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!!