Instead of booking a hotel suite that’ll cost hundreds, save your cash by staying in a cheap hostel while you’re in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Hostel, located on 1322 Fremont Street, is more than just a place to sleep in Vegas. It’s the Vegas hot spot for young people on a budget, offering free breakfast, tea and coffee, a pool, hot tub, wireless, luggage storage, linen, parking, and air conditioning (Vegas gets hot!). Staying here is easy. By day, grab a reclining chair and lounge poolside. By night, head to the Las Vegas Strip. Not sure of the best places to party? Sign up for one of the hostel’s pub-crawls and meet other travelers like yourself. Getting even fancier, sign up for the Champagne Limo Tour that runs every Saturday night. It hits the Strip in a limo and visits the hottest nightclubs in Vegas (sans entrance lines and cover charges).

Plus, there’s common space galore at Las Vegas Hostel. Relax in the lounge and play foosball or pool, soak up the sun in the Jacuzzi, or cook a meal in the fully-equipped kitchen (oven, stove, refrigerator, microwave and toaster and loads of dishware and cooking utensils). After dinner, take a pre-clubbing break and catch a show on the TV in attached lounge on the cable television.

Getting there from McCarran International Airport is a piece of cake too. Take local bus #109N for $1.25 and get off at Fremont Street. You can also use Bell Trans shuttle, which leaves from exit #11 in the airport’s main terminal baggage claim area. The shuttle will drop you at the front door for $8.50 per person.

Our only gripe about Las Vegas Hostel? It’s a bit far from the main clubs on the strip. But, any of the knowledgeable staff will hook you up with a taxicab, and the hostel provides so many opportunities at night to meet people and get out, you hardly notice the distance.

An additional FYI: you must be over 18 years to stay at Las Vegas Hostel. Couple dorms are reserved for couples or siblings traveling together. The maximum length of stay is 14 nights for international travelers, 7 nights for Americans.

Book your stay at Las Vegas Hostel here.

Admittedly, I really had no clue what I was doing when I bought my dSLR camera. I had just finished my Master’s degree, and was about to serve as faculty for Semester at Sea for the summer. A new degree and a nine-week trip around the Mediterranean seemed like the right reasons to get an expensive camera. Looking back, I was completely unprepared for my new camera. That summer I basically used it as an expensive point and shoot. Three years, lots of research and experience later, I feel my dSLR has made me a better photographer and traveler. Here are some tips for deciding whether or not you’re ready to purchase your first dSLR.

Reasons to Get a dSLR Camera:

You’ve Outgrown Your Point and Shoot: I think, for me, this was the most compelling reason to start learning how to use my dSLR camera. At some point during my travels I realized I was seeing incredible sights, but I felt I was not capturing them the way I saw them. By then, I had learned to use all the functions on my point & shoot, and was ready to take on more. If you’ve learned all you can about your point & shoot, and are still frustrated, it might be time to step up to a dSLR.

They Change the Way You Look at the World: As the style implies with a point & shoot, you do just that—point and shoot. When I shot with my older camera, I never put thought into how my shot was composed. I snapped off a bunch of pictures, and went on my way to the next sight. I find that with my dSLR, I’m constantly thinking about what I’m seeing. My mind will immediately focus on what lens I want to use, how do I want to compose the shot, what do I want my focus to be? I find that when I’m traveling with my camera, I’m more in the moment and aware of the little details that I might have missed if I just quickly snapped away.

Reasons Not to Get a dSLR Camera:

They are Expensive: Outside of the initial expense of buying a camera ($500 upwards), you’ll also have to buy lenses, a camera bag, extra batteries, memory cards, and whatever other gear you purchase. Just as the camera body is expensive, so is all the gear that goes along with it. For a traveler on a budget, it’s a lot of money all at once. Additionally, you have to keep in mind that you’re now traveling with a very expensive (and noticeable) piece of equipment. I always have a few seconds of panic when I check in at a hostel that does not have in-room lockers or some type of storage for valuables because I know I’ll be lugging around at least $1,00 worth of equipment.

They are Heavy: It sounds almost too basic to be a reason, but on long trips this is the number one reason I get frustrated with my camera. When it’s 115 degrees in July in Egypt and I’m carrying a ton of gear (I travel with three lenses), I feel every single ounce of the additional six pounds I’m carrying. If you’re backpacking the world, and have to pay close attention to weight requirements, you’ll be acutely aware of how much your camera and associated gear weighs. The photo to the right,  of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow  was taken with my five-year-old point and shoot.

