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.

N

• 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!

M

• 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!

L

• 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.

K

• 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.

J

• 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.

I

• 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.