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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.