June 28, 2010

One year ago today I was flying home from my trip abroad.

Nay, not trip. Adventure. Journey. Epic story.

11 months of pure chaos. (I honestly have no other word to describe it.)

I miss those days, moments, friends, places...everything.

As I sit here, pondering where I have been and where I should go next, I can't help but get excited, anxious, overwhelmed, completely thrilled. I am on the edge of my seat even thinking about the new places I will go. And go I shall.

But oh how I miss Sweden! The IMCS (international media and communication studies) program, nations, fika, swedish holidays, gasques and culture. Traveling, learning, sharing, being. I miss it all so much it hurts. Someone once told me you can't be whole if you don't experience the pain with the happiness, but those bittersweet feelings are the worse. When you don't know if you should cry or laugh, scream or smile. If I had it all over to do again, I would. The good, bad and ugly.

So what do I do now? Where do I go now? What is my next step?

Those are the questions I am tossing around in my head on this one year anniversary of my return. Cross your fingers that an answer comes quickly.

The End

School is over, so technically, this blog is too. I finished the alphabet (well, skipped the obvious letters like Q) and, cross your fingers, got an A. But I am severely attached to this topic and feel like I have much more to share, explore and write. This blog let me relive my European adventures and see what I would have done differently or do again. It made me realize how much more of the world I need to see and experience. Now I am left trying to figure out what my next adventure should be. As a recent college graduate (yah!) I am stuck in a weird kind of limbo, deciding what I should do next, in this new chapter. Perhaps an Au Pair, or apply to an international program. Or stay put for awhile (nah).

Anyways, we had to write a final paper for my coms class and it is posted below. Mine focuses on how, in order to grow up, we must travel; lose ourselves, make mistakes and record memories. I made a connection to Neverland and the journey we complete as children, crossing the threshold into adulthood, yet only after the make-believe games are played. Without further ado...

To Neverland, and Back

How Traveling is Essential to Growing Up

By Jordan Buskirk

Think of a wonderful thought…

As children we dream about being doused in fairy dust and following that second star to the right straight on ‘til morning. We play pirates, Indians and mermaids, hoping to never grow up. Yet at some point, we do. Maybe it happens accidentally, without us knowing we’ve crossed the threshold as the wind closes the door on our childhood, only able to see it through the peephole, a distant past filled with colors and fantasy. We know we can only revisit Neverland in our dreams and recollections, trying to reclaim the pre-adult carefree, worry-free, stress-free life that flew by too fast. Our feelings are bittersweet, growing stronger as more birthday candles are lit and blown out, as nostalgic waves quicken their pace of crashing on the sandy shoreline of our lives. But at some point along the way, among the new memories, we realize it was because of Neverland we grew up. And it is in the Neverland of travel that we rediscover the freedom and joys we once knew.

One year ago I was lost amid the Neverland of Europe, seeking adventures, finding treasure and conquering lands. I studied (well, pretended to study) in Sweden for 11 months, living an unreality that ended far too soon. Field trips to London, international gatherings, cheap flights and national holidays consumed my months, forcing me to lose all sense of the real world and my place in it. As I sat, sad and confused back in the States, I realized how necessary that time was, the importance of my wanderings. Even though I made mistakes, poor choices, great friends, unforgettable memories and a few wise decisions, I also grew up. Little by little my experiences were preparing me for the full entrance into adulthood, when my ATM cards got blocked four times, when my baggage got delayed, when alcohol became a meal supplement, when my computer crashed, when I almost got deported, when I nearly missed my flight home. Then there was my class excursion to a Berlin club, the Swedish gasques and spring holiday of Valborg, sangria in Barcelona, roasted nuts in Poland, below freezing temperatures in Kiruna, Turkish baths in Budapest. All these stories are shared with life-long friends from France, England, Australia, Canada, Singapore and China, bound by a simple decision to study abroad.

To quote a Lady Antebellum song, “It took leaving for me to understand/sometimes your dreams just aren’t what life has planned.” However, it was only my glance back through the looking glass that made the realization possible. It was because of my travels, where I felt I was so far from adulthood and responsibility that I realized how ready I truly was for the next phase of life. It made me think, if everyone went through what I did would they be happier? Would they understand themselves better? Would they believe they could accomplish anything? Yes. Traveling, entering new lands, experiencing different cultures, meeting diverse people, only then can one truly grow up. In order to leave Neverland, one has to go there first. Europe, for me, was my actual Neverland. I didn’t have to close my eyes to see the wonders of rainbows over waterfalls or glistening gold stars in a night sky. I physically placed myself in a world beyond my imagination, with twists at every turn. Yes, I fell, off my bike, down the stairs, financially, and yes, it hurt. But the beauty of the journey and the way it was changing me kept me bouncing back for more. Of course, most of this is easier to see with hindsight guiding me. Yet what good is knowledge if it doesn’t come from experience and isn’t shared?

Growing up is inevitable. Most of the time, we spend it in games of tug-a-war, wishing for the future then quickly wanting it to slow its approach. We speak of grand schemes and plans then wishfully hope this time, the sands will stop. Half the time, we grow up while the games are being played, while we are too blind to see that we passed the test. It is like an unpleasant smack from a walk into a glass door, it hits us suddenly, painfully, and surprisingly, ‘I grew up.’ Don’t get my wrong, we are never fully done growing up, but the leap I am talking about is the one from child to adult, from the world revolves around me to how can I make a difference in the world. And that leap, that change, that epiphany, can only be completely made by traveling, exploring, discovering. We can only hope to find who we are and what we want by displacing ourselves from the familiar, and out of our comfort zones. If you open your mind, you open your heart and soul, and make yourself privy to great things. When you get the opportunity to search your being, you give yourself the chance to change, initiating the first step towards adulthood, firmly grasping the handle that closes the door on childhood and Neverland, closing it and walking away.

All it takes is faith and trust…

Where to start? Go online and browse the web for programs, agencies, travel sites, discounted flights. American author and journalist Adam Hochschild notes, “I’m all for vacation traveling, but the most interesting travel has nothing to do with cruise lines and restaurants. It involves entry into worlds other than your own.” So take an airplane to the islands of the Pacific, get lost amid a pack of alpacas in Peru, free your mind in a monastery in Thailand, help a child in Ghana, climb the steep steps of Machu Pichu, buy shoes in Milan, get pushed onto transportation in Tokyo, drink yourself silly in a beer garden in Bavaria, swim with the fishes in the Great Barrier Reef on the Australian coast, or sweat through the jungles of Belize. The Earth holds 7 billion people, start a conversation with one and see where it takes you, it might just clear the path you’ve been looking for. Stranger things have happened. To steal from the wisdom of J.R.R Tolkien, “There is only one Road; it is like a great river: its springs are at every doorstep, and every path is its tributary. When you step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.” Yet being swept off is no bad happenstance. Sometimes the most unlikely places turn out to be where we were aiming for all the while. Let the currents be your guide, and when you reach your destination, don’t stop. Because the destination isn’t what you are learning from, it is the journey.