Still Not Sure?

If you’re still not sure whether a dSLR camera is right for you, hold off on the purchase for this trip, and learn how to fully use your current camera. The updates to point and shoot cameras and various smart phones means you can take some incredible photos if you take the time to learn what your camera can do. Additionally, photo-editing software can go a long way to fixing and creating some amazing photos.

This picture to the right of the Eiffel Tour, was taken with my iPhone 4, and turned into a black and white photo with the free app Pic Stitch.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can only take good travel photos with an expensive camera. With a little effort and willingness to play with photo editing software, you can end up with some truly memorable photos.

Finally, if you do decide to buy a dSLR camera:

Don’t buy the most expensive one: If it’s your first camera, go with an entry-level camera, even if you’re swearing to yourself that you’re going to get every penny out of that $4,000 model. Both Nikon and Canon make really great entry-level cameras around the $500 range. If you have the cash to burn, spend the extra money on lenses. They make all the difference, plus if you decide to upgrade to a better camera body later, the lenses will still work with your new camera.

 Learn the Basics Before You Go: Before you leave for your trip, take some time to learn the basics. There are a lot of great resources out there that can help you to learn how to use your camera. The Digital Photography School is a great online resource, while Digital Photography by Scott Kelby is a great read that puts some of the more complicated aspects of photography into really simple terms.

This week’s Lost Girl, Christine Maxfield, had a hard wake-up call—working at a travel magazine didn’t necessarily mean that she was able to travel! So she quit her journalism job in New York, stuffed her goods in storage, and bought a one-way ticket to Africa on a quest to experience the same adventures that she was only able to write about. Now, a year later, she’s back and her career has never looked better…

*****

I blame my wanderlust on my first true love—my grandfather. He was the one that got me hooked on National Geographic by having a full magazine collection in his basement that I’d pour over every summer vacation, launching a full-blown childhood dream of becoming a travel writer. And then my parents clinched it by allowing me to tag along with them to Europe when I was an impressionable ten years old, and I’ve never been the same since…nor have I wanted to be.

For the next two decades after that first taste of international travel, I’d aimlessly create lists of countries that I just knew I’d visit as soon as I became a jet setting grown up. But I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you that this list sadly gathered dust in my drawer as life’s realities—college, career, relationships—took first priority. Sure, there was that brief study-abroad stint in Buenos Aires, and the occasional tropical vacations. But when it came to becoming a bestselling travel writer, I filed that dream away on a shelf.

I did hold true to my roots and pursued a career in magazine journalism though, and at one point I thought I was getting closer to my goal when I landed a job at a national travel magazine in New York. Score! Now I’d get my chance to sip cocktails with foreign correspondents and interview mysterious sources in exotic locales— not. As I reported from my desk about African safaris and the Great Pyramids of Giza without ever checking off either item from my bucket list, I felt empty inside, and worse…like a fraud.

That did it. I handed in my drafts to my editor, pulled out my dusty list of countries, and started to scheme about how I could take a year off to experience the same adventures that I only wrote about. I adopted a budget and balanced my checkbook for the first time in my life, found a roommate, and scrimped and saved for over a year until I stumbled across a simple but brilliant way to travel. It’s a form of ‘voluntourism’ called work exchange, which trades the sweat of your brow — rather than money from your pocketbook — for room and board with locals. Wait… that meant that my trip suddenly got cheaper! So I immediately bought a one-way ticket to Sierra Leone via Morocco, gave notice at my magazine, let my adorable apartment go, and stuffed my goods in storage. There was no turning back now.

Starting on January 1, 2011, I took my first step off a plane and into a solo round-the-world adventure that included 19 countries on six continents. My work exchange led me to teach HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya, become a desert guide with the Bedouin tribe in Jordan, teach English to Tibetan Buddhist nuns in Nepal, mend fences on an aboriginal cattle station in Australia, shuck oysters on a black-pearl farm in French Polynesia, save baby sea turtles in Guatemala, teach music to Roma(gypsy) children in Romania, and herd a thousand sheep as a nomadic shepherd in Austria. Oh, and I can now finally say that I’ve been on an African safari and have stood in the shadow of pyramids…

I returned to the States just a few weeks ago on January 1, 2012—exactly one year after I left—and I’ve been trying to find the right words to describe my amazing year to friends and loved ones ever since. “Life changing” seems too anticlimactic. When I look up other superlatives in the thesaurus, I get more of the same. All I can say is that you need to throw caution to the wind and launch your own grand adventure to understand the inspiring year that I experienced.

