I forgot to blog yesterday. Working full time is hard. And being sick is hard. So I'm exhausted.
But Thursdays blog is important. It's saving money. It's something I need to do. It's essential for future travel. And it's really really hard to do. There are people who don't need to save money or make a budget to travel. But I do. Most of you probably do too. And it's so so hard. But I'm going to try to give you tips that have helped me, mistakes I've made, and how to afford travel.
Firstly, make a budget. Budgets suck. They really suck. I am not good at following rules. Especially about money. I see something I like or want and get it. Instant gratification. But traveling means planning ahead. So budget. Categories: bills (essentials), savings, travel/other. We have to pay bills. We have to save money. I do not need to buy a couple new DVDs (especially at $20 each!) or a new shirt. I have to prioritize. And it's a daily thing. I have to tell myself I can have a new book or I can put the money toward a flight or a nice dinner or souvenir in Europe. It's hard for me to think long term because I really want something now. But saving now is so worth it in the end. Because I could have a new book or an amazing experience abroad. That is more important.
There are so many budget tips online including how to do it exactly. But do one and really try to stick to it. The rewards will be great.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Wednesday: future travel
It's going to be hard to list ALL of the places I want to go. But let's start with New York. I've only been to DC on the east coast. I've dreamed of New York. There are so many things to do.
I want to go to museums and Central Park. Brooklyn, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. I want to go to Rockefeller center and the Empire State Building. Depending on the season I want to see the thanksgiving day parade live and everything lit up at Christmas time. I want to go to a taping of the daily show. Meet interesting people. See ancient artifacts. Be where so much history is. That's what I absolutely loved about London. Among other things the incredible history. And being from the west coast even the east coast seems incredibly rich in history. I want to experience it all.
I would need about a month to see it all. I've thought it would be nice to live there for a time. Although no opportunity has showed itself and I hate the horrific seasons. It's totally romanticized in my mind and I want to see if it lives up to my expectations.
If you have tips or pictures that would be fantastic!
I want to go to museums and Central Park. Brooklyn, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. I want to go to Rockefeller center and the Empire State Building. Depending on the season I want to see the thanksgiving day parade live and everything lit up at Christmas time. I want to go to a taping of the daily show. Meet interesting people. See ancient artifacts. Be where so much history is. That's what I absolutely loved about London. Among other things the incredible history. And being from the west coast even the east coast seems incredibly rich in history. I want to experience it all.
I would need about a month to see it all. I've thought it would be nice to live there for a time. Although no opportunity has showed itself and I hate the horrific seasons. It's totally romanticized in my mind and I want to see if it lives up to my expectations.
If you have tips or pictures that would be fantastic!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Tuesday Travel Tip
It's a quick one tonight. Something I read today. When booking the best deals for domestics flights are found 49 days from your trip. And international 81 days
That's pretty good. I have definitely booked outside of those parameters but it makes sense and is worth it if you are ready to book. Also remember that prices really start to go up two weeks before a domestic flight.
That's pretty good. I have definitely booked outside of those parameters but it makes sense and is worth it if you are ready to book. Also remember that prices really start to go up two weeks before a domestic flight.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Monday: Pre travel info
Pre travel is so important. You need to be ready. I'm not going to get into the intricacies of packing just yet except to small pack light. No, really pack light. Now lighter. Seriously. You aren't going to want to lug giant suitcases up and down with only stairs and not an escalator or elevator to be found.
Pack light and then throw aside half that stuff. Girls on my study abroad trip brought huge bags and 5 pairs of heels. Don't be like them. That is ridiculous. I'm not sure in three months they wore one pair of heels. Maybe one. They aren't important and they take up too much room.
You can get buy with way less than you think. Don't plan just in case. Plan what you know you will wear. You don't need a snow suit or three heavy jackets. Layer. Being a few tshirts, two long sleeves shirts, and a good jacket. Done. It's really that simple.
Do what the experts say. Lay everything out and remove half. Then half again. You will find places to do laundry. You can wash underwear, bras, and socks in the sink. I did for 10 months in London because laundry is expensive. You can hang everything up to dry overnight. It won't have all the perks of home but it will work.
And you will want to shop abroad. Buy a shirt based on where you are or splurge on something in a fashion centric city. You will bring home stuff. So pack light at the beginning or you will regret it in the end
That's all for today but we've barely begun the pre travel packing and planning process. But don't worry. I love this stuff!
Pack light and then throw aside half that stuff. Girls on my study abroad trip brought huge bags and 5 pairs of heels. Don't be like them. That is ridiculous. I'm not sure in three months they wore one pair of heels. Maybe one. They aren't important and they take up too much room.
You can get buy with way less than you think. Don't plan just in case. Plan what you know you will wear. You don't need a snow suit or three heavy jackets. Layer. Being a few tshirts, two long sleeves shirts, and a good jacket. Done. It's really that simple.
Do what the experts say. Lay everything out and remove half. Then half again. You will find places to do laundry. You can wash underwear, bras, and socks in the sink. I did for 10 months in London because laundry is expensive. You can hang everything up to dry overnight. It won't have all the perks of home but it will work.
And you will want to shop abroad. Buy a shirt based on where you are or splurge on something in a fashion centric city. You will bring home stuff. So pack light at the beginning or you will regret it in the end
That's all for today but we've barely begun the pre travel packing and planning process. But don't worry. I love this stuff!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sunday: Living Abroad
Here it is. The start of the first full week. No slacking now. I'm here to pass on my knowledge and wisdom. Haha more like help you learn from my mistakes.
Living abroad is tough. But it's definitely worth it. I just wanted to pass on a few differences.