Journey. A traveling from one place to another; a distance, course or area traveled; a period of travel; passage or progress from one stage to another. No matter what you define it as, journeys are life changing, soul searching, perspective adjusting, self actualizations that must take place in order to not only build the bridge between childhood and adulthood, but also to cross it – whether stumbling, crawling, fighting, running, blind or unconscious. As long as we make it over – relatively all in one piece – understanding the journey and experiences we have just made, encountered, mentally noted, than success has been gained; growing up has occurred. A crucial step one should abide by to ensure total comprehension and to reach epiphanic levels of insight of the journey is simple: write it down. Hochschild clearly understood this. “While you’re having the experiences, those that matter most, the ones we must digest, absorb, and figure out what they mean, treat it respectfully. Write everything down.” It is near impossible to have an experience and get the full experience of having the experience while trying to understand its significant implications on your life. Therefore, do it in stages. First stage, have the experience, completely, fully, unreservedly. Second stage, write it down, everything about it, all five senses, no information is too mundane or ridiculous, every random observation and thought deserves a space in the travel-worn notebook. Nothing is worse than returning home and forgetting a particular name, street, place, building, or fact that meant something to you, that struck you and filled you with wonder among a crowded street of tourists. Memory is a fickle thing but oh so important in the process and transformation we undergo – so help it along, caption photos, write Greek wisdoms on napkins or Irish drinking songs on phone memos. Third stage, review it, read it, comprehend the meanings it has on your life now as an exhausted returnee from a great journey. If these three stages are accomplished in order and done in wholehearted totality, Neverland will seem like a mere fancy, a fleeting glimpse, a life that once was. But don’t worry. This is a good type of feeling, one of pure triumph and attainment, where you recognize that wanting to never grow up was a silly idea in the first place, because being an adult means being a child at heart but with more exciting places to play and explore.

So get yelled at by angry Hungarian men or old Japanese women, lose your luggage, get questioned by custom officials, spend hours looking for your hostel in the middle of the night, sprint to catch your train and barely miss it. The situations, good and bad, that you experience become vital to the retrospect you later understand; the moment you say “Yes, that is when I grew up.” For some it happens at the end of high school with a senior trip to Mexico, for others it happens studying abroad in college for a year, while still others find themselves later with a backpacking excursion during that earlier-than-intended midlife crisis. The point is, no matter when it happens, you can’t grow up, can’t fly out of Neverland, without it.

I have only one rule. Don’t let your trip, your travels, your exploration be hindered by your growing up. Wait until the return journey, until a couple of days or weeks after the memories of the airport have faded. Let the experiences sink in, and your equilibrium settle back to balance. Let the moment surprise you, hit you, make you reel back. Wait for it but don’t stop living. Because another essential part to growing up is accepting back your old life, the one before the life-altering experiences, and understanding your place in it as a changed person, as a grown up.

I understand my credentials as a young adult, a mere 22 year old on the eve of graduating into the next phase of adulthood may seem without merit, as with everything, take my advice with a grain of salt, but know that every individual’s childhood lasts a different length, every person’s epiphany enlightens them at a various stage, every being makes that flight out of Neverland at a separate age. I had traveled before, many times actually, but as Hochschild points out, vacation is highly distinct from traveling. Laying on beaches, exploring cruise decks and enjoying parades at the Happiest Place on the Earth differs greatly from getting lost in Stockholm, getting frustrated in Berlin and getting awed in Rome. At 20, I left all I knew behind and flew head first into the unknown, far from afraid as excitement took hold of every bone, blood cell and ligament in my body, leaving me pumped for what I was sure was the trip of a lifetime. Numerous experiences happened to me, minor ones, monumental one, medium sized ones, more than I can count. Yet their impact and effect would never have successfully gotten through, changed me or guided me across the bridge into adulthood if I had not a) taken the trip, b) waited for the realizations to form until my return and c) kept track of my 11 month journey, the places I visited, the things I did and saw, the people I met. I still receive shocks to my system, to my new work-in-progress adult being, when I read over those passages written nearly a year to the date of my return home. How different I am from the person who wrote those words in Edinburgh, Vienna, and Barcelona, yet how similar, like a faint shadow that still lingers. Don’t be afraid of that change, of that shadow, of the unknown. Neverland may seem like a safe haven but life wasn’t meant to be lived on an island of fantasy. Life was meant to be experienced, explored, traveled, recorded, messed up and full. To grow up is only a baby step in the expanse of our lifetime, start it with a flying ship out of Neverland and into the grand world taking place around us.

And just a little bit of pixie dust…

Z

• Zzzzzzz's

When traveling, catching some good shut eye is imperative to maintaining energy and positivity. Yet some nights go by where that is entirely impossible. However you can't just sleep the morning away while some foreign city goes unexplored. I have been in this position many times, either from inconsiderate hostel-mates, exhaustive tours, or long hours at a bar. So here's the deal. Take a nap at a park, on a beach or while in transport from one city to another, catch a few winks then grab a coffee before taking on more of the day. Another suggestion, for those times when a few minutes of sleep is not going to cut it, head back to your hotel or hostel and get some serious nap time (no more than 2 hours). If traveling in the summer, take it during the hottest part of the day, if traveling in the winter, when you can't stand the cold no more. I found planes and trains the best places to get some sleep, it is like your doing two things at once, catching up on sleep and making it to your next destination. And always remember, you can sleep when you are dead. Safe Travels!

W

• Winter

Many people usually spend their winter vacation in the Caribbean or Southern Hemisphere, laying on beaches and soaking up the sun. But here is another idea, go to Europe during the winter months. Yes it may be cold but think about this, way less tourists, lower prices and better exchange rates. Many cities and countries are just as beautiful in the snow and frost as in the sun, and some cater to winter activities. Plus, holiday markets are the absolute best. If you want to get more out of your travels, and at a discounted rate, book a trip between November and February, you honestly won't regret it. Just remember to pack accordingly. A good pair of boots, wooly mittens and a warm winter jacket will save you in even the harshest conditions. And here is a last tip, always order the hot chocolate with a little rum :)

V

• Vienna

Wien, a city of glistening lights and royalty, beauty and pastries. After I spent a day in this Austrian capital I was all set to find an apartment and move right in. Not only are the people lovely, the food to die for, the buildings breath-taking and the weather fair, but the culture and history is rich, the language musical and the festivals a must see. So instead of when in Rome, here are a few can't miss when in Vienna...

• Belevedere Palace
• Hofburg Complex, including the Spanish Riding School, national library and chapel
• St. Stephen's Cathedral
• Vienna Opera House
• Naschmarkt
• Schönbrunn Palace
• Burgtheater

And since you will be doing a lot of walking, sight seeing and learning, many cafe breaks will be necessary in which you should try these tasty traditional treats...

• Wiener Schnitzel
• Tafelspitz
• Apfelstrudel
• Vanillekipferl
• Sachertorte (from the Famous Sacher Hotel)

I have a strong love for Austria and can't emphasize enough the greatness of this country. Whether you go in winter, spring, summer or fall Vienna has so much to offer and many memories to create, like getting caught in the pouring rain while exploring the Schönbrunn gardens or eating Sachertorte in the opulent dining hall of the Sacher Hotel. How about this, go experience it for yourself.

U

• United Kingdom

From a young age I have always wanted to live in England (probably because I had dreams of being a princess) but the love I have for British history, countryside and monarchs has only grown. Now let me straighten some things out. England is part of Great Britain, as well as Wales and Scotland, and with Northern Ireland they make up the United Kingdom. With that, it is pretty obvious that there is much to see, do, explore and learn in a country full of gardens, pubs, estates, historical tours, rolling hills, misty moors, grassy mountains and rocky coastline.

So to help with this post I went online to www.visitengland.com to make sure my information was correct. Needless to say, I spent two hours virtual touring around the UK.

Here are the Top Ten Destinations:

London

Exeter

Birmingham

Cambridge

Liverpool

Bath

Brighton

York

Oxford

Chester

Now, England is divided into 9 regions, each with unique and beautiful cities, castles, cathedrals, gardens, shops and stories. Here are but a few of the things to see when traveling through each region.