And what about my dream of becoming a bestselling travel writer? Well, I’m still working on that. But now that I’m represented by a bona fide literary agent, I can say that my prospects are definitely looking up for the first time in my career…

To read more about my crazy adventures abroad, check out my blog at
www.compassmag.com.

Spain. A country rich in colorful and diverse history; of incredibly varied regions; and warm, welcoming people. First-time visitors often expect bullfights, sangria, and sombreros, and while these are vital and traditional aspects of Spanish culture, there’s much more to modern Spain as a progressive, diverse, and unique society.

Cities to Visit

The three top cities in Spain to visit are Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada. Madrid is a big city, and most travelers find excitement in the fast pace and extreme size of the city. Barcelona is known for its beautiful architecture and its vibrant city life. Granada, the smaller of these three cities and known for its historical fortresses, is quickly making a name for itself as an extreme sports and bungee jumping destination.

Things to Do

In Madrid there are various activities and shops you can visit. Most shops have the most up to date styles in Spain; also Madrid has a lot of architecture and a very popular museum in the airport terminal which exhibits over 150 children’s artwork and their creative views of flight. Also, they opened another museum in 2008 called the CaxiaForum. The museum shows various pieces of architecture and has had award winning pieces inside it. In Barcelona a building named the Sagrada Familia is the biggest temple which has been under construction since 1882. The architecture of the building is incredibly unique. Also, the Barcelona Aquarium is a very popular attraction for kids.  In Granada, the most popular monument the Red Palace it holds historical value, and is also one of the most popular sights to see throughout the world.

Where to Eat

The most popular restaurant in Madrid is the Alboroque which has a star chef who has a wine cellar of more than 3,000 different wines; also he has various dishes which contain several of his famous spices which are to die for in Madrid. In Barcelona Drolma has a popular Mediterranean and Catalina cuisine. In Granada Vinotinto Parrilla is known for its casual feast, and cozy pub.

Safety While Traveling

When traveling make sure to keep your i.d. on you and a small amount of cash in case of emergencies. Also, make sure to lock up any valuables you may have in the hotel. In any country pick pocketing is very popular, so make sure to keep your wallet in your front pocket and for ladies to have their purses in front where you can see them. Also, make sure to keep a map on you at all times, because you don’t want to get lost in a country that you are unfamiliar with. Try traveling with friends especially at night time so you can avoid any confrontation possible with strangers.

Saving Money

When traveling a smart way to save money is planning a budget ahead of time. The sooner you plan the trip the more money you’ll save in the long run. Make sure to find cheap airline tickets in advance. If you look for tickets in advance the more choices you’ll have and the better prices will be available. Check out the hostels in cities that you plan to visit, most are very cheap, but you can find cheaper prices if you search in advance. Make sure to take in the cost of traveling and living in a city for a certain amount of time. You may not want to go over your budget or spend all of your time in one city, because it’s very expensive in certain cities.

Don’t Leave Without…

Don’t miss the city’s beautiful architecture, and amazing terraces on all rooftops in Spain. Also, Picasso’s piece Guernica has historical meaning behind it. The piece was celebrated for its antiwar view and is one of the most popular monuments in Spanish history. Lastly, the restaurant La Latina is a great experience, because you eat your entire meal standing up

When you think backpacking, Europe likely pops into mind. Yet far-flung New Zealand is a popular backpacking destination, especially for adventurers looking to avoid the hassle of skirting around areas of turmoil or travelling nervously through them. A compact country with relaxed beaches, spectacular scenery and a reputation for extreme fun, New Zealand has everything a backpacker wants. But can you afford it? “Granted, we have no $11 a night beach huts or $2 noodle bowls, but backpackers won’t have to thumb their way across the country if they travel smart,” says Gregg Anderson, a general manager with Tourism New Zealand.

As a backpacker, you can whittle your expenses down to four primary categories. Moving, sleeping, eating, and enjoying.  Though the exchange rate is favourable to North Americans ($1US = $1.29NZD), the cost of, well, everything is higher on this South-Pacific Island than it is on North American soil.

