The End

Thankfully this blogging assignment has come to an end. Each week we have all had to read and post about whatever and we are now finally done! Hopefully you have learned something from my blog as I have learned from yours. Hope you all have a fantastic few weeks and a adventurous future.

Learning to fly

There are sooo many places to go and people to see it is impossible to see it all in one lifetime. But, I would like to try so many things, see so many different cultures. To visit Africa, the middle east, South America and Asia. Imagine how different life would be if we could all have the experiences that these places had to offer.

Where would you go?

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Would you choose to see the Eiffel tower? Or maybe just see an ocean?

For me I would love to go to Ireland. Though it seems like it may be an odd choice I want to go. To see the beautiful land and see what it really is about. Some of my favorite books are set in Ireland and if the setting of those books are anything like the real thing it should be a treat!

Let me know what your ultimate trip would be to!

Denver

A few weeks ago I went on a weekend trip to Denver. Though it is a bit of a drive, it was fun to get away for a while. Trips to larger cities are fun and if you are trying to save some money it is a good option.

While we were there we went to the aquarium, took in a broadway show and did a lot of other stuff. The broadway show was really awesome, we went to Beauty and the Beast and it was amazing! Also the zoo was pretty cool and I did a lot of SHOPPING!

Just because Denver isn't extremely far away doesn't mean you can't make it a fun trip. I for one will defiantly be going back to watch Manning play for the Broncos!

College

My topic for this week doesn't really have a lot to do with travel but it really changed my entire college plan.This past weekend I went to a preview day to Northwest College in Powell, WY. I went with my friend to be a tag along and now I want to go there. I cannot believe that I thought I figured out what I wanted to do and now its completely changed around! What to do?

Travel Etiquette

When traveling whether it be on a plane, in an airport or touring around it is important to remember etiquette. You would think its common sense but you wouldn't believe what people do. It is important especially when you are in a foreign country that you are courteous to others.

Last week their was a big story about a plane that landed and kicked off a family because a toddler was having a tantrum. Being on a plane for a long amount of time with a kid that's throwing a fit is really anoying but is it worth landing a plane and making them get off?

Travel Safety

When traveling to different countries or large city's it is really important to know how to keep yourself safe. Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings, avoiding being the target of a crime and leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people if traveling outside the country.

For me, when I went out of the country our guides told us to keep our passports and cash on our person. I used a passport holder that goes around your neck to store my important items. Pick pockets are rampant where ever you go so its better to be safe than sorry. My biggest tip for traveling abroad is to use basic common sense, if your alone keep on good streets in plain sight. Also flashy dressers will more likely be seen as easy targets so keep it simple. Have fun and be careful ( also a can of pepper spray couldn't hurt ;)

How to plan out your trip

When planning your vacation it is always good to look at what the city has to offer. In my case, my family is planning on going to San Francisco this summer so I will be planning our trip. On a lot of the trips I have been on the planner has every second of the trip planned out. I absolutely hate it!!!


When planning a trip focus on what you really want to see there and plan around that. If you want to go to a nice dinner with reservations or a show, get your times down and work the rest of your day based on that. The most important thing to remember when planning a trip is that nothing goes as expected. Unpredictable things happen that cannot be controlled that’s why I hate having everything planned out and end up being rushed. Just have fun and take in your surroundings, get into where you are don’t worry about out planning everything out.

Airport Security

When I travel on an airplane there are a few handy tips I use to get through airport security faster. As most of us know it’s hard to get through security without getting strip searched anymore. With all the new protocol that backs up the lines can be so time consuming but here are a few pointers that may help.

Before you even leave the house it is a good idea to pull up the airline guidelines on the internet to make sure you have the correct amounts and weights for items. For instance the amount of ounces allowed on the plane could lead to disappointment when you have to throw away something more than 3 ounces. Also make sure to check your carry-on for anything that might be questionable to security. Finally put your liquid items in a plastic bag so it’s ready to go when you get there.

When leaving the house for the airport I have been told to wear my heaviest clothes on the plane to have less weight in my suitcase. I don’t like this because it is uncomfortable on the plane, you have to carry it with you and when going through security you have to take off a lot of it. When in line make sure to take off all belts, shoes, large jewelry and glasses. If you don’t the line will just get more impatient with you because security will make you take it off and step through again.

I know it's really hard to keep an eye on all your stuff especially when they make you take practically everything out of your carry on but don’t forget anything. If you forget something and don’t remember right away there is a very slim chance of getting it back.

Airport security sucks; it is a challenge to get out fully dressed with all your belongings. Hopefully with these pointers it will make it a little easier for you!

How to pack for a long trip

When I went to Europe I was gone for about 2 weeks. I had the hardest time trying to pack properly so I could bring enough clothes but stay under the weight limit. It took me forever to pack and I still ended up with a few problems when I got there. Here are some pointers that I learned the hard way about packing.

Tip#1. My first tip on packing for a long trip would be to not skimp on the necessities! When I was there I didn’t have any time to go stop off to get deodorant and toothpaste so I suggest not bringing the mini ones, just stick a new one in. There is really no weight difference so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Tip#2. ONLY BRING WHAT YOU NEED! I made the mistake of bringing too much stuff and didn’t even end up wearing it all. Even though I didn’t wear it I still ended up carrying it with me for 2 weeks. I know that it’s really hard to know what you’re going to want to wear so I suggest bringing clothes you can wear differently. For instance bring basic colored tops that can be worn dressed up or dressed down, accessories can do a lot. Also its good to be prepared so depending on the time of year you travel it’s important to bring seasonal items like an umbrella, jacket or maybe snow boots.

Tip#3. In my experience I bring back more than what I left with, everybody shops! So it is important to know how to pack your suit case properly. The suitcase I took was fairly large but I still had it super packed when I got home. First when packing your clothes, roll the shirts that won’t wrinkle easily and fold everything else. Just be careful when packing to wrap breakable things in your clothes and be careful not to smash anything. Otherwise the rest is basic intuition!!

With the tips I have given you, you should have no problem packing for a few weeks. Hopefully it’s somewhere awesome!

How to pick a hotel

Have you ever decided to reserve your hotel room when you get to your destination? Well maybe you shouldn’t. I find it very important to reserve your hotel ahead of time, after you arrive you may want to change hotels but it’s always have somewhere to fall back to. Like everyone else in this economy I like to find a deal where ever I travel, being able to find good deals in nice hotels is always a challenge but I’ll give you some tips to finding hidden gems.

The first tip I would give is to put in the work. When you put in a little extra work researching hotels you can save yourself money which is always a bonus. My second tip while researching would be to read up about the hotel you want to stay at and read reviews from other guests. When it comes down to it people are brutally honest. Tip 3 would be to compare rates between hotels and see if you can get better rates. If you want to bring a large group most hotels are willing to give out better rates. Tip 4, look for hotels near the areas you want to be, if a hotel is in a prime location it can get pretty expensive. Instead look for hotels near recreation areas, possibly out a little farther if you want to save money. My last tip would be to find a hotel with some amenities such as a pool, game room, restaurant, continental breakfast or some sort because things like this can save you money and a head ache when the kids have nothing to do. If you follow the tips I have given you, you should have no problem finding a fabulous hotel at a good deal.

About my blog

In my blog I want to approach the topic of travel. I chose this topic because I love to travel and have done a lot of it. Being able to have the freedom to try and see new things gives me the advantage to this topic. I have been around the US attending different events and have also traveled to England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. With my travel experience I can talk about the different cultures, sights and places to be. Having been on long trips going all over the world has allowed me to learn so much now I want to share it with you.