North East: World Heritage Site Hadrian's Wall, Durham Castle, Alnwick Gardens

North West: Blackpool Beach, Liverpool, Cumbria, Lancaster Castle

Yorkshire: York Minster, Whitby Abbey

Heart of England: Cotswolds, Coventry, Stratford-Upon-Avon

East Midlands: Chatsworth in Derbyshire, Sherwood Forest, Blue John Cavern

East of England: King's College in Cambridge, Hatfield, Audley House & Gardens

London: Parliament, Westminster, Buckingham and Kensington Palaces, St. Paul's Cathedral, West End, Tower of London, Convent Gardens, tea time at Harrods, Hampton Court, The Globe, shopping on Bond Street and the markets in Camden, Notting Hill and Brick Lane

South East: Dover Castle, Kent, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock in Oxfordshire, Surrey, Isle of Wight

South West: Forest of Dean, Dorset, Cornwall, Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Devon, Stonehenge, Gloucester Cathedral

I spent 10 days in London and a couple days in York visiting a friend. I wish I could have stayed longer, and seen more. The tube is so convenient and so are the trains, though they can get a bit pricey. Avoid at any cost London Heathrow (if you can). If you can drive on the other side of the road think about seeing the countryside that way, a road trip around Bath or the Cotswolds doesn't seem like a bad idea. No matter what your idea of a vacation or traveling looks like, England is sure to have it, and exceed your expectations. Just remember, English weather tends to be colder, wetter and unpredictable, come prepared. Safe Travels!

T

• Tourists

I know that I pretty much talk about tourists in every post but since this week is T then I just had to discuss them one last time. And I swear it is the last time. By this point you know that as a traveler you want to avoid looking, acting and thinking like a tourist. Meaning, try and figure out your route before heading out of your hostel/hotel, look at your maps and travel books inside restaurants, know where all your belongings are at all times, don't ever flaunt your money, carry a couple of local phrases. I always received the most help and aid when I was polite and patient. Plus, a country is a lot more fun and easier to fully experience when previewed from the perspective of a local. So just remember, patriotism is reserved for football games, Fourth of July, and voting days. Tap into your international citizen and go explore!

• Transportation

In any country, on any continent, transportation is highly important (obviously) but it is also necessary in order to make sure your travels run smoothly (no pun intended) and without headaches. Though finding the cheapest way is always a great feeling and keeps the wallet weighing a bit heavier, it isn't always the safest. So (more repetitive advice) do your research. Buses, trains, planes, boats, taxis, metro. There are many options so find the best one. If there is a lot of countryside to cover, take a bus or train in order to take in as much beautiful nature as possible. If you are having a night out on the town with some friends, split a taxi instead of getting lost on the metro. Bus drivers tend to be super helpful with directions or questions, but please, use your common sense. I know a couple of friends who took a boat from London to Amsterdam, I took a bus from Stockholm to Copenhagen, a train across Switzerland and Austria, and a subway along the coast of Barcelona. Here's another little tip: if you get the chance, try something new when it comes to transportation. Drive a snow mobile, horseback ride, sky dive, have fun!

S

• Spain

I only made it to Barcelona, but my oh my, did I experience this Catalonia city for all it was worth. Paella, pitchers (and pitchers) of Sangria, beaches, fresh fruit markets, Gaudi, La Rambla, mountains. I would definitely say this vibrant, sleepless city is for the younger crowd. Anywhere with a 2 Euro shot bar and fresh strawberry mojitos are going to appeal to twenty-somethings. But drinking and sun-bathing is only half the story. Make sure to have a great pair of walking shoes as Barcelona lies in a valley of mountains and gorgeous, but steep, hiking. Here's a quick list of must does...

• La Sagrada Familia (has been under construction since 1882; probably Antonio Gaudi's most famous structure)
• Park Guell (will recognize this Gaudi masterpiece in an instant and will spend all day basking in its beauty)
• Olympic Stadium (not only is it really cool to walk around the facility but it lies on top of a mountain, so the journey to the top is simply amazing as well)
• Sitges beach (is not in Barcelona but it only takes 20 minutes by metro and is bigger and more pristine than the Barcelona beach)
• Gothic Quarter (the old part of town and if you go on the free tour will learn all about the history)

Barcelona, like many European cities, has tons of small alleys filled with wonders. Go explore!

Sidenote: I heard the south is the place to go with cities like Seville, Granada and Malaga awaiting tourists to see their magical beauty and unique qualities.

• Sweden

I have been waiting for this one! It was my home for 11 months and I am so attached to this country. Sweden, Swedish people, its food, its long winters, its nightless summers, its holidays and language. I could go on and on. But I shall not bore you with

useless facts and personal stories. When you go to Sweden, Stockholm is a can't miss. Since you will be flying into the capitol anyways, might as well and stay a few days. There is so much I want to say! Ok, deep breath. The Vasa Museum, Skansen, Gamla Stan (old town), Royal Palace, cathedral, Drottningholm, boat tour (in summer), Drottninggn street, the Ice Bar. Eat as many meatballs with lingonberry jam as possible. On Thursdays, always order peasoup and pancakes. The Swedes are so friendly and intelligent and once you get a few drinks in them, quite rambunctious. After you have exhausted your time in the city, explore another part of the country. You can go south, north, east or explore more of the coast on the west. Depending on what you want to do, each part

offers something exciting, though all are very nature-like. Up north, past the Arctic Circle and in Dalarna (central Sweden) spend your time hiking, picnicking and canoeing. Go south for warmer weather and beaches. No matter what city you visit you are sure to get a different experience as Sweden is broken up into 13 Nations that all proudly want to share their various histories and local cultures. I lived in Uppsala, which is mostly a student town, but Uppsala University is well-known and quite an amazing city to explore. Not many people travel that far North but I can tell you this, you will never regret your time in Scandinavia nor the experiences you have. Javisst!

• Switzerland

We all know about Switzerland's neutrality, their beautiful Alps, their delicious chocolate, their finely made watches and army knives, and those lovable St. Bernard's. It is quite a wonder to behold. I stayed in Geneva, right on the lake, in the French part of the country. Simply stunning but oh so cold. Let me just say, please come prepared. I stupidly was not thinking about the weather when I packed. Most of the cities in Switzerland are high altitude and thus, cold (if you travel in winter). Although summer nights can get pretty chilly as well. Anyways, the place to visit, so I am told, is Interlaken, a heaven on earth for outdoorsy people. Beauty does not even begin to describe Interlaken. You pretty much have to see it for yourself. And while you are at it, eat some pain au chocolat.

• Summer

Summer, for most people, is the time to travel. Though I believe in year-round travels, and that every month has something great to offer when seeing the world. Plus, I am not a big fan of

long lines of tourists or what we call "ugly tourists" (those who are loud, ungrateful and small-minded) crowding beautiful and historical streets. Also, prices sky-rocket and the weather tends to spike. The best times to travel are after late September all the way until beginning of June. That is a huge range of time and you get to miss the chaos of summer travelers. If you can only get time off in June/July/August, I suggest going to lesser known places (like Sweden or Eastern Europe). It is more important to miss the Eiffel Tower or Coliseum rather than stay at home. Safe travels!!

R

• R&R

Traveling is not a vacation. Vacations include lots of mindless activities and ice cold beverages. When you spend 3 days sitting on a beach, reading a good book, watching the sunset, then you know you are vacationing. When you plan full days of museum visiting, monument hunting, city walking and gift shopping, then you know you are traveling. After most of my travels I would need a vacation. It is exhausting running around Paris for 6 days making sure to catch every important site and photo op. So what did I do? Spent 3 days bathing in Budapest recovering my wits and strength. R&R is crucial to a person's life, I'm pretty sure it can extend it by a couple of years. So when you are planning a trip to Europe or Asia remember to plan a little R&R weekend for when you return. Hit the beach, hit the spa, hit your couch, just make sure you hit something that reclines.

