5 Things To Do In Pacific Beach, San Diego

This isn't just any beach town. With its own flair and attitude, Pacific Beach has a different feel compared to others in Southern California, and this neighborhood is a must during any visit to San Diego. I had been to SD (La Jolla and Coronado) previously when I was younger with family, though it was nice to re-visit the city in my 20s - I have some friends that live there that could show me around, as well as get some beach time in!

5 Things To Do In Pacific Beach, San Diego

San Diego Pacific Beach

1. Beach

Because, obviously. :)

(This was taken on Fourth of July, my friends said it was much more crowded than nomal!)

2. Walk along the pier

Pier San Diego Pacific Beach

Beautiful homes, beautiful views, and people watching (or surfer watching).

3. Grab some fish tacos or an acai bowl

Acai bowl copy

A Southern California classic - quality Mexican food. It is close to the border, after all! Head to Oscar's or, well, pretty much anywhere for a bite. There is no shortage of good Mexican food in San Diego.

You'll also find acai bowls everywhere, from coffee shops to cafes to Mexican restaurants. My favorite was from PB Beach Cafe on Garnet - the agave nectar, coconut flakes, and blackberries set this one far ahead of the rest. I'd even go as much to say it's the best acai bowl I've ever had!

4. Rooftop and beach bars

Spend your Saturday (or any day, we won't judge) having a cold one outdoors. There's an abundance of rooftop lounges and outdoor patios by or near the beach, so you can't go wrong here.

5. Nightlife

Take the casual daytime buzz from the beach bar and head into the night. You'll definitely see people of all ages, especially in their 20s-30s, out and about.

While these things to do could be done in many places, experiencing it in Pacific Beach is simply different - it's cool, relaxed, and unique, in my opinion! 

Headed to San Diego?

Book a place to stay - 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!

10 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Ireland

10 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Ireland

Green on green on green, Guinness, and the friendliest people you will ever meet all come to mind when I think of Ireland. My visit to Ireland back when I studied abroad was unexpected and spontaneous, and I couldn't be happier that I ended up visiting this beautiful country.

It had never topped my travel list originally, though now that I've been - and loved it - I know I'll need to re-visit one day! This beautiful European island country has been on my mind lately as I've been going through my Ireland photos, reminiscing about visiting the Blarney Castle and other beautiful parts of the country!

After taking a look, these photos just might make you want to visit Ireland too!

Irish countryside view outside bus window traveling to Dublin from Limerick

Cork, Ireland

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland

English Market

Cork, Ireland

Blarney Castle Grounds, Cork, Ireland

Cork, Ireland

A traditional Irish Pub

Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin, Ireland

View from the Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland

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Studying Abroad in Europe: Instagram vs. Reality

Studying Abroad in Europe Instagram vs. Reality

Taking photos when you study abroad is a given. If you didn't post it online, did it actually happen? (Kidding). Sharing our lives through Instagram while abroad is a fun way to document the experience, albeit an edited, sometimes filtered, version of our lives.

It allows us to keep friends and family back home updated on the goings-on of being abroad while providing us with like-worthy #TBTs after we return home, full of nostalgia.

Whether you're currently abroad or have already returned, you may be able to relate to these Insta-worthy moments.

Studying Abroad in Europe: Instagram vs. Reality

1. The passport photo

Paris passport

Caption: #itshappening #europe2015 #letsgo #travel

Reality: For every decent passport pic, there are 14 failed ones.

2. Luggage

Caption: Bags are all packed! Can't wait to start this next chapter of my life in [insert study abroad city here].

Reality: I had jump on the case and try multiple contortionist-worthy moves just to get this thing to close.

3. Airplane selfie

airplane selfie

Caption: Here we go...!

Reality: 1/5 takes to not have the rando in the background staring into the camera. Also, major judgement from the rando throughout the 10-hour flight.

4. In front of famous monuments

Caption: #blessed

Reality: This is cool, but you also can't see the hordes of other tourists with selfie sticks trying to get  the same shot.

5. Food

Andiamo Bellevue Food

Caption: Authentic food from its own country is 10000x better than back home. #PastaAllaBolognese #YesPlease

Reality: Can't argue much there, just please don't be that pretentious "everything is better in [study abroad country], *scoff*" person when you return.

6. Oktoberfest

6tag_190913-183502

Caption: The best f***ing weekend of my entire life.

Reality: The best f***ing weekend of my entire life, and now I'm broke. #worthit

7. Party pics

Naima

Caption: Cheers to nights we won't remember, with friends we won't forget.

Reality: The awesomeness of being under 21 and being able to legally drink at bars.

8. Christmas markets

Caption: Happy holidays *emojis* sending my love from Europe :)

Reality: It's all about the hot, spiced wine in special Christmas-market-mugs.

Speaking of wine...

9. Wine

crop

Caption: Every occasion calls for a glass of red.

Reality: I have a love/hate relationship with unlimited wine, depending on the time of night or the next morning.

10. Train station

Caption: So excited to be in MILAN in just a few hours!!

Reality: It's 8:00 am, and yeah last night's wine was a horrible idea.