Moving

Lone backpackers often choose to travel by tour bus, selecting one with plenty of flexibility in destinations and timelines. Kiwi Experience is New Zealand’s legendary hop-on, hop-off bus tour, with 25 different routes covering every corner of the country and a distinctive ‘gap year’ ambiance. Depending on the route and days on the road, expect to spend anywhere from $500NZ for a week- long trip to $2100NZD for the longest, most comprehensive pass. Veteran driver Kane It suggests the 20-day Funky Chicken offering (priced at $1135NZD) for those wanting to see a lot, but not spend a lot. “The Funky Chicken route is one of the best deals for backpackers. You’re going to see a lot of the country affordably. One of the best things about riding a Kiwi Experience bus is that the drivers have so much knowledge about cheap deals, and our passengers get great deals on hostels, restaurants, excursions – pretty much anything,” says It. Alternatively, companies like Nakedbus offer trimmed down, get-ya-there service at much cheaper rates, but without the perks and camaraderie. An unlimited trip pass on the Nakedbus rings in at just $597NZD.

Campervans are a cost-effective option for pairs or groups, especially if you’re planning to cave or tramp (hike) along the way, exploring the more remote locales. A basic campervan for a couple can be had for under $100 a day, and long-term backpackers can buy, then sell, a van for even less. Note that the average campervans are tiny compared to North American standards, but being cramped is worth it at the pump – Kiwis currently pay $2.19NZD a litre for their fuel.

Sleeping

Backpackers will find excellent and affordable hostels in even the smallest towns. Booking ahead at hostels isn’t required except for the most popular locations during high season, and for those traveling on a bus tour, the first night is often pre-booked. Plan to spend at least $18NZD a night on a basic bed in most cities, slightly more in the smaller resort towns.

Campervan travelers are encouraged to visit an I-Site tourism office to find free or inexpensive campsites, but it’s not uncommon to see lines of JUCY vans roadside or huddled together in parking lots for the night. If you’re straying further off the highways, there are more than 950 backcountry huts available for trampers. You can work long tramps into your schedule, sleeping in these inexpensive huts (many with running water and flush toilet facilities). The majority of these mountain or forest walks are achievable for the least physically fit traveller.

Eating

There’s a facial expression visitors make (wide eyes, gaping maw) when buying food in New Zealand that set them apart from more common Australian backpackers, who see the local prices as a good deal. There are precious few cheap and filling food stands, so backpackers tend to stick to setting up small pantries in their hostel if they’re staying in one area for a few days, or buying fruit and deli products in single servings while exploring.

Locally grown fruit is a good bet for the budget and the palate; the tart feijoa, luscious apples, and the golden kiwifruit, a sweeter version of the more common green variety.

Enjoying

No visit to the birthplace of bungee would be complete without partaking in a little thrill-seeking. Bungy, jetboating, skydiving, zorbing, caving, paragliding – adrenaline junkies will have no problem going over their adventure budget. “Cities like Queenstown have a little bit of everything within easy reach by foot or public transit, and plenty of storefront tour operators willing to offer last minute deals,” says Anderson. “Visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to jump, soar, drop or dive, but there are plenty of ways for backpackers to save on these activities.”

As a budget backpacker in New Zealand, you’ll have an advantage over those traveling with no financial constraints. A low budget for excursions will force you to seek out free versions of the higher priced tours, whether it’s the self-guided walks of glow worm caves in Dunedin, the art deco walk in Napier or finding the locals’ natural hot springs spot in Rotorua. Searching for lower priced meals will send you to farmers markets, and the cheapest forms of travel and accommodation are usually how you’ll find the best new road friends.

If You Go

·         Getting There: Air New Zealand offers convenient non-stop flights through many North American gateways.

·         How long to stay: Though compact in land mass, each region of New Zealand packs a lot of adventure in a small area. Allocate two to three nights per region.

·         Avoiding bad deals: Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality. All accommodation, transportation, activities and attractions that display Qualmark have been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy.

·         Campervans: There are a lot of campervan hire companies in New Zealand but the one you’ll see most is JUCY Rentals.

·         Resources: New Zealand Travel is the official site for New Zealand tourism and it’s top-notch. With videos, in-depth articles, and interactive trip planning features, it’s the only website needed to plan a backpackers ramble or decadent whirlwind tour.