• Roma

I already did I:Italy but I felt like Rome, capitol of the world, deserved its own post. Here's a tip: Rome wasn't built in a day, so your trip won't be either. There is far too much to see and do and experience in Rome, but it all must be done. Period. So pace yourself. And eat lots of gelatto. Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Palazzo Navona, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Trastevere, Villa Borghese, The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Bocca della Verita. Don't let the names of the places misguide you. Each place can take up to half a day to explore and get the full experience from (plus get you more bang for your buck.) Rome is crazy. The street vendors with the knock-off bags and sunglasses get in your face, old Italian men whistle, tourists are everywhere. Take a moment from the chaos to sit on a park

bench and breathe and remember where you are and all that has happened in that one city. Let me tell you, you will need it. I don't care how you get there just DO! Let the antiquity and beauty of Rome and Italy fill you up and overwhelm you.

• Research

I know it feels like it is all I talk about, but research really is key to understanding where we will be headed, what the culture is like, who the people are. Of course, research can only take you so far however it is a good, and necessary, starting point. Plus, if you know a bit of the history, some language phrases, the city layout, it helps you look less tourist-y and less of a target, which is always nice. Travel books are always a smart read though sometimes a bit to hefty to take around especially if you are traveling to many different countries. A great thing is that most travel books host online sites where you can just print whatever information you want (sometimes you have to purchase pages but they are really cheap), making it easier to cart around the world. (And if you are a travel nerd like me, helpful when writing down notes about history, art or culture about the host country.) Another option is the country's tourism website, which usually has even more detail about the cities, provinces, towns, history, laws, weather, practically anything you are looking for/want to know (or don't want to know.) For the more internet savvy, blogs are a fantastic way to see what is going on. Travel blogs (like mine hopefully) help other travelers know the "ins" of traveling and other countries.

P

• Poland

I can never stress enough the amazing-ness of Eastern Europe and all the wonders (cheap ones) you will find there. Poland is not an exception. I stayed in Wroclaw, because that is where WhizzAir (a really cheap airline) flew to but I am so glad I did. Wroclaw is a very small town with surprisingly a lot to see. It took 2 days to do everything we needed which included a gnome hunt. All around the town there are bronzed gnome statues representing different activities (i.e. eating, theater, etc.) and each gnome has a story behind it. It is really quite fun. And the architecture of the town square is nothing like I have seen before. It all looks like fake facades. Definitely climb the church spire and eat as many pirogi as possible. And don't forget to see Krakow, possibly more important than Wroclaw but not in my book. Anyways, we took the train to the city thinking it wasn't far but actually it was 6 hours, one way. Though we did see mostly everything. The best thing, the fire-breathing dragon next to the fortress. In the summer, since the river is so potent and vile, sometimes it gets set on fire accidentally by the fire-breathing dragon. I swear I am not making this up. Please go to Poland. It is freaking awesome. The people are so nice and friendly and the vodka is superb. Which brings me to Zubrowka. It is a national staple and delicious. It is buffalo grass vodka and has a cinnamon-y taste. I actually brought home a liter of it. It was very necessary.

• Packing

The most part of any trip is packing, unpacking and repacking. No one wants to do it. It takes too much effort and the more you travel it really doesn't get much easier. I traveled nonstop for a year with my longest stay in any one place being 3 weeks. Here is what I have compiled about packing...

- bring one pair of versatile jeans (basically any pair that can be dressed down, dressed up and dirtied)

- a good pair of walking shoes

- one heavy-duty jacket that is slightly dressy/classy (the warmer it is the lighter the jacket, obviously)

- abide by all liquid rules. buy everything travel size, it is so easy to buy more but not so easy to watch your full bottle of favorite lotion get thrown away.

- airports won't weigh your handbag/personal item so if you need to lose a few pounds on the check-in item just throw it in the carry on, it doesn't matter if it doesn't zip

- have all passports and papers out and ready!

- roll, don't fold

- always bring a few articles of clothes that make lots of outfits; saves space

Hopefully that's enough to get you started on packing lighter. Quite frankly I'm bored of it now.

• Pictures

The first thing anyone saves out of a burning house are pictures. Thus, on your travels take as many pictures as you can. Nothing sucks more than getting back after traversing the world, looking at your pictures and realizing you missed this restaurant or that church. It may not make sense to take the picture and preserve the memory in the moment but a month or two later and the regret may hit. To not make that happen, click away. This is the one time it is okay to look/act like a tourist. Well, kind of. Don't be loud or obnoxious and no peace signs. Plus, pictures are a really great way to share your trip and make great gifts. Get click happy!

• Pick-Pocketers

So a lot of people were always warning me about pick-pocketers before I departed. And I just want to clear some hair. As long as your smart and paying attention to where your personals are, and aren't flaunting your tourist-ness, then you will have no cause to worry. I didn't have any friends pick-pocketed (well sober) nor did I see any suspicious activity around me. If I wasn't comfortable then I remained calm and my eyes peeled. I think men have a higher chance of being a target just because their wallets are usually in their back pockets (hence the word) whereas women can keep their purses tucked under arms. So be cautious, be alert and safe travels!

O

• Open-Minded

Some people travel to have their minds open while others travel because they have open minds. Whatever category you may fall into always remember it. One cannot experience the true purpose and effect of traveling without retaining an open mind. If you open mind, you open your heart and soul and are given the chance to search yourself, and change. Especially as an American abroad is this trait crucial. Only through an open-mind can we begin to understand each other more clearly.

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• New Tours

So get this. Certain cities around Europe provide FREE walking tours. They last about 5 hours and cover the main/most important monuments, buildings and stories. It's like a brief history lesson on the city, country and culture you are visiting. Nothing is more necessary than these tours. If you have 2 days in a city these tours provide the best way to see most of everything. Plus, it gives you a good idea on what to explore more of. The tour guides are volunteers, usually younger, who have an absolute love for the city they currently reside. And let me tell you, you will not get a better reference guide than the person leading your tour. Ask them where a good place to eat lunch is at and I can promise you you will be back to that place everyday. (example, Cafe Aroma in Berlin). If any of the below cities are on your itinerary, go on a New Tour. You will regret it if you don't. My friend and I completely forgot to go on the New Tour in Edinburgh in Scotland and were quite disappointed that afternoon when we remembered.

www.neweuropetours.eu

Amsterdam

Berlin

Brussels

Dublin

Edinburgh

Hamburg

London

Jerusalem

Madrid

Munich

Paris

Prague

Tel Aviv

Please remember that the tour guides work on tips alone and could use your support.

• Norway

I already did a post on fjords (under F), which is pretty much the must see in Norway. However, there are a few more things I would like to mention. First, spend one day in Oslo to see the naked statue park. It is super popular and pretty amazing. The real name is Vigeland Sculpture Park. Second, take the 7 hour scenic train ride to Bergen and do some summer hiking and camping. This will also give you the perfect opportunity to see the famous fjords!

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• Markets

No matter what country or continent you may be visiting, markets are the best place to be; for several reasons in fact. Markets provide a good representation of the local vibe and culture, they tend to showcase the local cuisine, and you can find everything for much, much lower prices. Plus, markets tend to house little treasures. In Brussels and Rome, I bought really unique, hand crafted rings. In Krakow, I bought wooden jewelry boxes and knitted scarves. In Glasgow, I became addicted to warm, roasted nuts and in every Riga I drank plenty of spiced, mulled wine. Markets happen year round, usually on one day of the week though sometime every morning. However, my favorite markets were the Christmas ones, decorated with lights and cheer. I did most of my shopping, for myself and others, in markets. Most of the items were small enough to pack and bring home and inexpensive. Plus the great thing about markets is that you can usually bargain. Wherever you stay the night, whether hostel or hotel, most people know where the best and most lively local markets are and when. Have fun!