11. Souvenir shopping

Caption: Can't resist some local shopping... #wheninrome #travel

Reality: I really want all this crap I don't need. I'm buying it anyways.

12. Water activities

budapest crop

Caption: Had a fun, relaxing time at the baths in Budapest. Cool experience. #hungary

Reality: Totally fun, relaxing, and cool. However, I forgot my swimsuit on this trip and had to rent one from the spa. Showering immediately when I get back to my hostel.

13. Textbooks

texbook

Caption: When you realize you actually have to study for your finals abroad...

Reality: LOL

14. The group photo

1 crop group

Caption: Abroad friends are friends for life.

Reality: Abroad friends are friends for life.

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How To Stay In Shape While Traveling

Blue Water in Amalfi Coast

When you're not at home in your regular routine, it can be tough to find time to hit the gym. There are so many things to do when you're on a trip - things that are much more enticing than exercise.

And that's how it should be - you didn't get away from your regular routine just to bring it back with you. You decided to travel to experience something different and more exciting (or relaxing) than your day-to-day life.

However, if you're going on an extended trip or just want to keep any extra pounds away during your time away from home, you'd be surprised at how many tricks you can use to keep in shape.

How To Stay In Shape While Traveling: 7 Tricks

1. Get outside

At top of Camelback Mountain, Phoenix AZ

People are more likely to be active outdoors when they travel than when they're at home. Try your hand at rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking, or skiing, just to name a few ideas.

You'll be able to see a whole other side of where you're at, and it's most likely off the tourist track.

2. Walk everywhere

Ireland

As tempting as it may be to hop in a taxi for a few blocks, opt to walk instead. It's easy to get around most cities on foot. Plus, you see more on foot than you do through a car window.

3. Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator

Of course, don't do this in creepy stairwells with no one around. This is more of an example for when you're at a public place (ex: a mall) and you have the option.

Also, if you using subways as public transportation, you sometimes don't have a choice if the escalator stops moving! Those stairs are STEEP. #EveryDayIsLegDay

4. Go to a fitness class

If you're staying at a hotel or resort, it's very likely they will offer fitness classes. Elsewhere, you're likely to find free classes in the city - search "free fitness classes in (insert city here)" online to see if there are any on offer.

The great thing about going to fitness classes is that you can go with the people you're traveling with or walk in solo, and either way it's a social experience. Sunrise Pilates on the beach, anyone?

5. Go horseback riding

Denver Horses

If you're at a place where you can find horseback riding, you'll be surprised at the core/leg workout you get while riding. This is a memorable mode of transportation for, say, vineyard and/or countryside tours.

6. Play sports

If you're living in a foreign country, look for sports leagues in your city. This is a fun way to be active while also meeting other locals/expats in the area. If you're studying abroad, your school or program may offer intramural sports.

7. Join a Fitness/Wellness retreat

Is fitness your priority when traveling? If so, then you should consider a group tour that is centered around fitness - Active Escapes comes to mind. There are also other types of retreats for yoga, etc.

While the hotel gym is always a nice backup, it's more fun to exercise in a way that will enhance your trip (and sometimes get you out of your comfort zone). Try these tricks on your next vacation!

When I Got Bit (By The Travel Bug)

Four years ago today I left my study abroad program in Florence, Italy. My first time overseas was six weeks in Italy with a weekend in Ireland and another in England. Traveling abroad had intrigued me beforehand, but once I finally did it, I realized the truth to former study abroad students saying, "It's an amazing experience, and I can't really describe it...you just have to do it for yourself."

None of us were ready to leave our temporary European homes on our last day. The night prior, we had a dinner with our whole program.

At dinner as we were taking photos with everyone and having our last sips of wine, we made sure that whatever we were doing after graduation, we would attend the 50-year anniversary celebration in Florence. (I went back to work in Florence for six months after graduation, but unfortunately left a couple of months before the celebration. Very few actually ended up going to the reunion, though).

The dean gave a speech during our meal. He described the past few weeks as an "opalescent dream state."

It was so true. It went by extremely fast - and when I stepped foot back in Seattle, looking around my house through jet-lagged eyes, it was hard to believe it actually happened.

I unzipped my backpack and pulled out a smushed chocolate croissant from the secret bakery the night before.

That weird feeling of Was I really just in Italy less than 24 hours ago? was very present. I had a similar feeling my freshman year of college when I went home for the first time.

However, the croissant was proof that yes, I was halfway around the world a day ago. It actually happened. I did it! I went to Italy! After years of wanting to make it happen, I made it happen.

...Though while I thought the desire to travel would stop there, it definitely did not.

As cliche as it is, studying abroad changed me. My life away from home seemed so different from my life at home, and I knew I'd never approach anything the same way again.

"Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I shall be happily infected until the end of my life." - Michael Palin

Study abroad shaped my life, but my career path as well. If there are any students out there trying to convince their parents to let them go abroad, show them this: every job I've applied for since graduation was influenced by my studying abroad. Every employer for every job I've been offered since graduating college was thoroughly impressed by my international experience, setting me apart from the other candidates.

