of commitment? Yes. I thought I knew what I wanted up until middle of my senior year, when I realized that this would be the perfect time to travel and explore other options.

A year of experiences is not a year lost

By working as a group leader for high school conferences, I realized I enjoyed working with students. And when I was living in Italy, I was also working and traveling with study abroad students. While I wanted to work in those jobs for the duties the jobs had themselves (and, of course, travel and live in new cities), it made me realize I wanted to incorporate education into my future career.

Traveling and working those jobs didn't make me "behind" my peers in my job search. It can be difficult to not compare yourself to others, but everyone is on a different journey. What might be right for them isn't necessarily what's right for you.

10 Reasons Why You Should Travel After College

While I was a little unsure of what I wanted, I knew what I didn't want - to work in a permanent job right after college. I wanted to travel. During the past year or so, I realized that (besides travel, of course) the education aspect was important to me. I wasn't "wasting" a year by doing the things I did, rather, those experiences led me to the job I have today.

But getting a full-time, permanent job in higher education can be difficult, especially for someone who doesn't have a master's degree and/or many years of experience (aka me).

Do not settle.

If you think it's not right for you, listen to your gut instincts.

I did interviews for jobs and felt bad because I realized I wouldn't want to work there even if I did get the offer. Sometimes it went both ways and I would get the rejection email (or no email at all). Sometimes it would be something I really wanted...and I wouldn't get it. But I kept going, because I was determined to get a job in higher education.

When I received an offer for something I wasn't entirely on board with, I would politely decline. I didn't want to be spending 40+ hours a week doing something not fulfilling when I knew there were opportunities out there that would be fulfilling.

When nothing goes right, go left

Maybe that one "dream" opportunity didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other opportunities that are just as great.

I didn't get a social media job for a company in the town I went to school in after graduation. If I had gotten it, I probably would've taken it. But that means I never would've been able to work at leadership conferences or lived in Italy last year - experiences that made me realize that (at least for now) I want to work in education.

When I returned from Italy I didn't get a job that I really wanted. I interviewed with them two separate times and went through five rounds of interviews each time. However, if I had gotten that job, I wouldn't have started working at a restaurant in the meantime (where I met awesome people and learned some new skills) or have gotten my current job working at a university now (which I really enjoy).

When other people drag you down, don't give up

After my job hunt got a little lengthy, I started to get stir crazy. Trust me, last year was a roller coaster of emotions and filled with questioning everything. I knew the type of job I wanted and I was ready to just get it.

This is where the pressure from other people came in. They would say, "You're not supposed to like your job. You need to keep your head down, get a few years of experience under your belt, and maybe then you can actually do what you love. No one loves their first few jobs right out of college." I had multiple people tell me this.

And I need to say: THEY ARE WRONG. Do not settle for a life that's less capable than the one you want to live. Other people are going to be in your ear giving you crap "advice" telling you to take a job you hate just for money - while they sit at their desks miserable with their own jobs.

I don't know about you, but if I'm going to be working 40+ hours a week and sitting in rush hour traffic twice a day, I sure as hell need to enjoy what I'm doing.

Life is meant to be lived. We only get one life and there's no sense in delaying gratification for the hope that someday, fifty years from now, we might get to enjoy it. Enjoy it now. Don't give up. And don't settle.

Interesting Video About Maps That'll Blow Your Mind

I can stare at a map for a long time, daydreaming about where I want to go in the world. I already knew that maps aren't quite to scale, but this interesting video shows just how not-to-scale they really are. For example, Madagascar is larger than the UK and takes up the size of a few states in the US. Watch the video below and I'm sure your mind will be blown with at least a few of these, just as mine was.

h/t Buzzfeed

The 11 Most Common Excuses for Not Traveling Abroad (and why they're weak)

Vienna Christmas markets

It's easy to dismiss an awesome idea by coming up with excuses. By "awesome idea" I mean traveling the world. Want to travel but you don't think it's possible? Think again. Here are 11 excuses I've heard time and time again - and why they're weak. Don't let travel intimidate you - take action and just go. If you want to do it, just do it.

The 11 Most Common Excuses for Not Traveling Abroad (and why they're weak)

1. "It's not safe"

Why this argument is weak: I felt safer in Paris at night as a female all by myself than I did out with a group friends at night in my US college town. The saying goes that you're more likely to be safe abroad than you are in your hometown. There are exceptions, of course. Just do your research beforehand, keep your wits about you, and be aware of any scams to look out for. Consider if it's smart or stupid to be out by yourself at night. And try not to get drunk or intoxicated to avoid getting lost or taken advantage of. These are all precautions you'd normally take if you were at home, though.