• Mexico

Oh Mexico, sounds so sweet with the sun sinking low... James Taylor definitely had the right idea. Nothing is better than a strong margarita and crashing waves on the shores of Baja. The great thing about Mexico is that it caters to tourists, as tourism is its main form of income, however, the true local community is only steps away from the all-inclusive hotels and cabanas. Now. Mexico isn't the safest place to vacation at the moment. But if you are flying into an international airport close to your destination city, there should be nothing to fear. All I have to say is read the news. If the raging drug wars are nearby, rethink your plan. Otherwise, book your next trip ASAP because Mexico has so much to offer and each city boasts its own unique aspect. Try Cabo San Lucas for a ritzier experience. Cancun is the best for all-inclusive deals and club activities. Make an unforgettable vacation aboard the catamarans in Cozumel and Puerto Vallerta. See for yourself the cities of Mazatlan, Acapoco and Oaxaca. Depending on what vacation means for you, each of these cities provide tons of activities, ranging from sun bathing to horseback riding, snorkeling to shopping and golfing to hiking. And you can always count on the weather to be hot, hot, hot! As a San Diegan, I thoroughly promote a good vacation in Mexico. Whether its the chips & salsa, the tequila, the music or pristine blue ocean, Mexico is waiting. P.S. don't forget the sunscreen!

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• Languages

In America, we are sorely unfortunate not to have a bigger emphasis on learning other languages. In other countries, learning 2 or 3 different languages by the age of ten is normal. And highly useful. I am a fanatic about other languages. Though I don't have the knack of remembering them I try and appreciate the music they make and the meanings they hold. Plus, it is so much easier to get by traveling when certain phrases are spoken in the native tongue. Buy a phrase book and constantly repeat random words in order to get used to the flow of the language. Grocery shopping is a great way to practice. Just remember, have fun! I always believed learning something new everyday makes a person live longer.

• Laws

Hopefully every traveler is smart enough to do their research before entering a different country. I think a lot of people forget that every country carries different laws, and never to assume anything. Just because you believe something should be a certain way, does not mean the culture of the country you are in believes the same. Also, when traveling by train, crossing borders results in changes in laws so make sure everything you are bringing or wearing is lawful in the country you are entering or passing through. In some countries, women must cover up, in some J-walking is absolutely illegal, in others cameras aren't approved. It seriously takes 10 minutes to find what you need to know. Don't be caught unaware.

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• Kindness

Yes this may be really cheesy but something I feel greatly about. People always talk about the stigma Americans face when traveling. To combat that is quite simple. Be kind. Be patient. Place yourself in their shoes and see through their eyes. If some waiter does not understand your order, maybe you are not speaking clear enough. Many habits and mannerisms are subconscious but can easily be re-evaluated. During my trek through Europe not once was I spit upon, ignored or targeted. In fact, I had the opposite experience with many people asking questions about my homeland. I would like to attribute that to the way I acted while in other countries and cultures, and the simple kindness I showed to others who may be different but are truly just the same.

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• Journals

Highly, highly important when traveling, even if that traveling is just in your own country. Journals can be on paper, by camera or on the computer. Whatever form they take, just make sure one is being kept. After taking a picture of some building, art piece or landmark, write down what it is, who made it, its purpose or history and where it lies and why. Of course, you don't have to do this for everything you come across, then you end up missing what is happening around you and the buzz of the city. Some type of medium is always perfect. I love reading what I wrote about different cities, especially my first impressions, they always seem to be so true and raw yet changed by the time I leave. Nothing makes me smile more than re-experiencing the adventures I had abroad.

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• Italy

So Italia. This country seems to be the first one to come to mind when someone thinks of Europe. And there are plenty of reasons why. Wine, food, history, art, beaches, shopping, festivals, culture. Italy, though not needing any more of an ego boost, really presents everything anyone is looking for. The North is full of mountains and lakes that flow into the central valleys that is Tuscany and the rolling hills become rocky cliffs that empty into the expansive and blue Mediterranean. A major part in really exploring Italy is taking trains and buses to smaller cities and towns, ones untouched by museum regulations and tourists. However, one cannot escape the chaos that reigns in the regional capitals. A traveler can easily take 2 months to explore this country alone. There is so much to see, do, take in. The history and art overwhelms the mind, senses and soul while the markets and shops robs the wallet, making it necessary to head out to the white sands and cliffs of the coastline.

I spent a week in Florence and a week in Rome. They were separate trips which made it so much easier to flood my mind with information then reassess what I saw and learned on the flight home. Sidenote: bring a journal to record everything. You will kick yourself later if you do not. Even forgetting the simplest thing will break your heart and wish for a time machine. Plus, at least personally, I love researching art and historical information after coming across it in person and learning even more about it. Writing down what I saw in what church on what street in what city helps me immensely in understanding the extent to its purpose and effect.

Anyways, these two cities are a must. I could go into infinite detail about both but it is simply not possible to cover everything. Rome, the ancient capital on our world, is full of antiquity that we in America just cannot fully understand, until you are standing in the center of the Pantheon or seating on an old, broken column in the Forum. The great thing about Rome is that, though the city is fairly large and contains weeks worth of activities, the metro is super easy and convenient and so much can be seen from one museum to the next. Plus, walking burns calories which allows for more gelato eating. Florence, in the heart is beautiful Tuscany,

is a small city but full of surprises. The Duomo dwarfs anything within miles and the swift Arno is a welcomed sight after getting lost in the tiny alleys. Sidenote: Any one going to or getting back from Italy should read The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone. This book is one my all-time favorites and it completely puts into perspective the magnificence of the art and architecture I saw.

• Interests

Just wanted to write a brief blurb on interests. Obviously, when traveling, take part in activities and museums that interest you. However, if you have time, step out of your box a little bit. Cross your boundary and try something local and cultural and have your mind opened. Also, I did a lot of traveling in groups and though it is fun to stay and experience things together, it gets really hard. Leave afternoons free for people to do and see what they want, marking some place for dinner to meet. Everyone will be much happier and life is much easier.

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• Hotels/Hostels

For me, a big part of traveling and the whole experience it encompasses has to do with hostels. Especially for a 20-something traveler, hostels are a great chance to meet new, like-minded people, plus hostel employees are in "the know" when it comes to things around town or discounts. I have seen the good, bad and awful of hostel living and I pretty much love all of it. Example, my friend and I were in Hungry and we were sharing a room with 3 very stinky Scotsmen who enjoyed drinking, smoking and swearing, and also coming back at 3 in the morning drunk and trying to climb in bed with me. Not funny at the time but entirely laughable now. However, more times than not I have an amazing hostel room with complete strangers that I ended up seeing that city with, or getting a better room for the price of a cheaper one. I have also had hostel managers call museums and get me reservations or discounts on restaurants and tours. Hostels are the greatest invention. However, there are hundreds, and sometimes all in one city, so researching can get frustrating. I enjoy it but my friends all think I have the magic touch too. All I can say is read the reviews and find a hostel that fits for you and your purpose in the city. If you are in Barcelona and not of the younger crowd, find somewhere away from Las Rambles. However, if you are of the younger crowd and want a place that is within stumbling distance of the bars, that is all readily available. I love hostels and highly recommend them.