Without studying abroad, I have no idea where my life would be and for sure know I would never have had a chance at any of those career opportunities. I'm not saying I would not have had career options, but traveling abroad heavily increased my odds at getting jobs where I was lacking in age and "years" of experience.

I have been forever bit by the travel bug. Anyone who has tried to squash their wanderlust with traveling knows that traveling just makes it all the more worse.

The more you travel, the more you crack the surface of complicated intercultural communication.

The more you see, the more you realize that this planet is amazing and needs to be explored firsthand.

Are you aching to see the world? Go abroad. You should absolutely do it. Just know that you'll be forever bit by the travel bug, which is not a bad thing at all.

10 Crazy, Extreme, and Magical Trips To Take When You Study Abroad in Europe

10 Crazy, Extreme, and Magical Trips to Take When You Study Abroad in Europe

One of the best parts about studying abroad in Europe is the close proximity to other countries and cultures. Many students who go abroad travel on the weekends, and some even go somewhere new every weekend! Here's a quick guide for where to go for crazy, extreme, and magical weekends away from your temporary European home.

Craziest Weekend Trips When You Study ABroad In Europe

When you're young and living the time of your life in Europe, a few crazy weekends are bound to happen. Make sure they're the right ones in these awesome cities.

Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest

Anyone who has been reading this blog for a while knows that I LOVE Oktoberfest. It is seriously so much fun. Clink your huge steins with people from every continent at the world's largest beer festival.

Even if you don't like beer or think it sounds lame (gasp), trust me when I say that this experience is completely worth it.

Plus, there are carnival rides outside the tents - could it get any better than that?!

8 Tips For First-Timers at Oktoberfest

Prague, Czech Republic

This slice of Central Europe is not to be overlooked during your time abroad. Not only is it very inexpensive (it's not on the euro), there is everything from cool, underground-scene pubs to over-the-top six-story clubs and ice bars.

Make sure to see if there are also any music festivals happening during your weekend too for a night to remember (....or not).

Budapest, Hungary

This up-and-coming Eastern European city is seriously so cool. Head to the thermal baths during the day and party at the ruins bars at night. Hungarians definitely know how to have a good night out.

The Thermal Bath Experience in Budapest

Barcelona, Spain

The notoriously late nights out are a staple here - you'll find that nights don't get started till after midnight and end during sunrise around 5 or 6 am.

Most Extreme Weekend Trips When You Study Abroad in Europe

Being abroad is the best time to push your comfort zone. What better way to do so than with extreme sports?

Get out there - on the mountains, in the water, wherever - and try something new!

Interlaken, Switzerland

Often dubbed "the adventure capital" of Switzerland, this small town is known for extreme sports.

Summer offers gorgeous views for hiking and winter offers snow sports in the alps. There are many activities to do year-round, including parasailing, sky diving, or canyon jumping.

Scandinavia

Since it likely will take you a little more time to get farther north, this might be better for a long weekend instead of a regular one. It would be worth it nonetheless!

Try your hand at snowmobiling, bobsledding, bungee jumping - this list has countless activities to do. And there's no better place to do it than with naturally stunning Scandinavia as your backdrop.

Most Magical Weekend Trips When You Study Abroad in Europe

These destinations will have you feeling like you stepped inside a fairy tale, providing countless memories to take back home with you.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The first time I saw a photo of Amalfi, it took my breath away. I knew I had to see it in person.

This treasure of Southern Italy is the perfect beach getaway and is definitely worth the trip.

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

Munich, Germany + Neuschwanstein Castle

Munich is already a daydream, though nearby is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Look at photos of it and just tell me it's not the most magical looking castle you've ever seen.

Cork, Ireland

Start in Cork (Southern Ireland) and wander around the adorable Irish city with colorful doors.

Make your way to the Blarney Castle for major emerald everything, or even take a bus/train through the countryside to Dublin where you'll see endless greenery along the way.

Ireland: Imagine the Greenest Scene Ever, Then Multiply it By 100

Salzburg, Austria

This Austrian town is where the Sound of Music movie took place. You'll see the hills that are "alive" and charming, colorful buildings everywhere.

If you happen to be here during the winter holiday season, make sure to stop by some Christmas markets - lesser-known than the ones in Germany or Vienna, which it all the more special.

Your time studying abroad is limited. You can always return to your favorites in the future or hit up places you didn't get a chance to see the first time around.

However, studying abroad is a unique experience and traveling differently after college won't be the same. Make the most of it while you're there!

Southwest Skies Before a Storm

While the weather in Phoenix, Arizona tends to be straightforward most of the year - blue skies, sun, and major heat - sometimes storms are thrown into the mix. The storm could be a monsoon, a 10-30 minute downpour that temporarily floods the streets in the summer, a haboob, a thick wall of dust that travels through town, or even just your average rainstorm.

The skies look the coolest during the calm before the storm, especially at sunset. Check out these photos taken right before a thunderstorm and you'll see why.

Sunsets are also fun to edit. This photo was taken at the same spot, on a different night.

Edited with Mextures app before uploaded to Instagram.