Trogir-Croatia-2

2. "What if something goes wrong?"

Why this argument is weak: Things could go wrong whether you're home or abroad. Be prepared before you go.

"Most things I worry about never happen anyway." - Tom Petty

3. "I don't have anyone to go with"

Why this argument is weak: Why would you not go somewhere just because it doesn't work out to go with your friends? What if it's your only chance to go? You wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to go somewhere just because you don't have anyone to go with. You'll regret it if you don't go. Especially as you and your friends have increased responsibilities, it's difficult to make the timing align perfectly to travel together.

IMG_1462 fb

See the screenshot above - I have a Facebook group with my best friends from college. No one's able to go to New York with me for Memorial Weekend, despite the tempting low ticket price. I'm not letting that hold me back. I booked the flights anyway. NYC, here I come!

Solo travel seems intimidating at first, but trust me when I say that it's not as scary (or as lonely) as you'd think!

vienna juice_edited

4. "I don't speak the language"

Why this argument is weak: If you're an English speaker, you will be able to get around just fine in most major cities. English is more often than not a second language and you will be surprised how many people in the world are fluent - or can at least make small talk - in English (plus many other languages!).

Of course it's always important to learn at least a few phrases before you go and to ask people if they speak English before assuming they would. The more rural an area is, the less likely you'll come across those who speak English. But if this is a main concern of yours you should be fine so long as you stick to cities or touristy areas.

5. "It's too expensive"

Why this argument is weak: most people who say this are those that hear the word "travel" and automatically connect it to a five star resort vacation, sitting on an excluded beach, and sipping pina coladas. There's nothing wrong with that type of trip, but with limitless ways to travel you can bet anyone with that mindset hasn't done any research on the topic.

If money is tight, then do what's right for you financially and save up for travel at a later date. You don't have to leave next month; sometimes having a goal (for example: 1 year from now, or when you finish grad school) makes it seem less intimidating.

Also read: How To Save Money For Travel and Ways To Save Money While You Travel

Buda Castle View

6. "I'm going to stick out like an 'Ugly American'"

Why this argument is weak: You won't if you do a little bit of research on the cultural customs beforehand, be respectful, and embrace the fact that some cultures are different. As an American who have met other Americans abroad, not everyone fits into the "ugly American" stereotype. You'll still be seen as an American, but you should erase the "ugly" (being ignorant/rude) part of the stereotype. The more you travel the more you understand that not everyone hates Americans...

7. "I don't have time"

Why this argument is weak: If you prioritize travel, you'll find time. It doesn't have to be your number one priority, but it could take precedent over staying home for a long weekend versus going somewhere. If you really want to travel you will find a way to do it.

1 The Louvre Paris

8. "I have too much stuff to bring"

Why this argument is weak: Exhibit A: my mom who brings two checked bags for a 5 day trip to Arizona. If you want to bring a bunch of stuff, then by all means do. Though you may be surprised by how little you need and how much room you can save with packing hacks.

9. "It's too complicated"

Why this argument is weak: Use the many resources available to help you get started. You could plan it on your own with the help from blogs and travel websites (Google anything you have questions about), by asking friends for advice, or by reading guidebooks.

To make it much easier you could book your trip with an agent or join a tour group. This takes all the planning out of it so you can relax and enjoy your trip. There are a number of tour companies for people aged around 18-30: Contiki, EF College Break, and G Adventures to name a few. You can sign up solo or with friends!

DSC_0529

10. "I'm too young/too old to travel"

Why this argument is weak: You're never too young or too old to see the world. Traveling when you're younger allows you advantages like being more physically fit with less potential for injuries, able to stay up later and bounce back from jet lag or drinking, and (potentially) less responsibilities like not having to worry about children.

However, you shouldn't let age deter you. I've seen older people out traveling having a great time just like anyone else. Maybe you want to wait until you've settled down, have some money saved up, or are retired. Just don't wait too long to the point of regret. My motto? Don't postpone happiness! If you want to go now, go.

11. "I don't want to leave the comfort of my own country"

Why this argument is weak: Everybody likes being comfortable. But seeing the Eiffel Tower in person for the first time is 10000x better than seeing the fake one on the Las Vegas strip. Living life means taking risks, and taking risks outside your comfort zone allow you to grow. Is your dream destination worth the hype? If you never go, you'll never know.