Hotels on the other hand are also great. I didn't see much of hotels because of my budget and the style of my travels, but if you like your privacy and enjoy a nap or two, hotels might be right up your alley. But keep in mind, hostels do have single/private rooms. Anyways, if you do decide on hotels, try to stay away from the center of towns or streets with touristy action, as that can bump the price way up. In most European cities it is so simple to get around, so finding a hotel a block or two away from all the action might be a good idea. When in Eastern Europe, hotels are cheap, cheap, cheap so don't be afraid to book that 5-star hotel. It isn't a ploy or trick.

Whatever you choose, follow two simple rules: mingle and always ask questions.

Here are two websites that I religiously spent time on: www.hostel.com and www.hostelworld.com

• Home

So before I was going to be gone for a year, I wondered about homesickness. I had never been homesick and would actually drool at the fact of being far away, on my own. For college, I picked the farthest one from home but that still resides in my state. Don't get me wrong, I love my home, my house, my family and my hometown. But I need to see the world and experience things for myself. I guess I am what you would call a free-spirit.

To me, one could never get homesick if they knew they could go back home. My home would always be there, if I needed to ever get back, I could. Don't let the thought of being homesick frighten you into not traveling. If you don't go now, will you ever? Before I left I remember everyone mentioning just how long a year was, remarking on how I was going to make it and how it was just a long time to be gone. But honestly, those months went by so fast. Maybe it is just my personality or my aspirations, but I would give anything to do it again. Sorry. Now I am just rambling. Back to the point. Carry a little piece of home when you travel, that way it is always with you. Or jump on Skype and make a quick call home. Whatever it takes to leave behind all familiarity and jump into the unknown, do it. I promise you it is worth it.

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• Germany

Deutschland!!! So I love Germany and basically anything German. I have a lot of German blood in me and am very proud of that heritage. I love the language, the food, the history, the films, the people, the cars, the cities! I can go on but you are here to read about traveling in Germany.

Unfortunately, I only got to visit Berlin. However, if you have one place to choose, I would start there. Berlin is pretty indescribable. It is neither here nor there in a sense, because historically, it has been through so much, and it is still all clearly visible in the architecture and culture. The city is filled with monuments to its many tragedies (Holocaust, the Wall, Soviet Occupation), in order for locals and tourists alike to never forget. To me that signifies a great city; that no matter how ugly, destructive and depressing the past was, we should never forget it, in fact we should be continually thinking about it, so that it never happens again. Berlin is an international mecca as well. People from all over have called Berlin home in the last few decades. The city is influenced by Thai, Asain, Italian, French, Spanish and German culture. It truly is a fascinating city. One moment I would find myself walking down Unter den Lindens with the Brandenburg Tor and the beautiful Tiergarten in the background, and then next I would be standing in front of the Topography of Terrors, surrounded by horrors I could never imagine, and then yet again my location in the city would change and I might be visiting the "squatters" and enclosed by the infamous graffiti. Berlin is so hard to describe because it encompasses so much yet it all reflects a similar theme, one of moving forward by recognizing the past. You feel it as soon as you step off the U-Bahn and onto Friedrichstraße.

Okay enough of my passionate ramblings for Berlin. Here is a list (though very incomplete) of what you must do...

• The Museums around the Deutscher Dom (Museum Island) are free on Tuesday nights and hold some pretty cool things. I believe their exhibits change but whatever they are, they are free so why not. Plus, you can climb the Dom but I didn't do that because there are better views...
• Reichstag. This is Berlin's Parliament building and it is most spectacular. It combines old and modern as the original foundation recently found itself a new dome. This dome is unique (and what you should be climbing for a cool view), as it is a moving walk up a funnel and the top of the funnel looks down on the Parliament's debate room. This was purposefully created so that the representatives never forget who they are working for, the people.
• All the monuments around town: the existing parts of the wall (East Side Gallery and by the Topography of Terrors), Checkpoint Charlies, Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and so many others --> thus, take a walking tour, you will see everything you need to plus get an excellent overview of the history and culture. This is what I did on the first day and how I fell in love with Berlin.
• Walk around Mitte Berlin (old center of town in former East Berlin)
• Eat German food. Whether is it a bratwurst off a corner stand or a full on meal at a traditional restaurant, please eat. (I would suggest both) And of course you can't eat German food without German brew. The Berlin Kindle is a local beer which is excellent but the most popular would be the Hefewißen.
• The U-Bahn make getting around town and even outside town really easy. If you have the time take a trip out of town for the day. See Potsdam or make a trip to Sauchenhausen Concentration camp (something you should do at least once in your lifetime)

Germans are the nicest people too. Though they may seem cold at first, it is just their way of life. They are so willing to help and give suggestions. And please be warned, neo-nazism is still well and alive in Berlin, don't let that ruin your

view of the whole. Be patient and I know this city will astound you.

I know I missed a gazillion things in my list so please, Please, PLEASE just trust me about Berlin. And if Germany is your kind of place, head down to Munich for the famous beer gardens and see the unbelievable beauty of the Black Forest. You won't be sorry. Viel Spaß!!

• Gifts

Right before you leave for any trip, even if it is down the road, people back home always want something. Well this gets a little tricky if you are backpacking around Europe or gone longer then a couple of weeks. Here is my tip, find smaller items that still emit a cry of "oh my gosh this is perfect!" If the gift reflects the individual, it won't matter if it is expensive, big or breakable. However, I brought home plenty of glass objects and they survived. When you are packing them, make sure they are wrapped with bubble wrap and stuffed around clothes and perhaps even in your shoes. Basically anywhere they can remain stable as they go through security is perfect. I bought a mirror in Scotland and just made sure that stayed in my carry-on and on my person the entire time. So with more valuable objects just carry it onto the plane and never let it leave your site. A lot of shops now can mail your gift home for you if it is delicate enough, like glass plates, chandeliers, or clocks; however, if you are on a budget this tends to be pricey. If you really can't be traveling with tons of souvenirs and memorabilia, try to take pictures of things or places that people back home really like (my sister is a big fan of the movie the Gladiator so I framed a picture of the Coliseum) and frame is nicely. One can be rather creative when it comes to gift buying. Just remember, airport gifts count just as much as the real thing.

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• France

I feel bad for subjugating such a great country to one little post. I would have loved to split it up by its different yet enchanting cities however, I only visited Paris and though I absolutely fell in love with the City of Light and have much to say on the matter, France has so much to offer. I mean, hello, Champagne? Impressionism? Foie Gras? Paris harbors one of the most iconic and famous structures in the world. And what woman doesn't drool at the thought of French fashion. It is because of France that, once a year, cycling becomes a topic of public discussion. And only in France is cabaret the most popular form of entertainment. Whether you travel to the south for some quiet R & R in a romantic mountain chateau or find yourself mesmerized by the city, France will leave you wanting more.

If you do plan to stay in Parié, make sure you give yourself ample time to see and do everything, because let me be the first to tell you, there is SO much to do. I stayed for 5 days and returned home exhausted and physically injured (DO NOT wear heels in Montmartre, no matter how fashionable Paris makes you feel). Paris just simply has to much history, art and beauty to see and experience. Here's a list of the usual must-sees:

• Snap pictures of the statues, or pose like one yourself, in the Jardin des Tuileries.
• Stop along Pont Alexander III for great picture opps then take a tour of the Esplanade des Invalides.
• Have a picnic in the Parc du Champs de Mars under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower before exploring its 3 levels of perfect views. (And make sure to come back at night to see it lit up and glittering, and reflected in the calm waters of the Seine)
• Get lost in the Lourve for a couple hours and see the grand art at Musee d'Orsay.
• Cross the Pont Neuf and enter the majestic Notre Dame.
• Stroll down Champs-Elysées (and feel really poor) before you climb the Arc de Troimphe and get a 360º view of the city.
• Head up the hill to Basilique de Sacré Coeur in Montmartre and walk the same streets as Van Gogh and Monet.
• Try to find the Phantom of the Opera at Palais Garnier and when you get frustrated in your attempt, make your way to Galeries Lafayette and spend some Euros on French Lingerie.
• Take a well deserved break eating delicious crépes at Chez Nico in the Latin Quarter.