Photo credit: Sarah Deveau

LG Air Travel Editor

Look up in the sky! It’s a bird….it’s a plane! No….it’s your weekly air travel news! Here’s what’s happening in the world of aviation, from the ground up.  

Airports Not To Be Stuck In

While some airport management teams are trying to better their airports, there are still many more that don’t seem to care at all about it. Lack of dining choices, confusing or non-existent signage and basic cleanliness problems are just a few of the issues you’ll find at these locations. While some claim to have changes on the horizon, the sad fact is that if you can avoid these – and it’s not easy as they’re all major airports – DO!   Source:  Yahoo

Spirit Can’t Get Into The Spirit

Last week a new Department of Transportation rule was put into effect that, among other things, makes it harder for airlines to hide taxes and fees from consumers. Until then, an airline could advertise a super-cheap fare only to have the purchaser be surprised with the actual final purchase price. Spirit sees it another way…they sent an email out to their passenger list stating that the government is requiring them to ‘hide’ the taxes and fees in their fares. Just a difference of opinion or something else?  Source:  USAToday

On The Airline Horizon

While your airport experience may leave you cold, many of the airlines have some upgrades scheduled for the coming year. And not just for the front of the plane…the cheap seats should be more comfortable soon. Everything from onboard espresso machines to USB ports at every seat to increased Wi-Fi availability is expected to be coming your way sooner rather than later.  Source:  Jaunted

What Passengers Complain About

Anyone who flies knows that there is much to complain about in the world of air travel. Uncaring customer service and no leg room aside, does it really matter if your flight attendant is supermodel material? Apparently to some people it does. I’m not sure where these people get their lofty expectations from, but they obviously haven’t flown lately.  Source:  Breaking Travel News

Photo credit:  DearEdward, maka/flickr

Everything changed in the Middle East in December 2010, when Muhammad Al Bouazizi, a Tunisian fruit seller, lit himself on fire and ignited what is popularly called the “Arab Spring.” Though a little over a year has past, there is still unrest and revolution occurring throughout many of the Arab countries which makes traveling a bit difficult. It also makes this the most exciting time to travel in the region, and if you know how to stay safe you can have a highly rewarding experience.

Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the environment during, and after, a revolution:

Before you go, read the news and sign up for text message alerts with the US Embassy. While these tend to be suggestions no matter where you’re traveling, the alerts will you give you a general idea of which areas might be best left to another day, and what the current attitude is toward foreigners.

• Dress for the occasion. If you’re traveling to a place with ongoing protests (and therefore ongoing crackdowns) wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to out run a situation. Wear a scarf to help you blend in, and subsequently help protect your nose and mouth from teargas. This could also come in handy if you need to seek refuge in a mosque or other religious place while waiting out a demonstration.

• Keep a bottle of Coca-Cola on hand. It does amazing things for tear gas.

• Know who to follow on twitter. While you can’t trust everything you read in 140 characters or less, following tweets in your region can help keep you aware of the situation. This is also a great way to get a visual through twitpics and video.

• Keep your opinions online about the revolution limited. These things are happening in police states, the government will know what you tweet.

• Travel with other people when possible. Even if you’ve been living or traveling in an area for a long time, you can’t anticipate every possible fork in the road. It’s always safer to travel with another person.

• Keep your passport handy. Police checkpoints are easier to go through if you know to have your passport on hand and ready to be inspected. Stay calm. It’s like going through customs – no one will benefit if you lose your patience.

• Remember that this is first and foremost about their country, and their future.

• Most importantly: talk to people. Get caught up in the moment, but always have an exit plan.

Right upon check-in, walk down the wood floor hallway and enjoy Gallery Hostels’ bright white, clean interior, decorated by a hip area artist and is ever changing. Gallery Hostel has a conveniently located outdoor patio tucked next to the hostel bar where you can enjoy a glass of local Portuguese wine or liquor on a mild evening. Behind the bar, you can watch a DVD or play a game of super-size chess in the spacious, cozy common area with other hostel guests.

In the mornings, dig into a delicious complementary breakfast made fresh daily by the staff cooks. You can ask for eggs to order, or munch on cereal and Portuguese sweet bread before heading off on your day. The kitchen is meticulously clean, the coffee is piping hot, and the food is tasty—the perfect way to start your day.