A word about going through customs in the UK. Pick the right line. They get really mad if you don't. There is a specific sign for non uk residents. Even with a UK visa do not go in that line. They will seem gruff, look through your entire passport, and ask a dozen questions. But just be clear, honest, and know it will be over soon.
Ok back to my tips. I will probably have more as time goes on. And my experience is definitely Europe centric but these could work anywhere.
1. Everything is different. And I mean every thing. Even if you speak English and move to an English speaking country, or high number of English speakers, everything is different.
2. Take things slowly. If you are moving somewhere, even for a few months, there is an urge to take everything in at once. It's about the pace. When I first moved to London I wanted to see everything. And the first few weeks I did. But after I was tethered to going to school. Sight seeing became secondary. And I was so frustrated. I had papers to write, classes, research, etc. I was busy. But I took the time to prioritize. I wrote a list of the things I wanted to do, and planned the month. If a place was near school I went on Tuesdays. Otherwise it was one weekend day to study. And one to sight see. Or, more likely, drink a lot. Keep track of what you need to do, want to do, and make a schedule. It seems silly but it helps.
3. Similar to before. I made a list of what I wanted to see. And when I went there I would write down what day, time, favorite part. It was silly at first but I still have that paper and it brings back memories. This goes for museums, restaurants, parks, etc. I could see where I wanted to go again and what wasn't worth it.
4. Get a local phone. Even for a few weeks. I felt safer with a phone. Learn the emergency numbers. You will meet people you want to contact again. You can get directions. You can get apps. With a smart phone. I didn't have a smart phone but I had a limited plan with mostly texting and it had a built in radio. It was perfect. I could listen to local radio while I walked.
5. Take pictures. With your phone. It's always on you, you know it is. Not sight seeing pictures although those are important too. I took a picture of my street, the signs, the tube stop, everything near me. It helped when I was lost or needed to give a taxi driver my address. If I was walking somewhere new and saw a cute store that was closed I could take a pic and look it up later. I couldn't remember it all even if I wanted to but it was nice to keep track of things I wanted to do or look up later.
That's all for now. Except try to get an Internet connection as soon as possible. Internet cafes are only tolerable for so long. Make it part of your phone plan, share wireless with a neighbor, or sit at McDonalds for hours, just know once you get that situated everything will be so much easier. Well, first secure housing. Then wireless. Housing next week I promise!
Living abroad is tough. But it's definitely worth it. I just wanted to pass on a few differences.
A word about going through customs in the UK. Pick the right line. They get really mad if you don't. There is a specific sign for non uk residents. Even with a UK visa do not go in that line. They will seem gruff, look through your entire passport, and ask a dozen questions. But just be clear, honest, and know it will be over soon.
Ok back to my tips. I will probably have more as time goes on. And my experience is definitely Europe centric but these could work anywhere.
1. Everything is different. And I mean every thing. Even if you speak English and move to an English speaking country, or high number of English speakers, everything is different.
2. Take things slowly. If you are moving somewhere, even for a few months, there is an urge to take everything in at once. It's about the pace. When I first moved to London I wanted to see everything. And the first few weeks I did. But after I was tethered to going to school. Sight seeing became secondary. And I was so frustrated. I had papers to write, classes, research, etc. I was busy. But I took the time to prioritize. I wrote a list of the things I wanted to do, and planned the month. If a place was near school I went on Tuesdays. Otherwise it was one weekend day to study. And one to sight see. Or, more likely, drink a lot. Keep track of what you need to do, want to do, and make a schedule. It seems silly but it helps.
3. Similar to before. I made a list of what I wanted to see. And when I went there I would write down what day, time, favorite part. It was silly at first but I still have that paper and it brings back memories. This goes for museums, restaurants, parks, etc. I could see where I wanted to go again and what wasn't worth it.
4. Get a local phone. Even for a few weeks. I felt safer with a phone. Learn the emergency numbers. You will meet people you want to contact again. You can get directions. You can get apps. With a smart phone. I didn't have a smart phone but I had a limited plan with mostly texting and it had a built in radio. It was perfect. I could listen to local radio while I walked.
5. Take pictures. With your phone. It's always on you, you know it is. Not sight seeing pictures although those are important too. I took a picture of my street, the signs, the tube stop, everything near me. It helped when I was lost or needed to give a taxi driver my address. If I was walking somewhere new and saw a cute store that was closed I could take a pic and look it up later. I couldn't remember it all even if I wanted to but it was nice to keep track of things I wanted to do or look up later.
That's all for now. Except try to get an Internet connection as soon as possible. Internet cafes are only tolerable for so long. Make it part of your phone plan, share wireless with a neighbor, or sit at McDonalds for hours, just know once you get that situated everything will be so much easier. Well, first secure housing. Then wireless. Housing next week I promise!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday: Europe
I studied abroad for 3 months in Europe. It was fantastic. I had an incredible time. I want to use Saturdays to talk about that time. The things I learned while traveling, tips, tricks, and things to do and not to do. It will be great. Europe is so worth it and the expense will not matter when you are standing on the Eiffel Tower or on the river Thames. I will talk about where I went, where I stayed, tourist things to do or avoid, and what it means to understand a culture and be a good citizen of the world.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Fridays
I'm so glad it's Friday. So so glad. Friday will be a good day on the blog too. I'm going to talk local. And take some liberties with the term local. I haven't been to very many places in the US. more countries than states.
So I will talk some about different cities I've been to in the US but mostly Seattle where I currently live and LA/OC were I used to live. There will be a bunch mixed I to that but I think it will be really fun.
So I will talk some about different cities I've been to in the US but mostly Seattle where I currently live and LA/OC were I used to live. There will be a bunch mixed I to that but I think it will be really fun.
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