There is a whole lot more to see, do, eat and experience in Paris alone. I barely covered the

main points in the city center. And yet France is a fairly large country. Go explore its grapevine saturated hills and enjoy its cuisine under a clear winter's day. (Which reminds me, if you want less tourists visit Paris in the winter, still beautiful but with less congestion). And French people are so nice and the language is so beautiful. What I would give to be back there now.

• Food

So this post will be vaguely familiar as I have already discussed Dining but I want to annoyingly emphasize how important food is in a travelers experience. Whether a newbie or old-timer, as a traveler, you want to engage all your senses. This way the moment you are in will never be forgotten, even if the city name is. Especially if this is your 5th country in 2 weeks and exhaustion has begun to deteriorate your brain; food can act as an instant trigger for your memory after you have returned home. How can one forget an amazing and orgasmic plate of Polish pierogi or traditional Roman lasagna. Food is not only necessary to stay alive and it gives us nourishment for our bodies, but it makes deep impressions in our minds as it sits on our palette. And there is nothing better than eating a dish in its country of origin. It is prepared and made the same way for hundreds of years, yet still cherished and loved by locals and

foreigners. Freaking delicious.

• Fjords

Geologically, this is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides formed by retreating glaciates. These geologic beauties can be found along the coastline of Norway. A very popular place to see them is in Bergen, preferably in the summer. When I went to Norway, I was just visiting Oslo, and it was winter and I was sick. So let's just say that my expectation of Norway was not fulfilled. However, I had friends who went camping in Bergen in the spring (though it is smarter to wait until summer as spring in the North is basically still winter) and were surrounded by untouched and natural beauty, including great views of the fjords. At www.fjords.com, all the information possible about fjords and vacationing in Norway is at your fingertips. Plus there are great videos to get you excited about the wonders of nature. If you find yourself out of sorts, go to Norway and reconnect with Mother Earth.

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• Estonia

Probably not a place many people think or want to visit but Tallinn, its capital, was one of the most enchanting cities. I would recommend visiting this city by taking a Baltic Cruise from Stockholm (then you get to see Stockholm). The cruises are about $13 and either run Friday to Sunday or Sunday to Tuesday. You are in port from 9 AM to 5 PM which gives you enough time to see everything and choose an activity or two. Estonia was my first trip, so I was quite unaware of what I should do, it was very much a trial and error trip. But it was great. Tallinn is quaint but with tons of history. The cobbled streets and Russian architecture are beautiful and the square is bustling with activity. If you are an avid traveler and looking for new adventures and places, try Estonia. It's waiting.

• Edinburgh

This Scottish city has become quite the hot spot, with its streets constantly filled with festivals and activities. It is so hard to describe Edinburgh, it is old and architecturally beautiful, small but with incredibly steep hills, packed with buildings yet surrounded by flowing green hills and glistening blue water. Scotland is breath-taking and this city truly reflects the history and yet the future of the people. Walk the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyrood House and Parliament, tour the infamous castle, step into the Whisky Experience, climb Calton Hill, spend some time in front of masterpieces in the National Art Museum and stroll along Princes Street for some shopping. I spent one day in this unique, intriguing city yet a weekend would be much more satisfying. Here's a side note: the Scottish accent is incredibly hard to understand, it's a low mumble filled with a whole lot of local slang, so don't feel bad if you have to ask that barista to repeat herself, they get it a lot.

• Everyone

Traveling is more everyone. Even if you prefer stay-cations or hate the thought of airplanes, there are so many more options to choose from to still see other parts of the world. If you hate crowds, Central and South America plus parts of South Asia hold some of the most remote sites in the world. If you need adventure, excitement and spontaneity, every country and continent provides many death-defying activities. Plus, airplanes aren't the only way to get from here, to there. Take trains, boats, ships, buses, taxis, or hot air balloons. Travel solo, in pairs, by small group or large tours; with strangers, friends or family. No matter what you choose, get out there! See and experience something completely different. You may get bit by the travel bug, and you may not. But either way you are living life and creating a memory that will last a lifetime.

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• Denmark

Like all the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is most noted for its vast untouched beauty and capital city, Copenhagen. For travelers, visits to these northern regions should require some thought in regard to time and seasons. Winter is long and harsh but absolutely gorgeous and a once-in-a-lifetime experience (when else are you going to have 2 hours of daylight and a chance to see the northern lights? or go dog-sledding and cross country skiing?) However, summer is perfect and allows for more activity as the sun never sets. But don't underestimate spring and fall either as the transition seasons are just as unique and beautiful. It doesn't matter when you decide to go, just do it. Copenhagen has so much to offer and the Danes are there with proud open arms to welcome you to their country. I was in the city for 10 days, which not only gave me enough time to enjoyably see the whole city but also let me explore some of Sweden's southern cities. Copenhagen is a frequent stop for travelers going north to south (or vice versa) on their European journey, which means it shouldn't be missed.

• Tivoli Gardens - a grand amusement center best seen at night
• The Little Mermaid
• Carlsberg Brewery
• Nyhaven Harbor
• Rosenborg Slot (Royal Summer home) and the Amalienborg Slot (Royal Castle)
• Rundetårn (The Round Tower)
• Christiania - the hippie community

And don't miss out on just walking around the Old City Square and going down all the side streets, they are bound to offer great shopping, cafes and Danish wonders. Markets are always a great place to sample some of the traditional food, buy traditional crafts and mingle with the local people.

• Disneyland

Truly the Happiest Place on Earth. I don't care if its in Anaheim, Lake Buena Vista, Paris, Hong Kong or Tokyo, Disneyland is fantastic. I am fortunate enough to live only 2 hours to Disneyland and have been quite a lot in my life. However, I have not been to the others, though plan to in the near future. Anyways, plan a trip now. There are always great package deals going on for families, which you can't beat. Disneyland lets grownups be kids and where dreams really do come true. Whether it's meeting the Mouse himself or getting thrashed on Indiana Jones or soaking wet on Splash Mountain, Disneyland has something for everyone. Tired, head over to the Steamboat Willie Theater; on a sugar high, blast off on California Adventure's Rockin' Rollercoaster; too hot, cool down on the Grizzly Bear Mountain Rapids. With 2 parks and a downtown, there is so much to see and do. And this is just Disneyland, Disney World and the more exotic global parks have even more exciting adventures to partake in. And here's a little tip, if you don't mind the rain, go to Dland then. Nothing is more fun than having the entire park to yourself. So you get a little wet and possibly might miss the fireworks, but you can't beat no lines. I don't care who you are or what your opinions are about Disney, get yourself and your family to Disneyland and get your smile on.

• Dining

As a student traveler, I didn't spend much when it came to eating out. I usually opted for grocery stores or stands. However, there are some countries where cuisine and dining are part of the experience. If you do have some money to spend or are an absolute foodie, then I

would suggest researching restaurants in the city you are visiting that offer traditional food and drink. Ask your hotel/hostel manager about their favorites. There is nothing better than a

delicious meal to remember your trip forever. Florence, Italy is where I spent one of those evenings, feasting on pasta in truffle sauce, bruschetta and limoncella. It was more expensive than all my other meals combined but I recall that night perfectly. In some countries, the best food are the ones made and bought from the stands, so figure out where you can get by (for me it was the crepes in France). No matter if it is formal dining or grab-n-go, tasting traditional and cultural foods is part of the experience.

So dive right in.

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• Cruises

Best invention ever. You get on a boat with all the amenities you can wish for and it takes you to the most fabulous countries, cities and islands in the world, without having to repack, get on crowded transportation and airplanes, keeping track of time and papers, and all the un-fun stuff that traveling brings. Cruises let you experience the entirety of Earth (well, anywhere with a coast) in a safe, fun and friendly environment. They basically eliminate all the disadvantages that backpacking my bring. You don't have to lock up your valuables because you have a private room and can leave all items in there, you don't have to have a buddy system because you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean, you don't have to cram in a full schedule of site-seeing and activities because the cruise activities director does it for you, or you can just sun-bathe all day on the lido deck, and you don't have to worry about transportation because you are on a boat. I have been on two cruises, Mexican Riviera and Caribbean, and I had the best time. I prefer companies that include everything on the boat in the price you pay, like Carnival. That way you don't get caught at the end of your trip with a massive bill; that isn't the last memory you want. And cruise prices aren't as expensive as people think. Many great sites have last minute deals, family packages and local discounts. And since there are many different cruise lines to choose from with hundreds of destinations, something will be sure to catch your eye. Imagine, sunning on your own private deck, while the kids are engaged in one of the many age-appropriate activities, with an ice-cold beverage heading towards a pristine island. I call that a vacation.

• Currency

This seems like a potential problem for travelers when really, it is quite easy to exchange currencies and use ATM machines in other countries. I would suggest having some money on you before you leave for your trip of the country you are flying into. But numerous of times I took out money using my American ATM card in airports. Just make sure you use an American bank that deals with international travel and business. Look into banks with low foreign fees and 24 hour international customer service. Something is bound to happen, though hopefully not too monumental. However, if it does (which it did to me plenty of times; blocked debit and credit cards, stolen, not compatible) don't panic and don't let this ruin your opinion of the country or your trip. Everything is fixable. Just make sure you call your bank and tell them the length of your trip and your destinations, if you happen to be traveling to more exotic and less known countries, perhaps call your bank more frequently to ensure they don't put a security block on your account. It happened to me a lot and got quite frustrating, especially when you deal with a different employee each time you call. Now, there are tons of exchange places, dozens of them, lined on every street. Be observant on which ones offer the most for your exchange. Forex seemed to be pretty good in my opinion. And remember to save a few coins or bills (depending on their worth of course) for an easy to carry home memento.

• Comforts

By comforts I mean little pieces of home that you might want to bring with you while you are away. This might help with homesickness or bring a little cheer on a everythings-gone-wrong kinda day. My grandma gave me a little silver guardian angel coin that was easy to bring everywhere and it made me smile. I also took pictures of my house and yard to look out if I got sad, which especially came in handy during the dark, cold winter months in Sweden (I'm from San Diego). More comforts include a pillowcase, backpack, piece of jewelry or book. Of course don't bring anything too valuable or personal just in case anything happens to it. If it brings out a smile on a winter day or a deep breath in a chaotic city, then it has done it's job.

• Couchsurfing

Alright. So I never tried this myself but all my friends swore by it when they traveled. Couchsurfing.com is a website dedicated to travelers and the cities they visit. Anyone can join as long as they have a bed/couch/room to post on the site for someone to use. It is completely free and gives travelers a chance to meet new people and see a city from the perspective of a local while getting free boarding. The commitment from the host person can range from showing their guest around and making dinner to just letting them sleep on the couch. And if you feel uncomfortable at any moment you can leave. There is no contract that you have to stay so many nights. If you on more on the adventurous side and travel with a limited budget, this is definitely for you. Personally, I have looked into but couldn't sum up enough courage to take the leap. But it is always there to try. Safe Travels!

B

• Budapest

This was a total by-chance trip. As a traveler you will become intimately familiar with RyanAir and other cheap airlines. Every week they have incredible and unbelievable dirt cheap deals. Like a $5 return trip to Poland anyone? So I was browsing flights and found a great deal to Budapest, which coincidentally my friend had been raving about and said it was a must. So...of course I booked it and my friend and I spent 5 days in this Hungarian town not many tourists had ventured to. It's like the new Prague, before Prague became trampled with tourists. So a bit of advice, go soon before the word gets out. I would suggest going in the colder months only because you will spend most of your time in the fabulous Roman and Turkish baths. My skin never felt so smooth nor my body so relaxed. The town itself is pretty small so everything can be seen and done without the stress and rush. Here are some tips.

• There are a lot of baths to try out but I would suggest Rudas, which is in a cave with colored mosaic lights, and Gellert, which is a a traditional separate men and women bathhouse/hotel and they have incredibly cheap massages, pedicures and manicures. So after a nice long morning hike in the Buda hills it is the perfect place for a bit of R&R.
• One Hungarian forint is .005 US dollars. So shopping, eating and bath time does not cut into the budget. (If you are traveling on a tight budget, stick to Eastern Europe). You can get great Hungarian beer for less than a buck, a traditional sausage dinner for $10 and delicious Esterhazy cakes for $2.
• Some site-seeing musts: the Parliament building (most unique one in my opinion of all of Europe), Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellert Hill, Stephen's Basilica and the Royal Castle.
• Eat at Gerbeaud. It is right in the middle of the square of the old shopping street and it is delicious, cheap and traditional. The restaurant is underneath the cafe, and my friend and I definitely visited both many times.

Budapest is a must. End of story.

• Beverages

You know the saying, you can't understand a country and its culture until you eat its food? Or perhaps the one about food being the highlight to any experience. Well beverages should be right up there. Like every country having a national dish, they also prize themselves on brewing a special drink. For Italy it is wine, for France, champagne, for Eastern Europe, vodka. Drinking is a big part of many of these countries history. Germany drank beer for breakfast during the early years of the East India Trading Company. And what would England be without their tea. Even if you aren't a big drinker, please be adventurous and have a sip or two. When in Denmark, try the aquavit (though it is absolutely revolting) and in Spain settle down with a glass of Sangria. Each country has their specific drink of choice, and are proud of it, so don't miss out. Take a chance. When else in life will you be able to say, "I'm in Capri drinking Limoncello." Life is good.

• Belgium

Not the most popular of countries when people plan European vacations but I am here to hopefully change that. Filled with small, beautiful, untouched by war Flemish inspired towns, Belgium is a great country to explore. It is by far the cleanest of countries I have been to and has the most surprises. Stay awhile in the capital of Brussels, eating waffles, taking in the unique architecture and sipping beer. Then make a couple of day trips. The train system is great and within an hour of the capital are some must see towns, like Bruges and Leaven, you could even make a trip into Lichtenstein (now how many people get to do that?). I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Belgium. It was more relaxing than most trips and the beauty of the small towns were so calming. My grandparents, who are world travelers, say the only place they really want to see again is Bruges. So that must mean something. Go find it for yourself.

• Backyard

After I returned home from my year abroad I learned a quite deal about myself and the world. I also realized how much of my own country I hadn't seen. Though I have been to my fair share of states there is so much more to discover. I made it my goal to apply the same research I did abroad to my home town, state and country. I needed to view my birth place with the eyes of a newcomer, and figure out what important history and sites I had been

missing. Don't underestimate the richness of your own backyard and the adventures you can have by simply strolling at a slower pace. I don't believe a traveler can ever fully learn about the world and different cultures without first experiencing and understanding their own.