Gallery Hostel is divided into two main sleeping sections. Choose between staying in the main building in six or four person bedrooms, or for more privacy, stay in one of the Garden Suites behind the kitchen area. In the main building, each room is named after a renowned artist from Oporto such as Sophia Mello Breyner, Almeida Garrett and Julio Resende. The Garden Suites are named after the main Oporto city parks (Cordoaria, Botânico, Serralves and Palácio de Cristal).

Have questions about Porto sightseeing and things to do? Just ask one of the multilingual, knowledgeable staff members stationed at the front desk, 24 hours. Don’t miss Porto’s six-bridge boat tours, which range from 10-20 euros and last about 50 minutes. Afterward, walk across one of the bridges to the other side of the Douro River and head uphill to Taylor’s for a free port wine tasting in their caves. Porto itself is walkable, but it’s a city built on a hill so be prepared to huff it up and down steep cobblestone streets and flights of stone stairs. If you have time, take the STCP public bus (line 550) about 15 minutes to the ocean and walk up and down the waterfront. Check out Porto’s 15-foot waves and rugged coastline—it’s one of the surfing capitals of Europe and you can see people riding the waves year round. Buses operate regularly from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and less frequently at night. Purchase tickets from the driver for less than two euros.

Most importantly, don’t let the 20-euro + price per night scare you away. You get what you pay for—and more—in cleanliness, safety, location, complimentary breakfast, (they don’t skimp on food here!). Plus, Gallery Hostel has free wi-fi, two available computers if you don’t bring your own, linens, towels, lockers and hot showers. A few nights at Gallery Hostel with a couple days in Porto and you’ll have an ideal, wallet-friendly weekend getaway.

You can book your stay at Gallery Hostel here.

This week’s lost girl, Sarah Rowland, took an unfortunate situation as an opportunity to see the world. A graduate from the University of Alabama, She is always eager to plan her next adventure. Read more about Sarah and her travels on her blog, wild at heart.

*****

“The test of an adventure is that when you’re in the middle of it, you say to yourself, ‘Oh, now I’ve gotten myself into an awful mess; I wish I were sitting quietly at home.’ And the sign that something’s wrong with you, is when you sit quietly at home and wish for adventure.” -Thorton Wilder

All of my life, I’ve had a plan. I graduated high school knowing exactly where I wanted to attend college and how I was going to get myself there. Throughout college, I planned to graduate within four years and immediately begin my advanced nursing degree. In May of 2010, I graduated from the University of Alabama with an English and French degree in my hand and a life plan. I was headed to Boston to begin my studies in August, when my plans took a rapid change. I received a call from the director saying that one of my credits was not the correct course number to complete my requirements and that I was being given deferred admittance. My memories of that day are still quite sad. I can still see my parents and I unpacking my belongings, returning my uniforms, and trying to figure out what was in store for me next…

However true, looking back on that time, I now realize why I did not move to Boston that day. Out of that missed opportunity came the opportunity to travel, allowing me to grow and learn from experiences. The day after I received the news, I was given an internship offer in London, England. Soon after, I packed my bags and left for the UK, not knowing who I would meet, what exactly I would be doing, or what was in store for me. In all honestly, my semester in London was far greater than any of my expectations. I met some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life, I traveled to places that looked like pictures in a book, and I learned more about myself than I could have ever known by simply staying at home. Waking up in a foreign and beautiful country everyday is such an incredible thing. It takes courage and independence, but it’s an experience that allows for so much personal growth. I am a strong believer in the fact that traveling is the best form of education, if you will allow yourself to learn from the people you meet along the way.

To me, London is  a place like none other. At times, the city allows you to feel very close to home, while at other times you feel so far away.  Leaving the comforts of home for the unknown is intimidating, but if you allow yourself to take that risk, you will be forever changed, because traveling alone is an experience like no other. You have to learn to take the bus by yourself, catch your flight by yourself, choose the right metro line by yourself, wheel your luggage by yourself… it can be quite challenging. There’s no one there to assure you that you’re going the right way, or that you’ve chosen the right converter and won’t blow up your own computer. There’s no one to help you flag down a taxi, or unlock the five padlocks that give you access to your apartment. It’s lonely in ways, as well, because there is no one to share in the nervousness, or excitement. It can bring about a string of emotions from happiness to sadness to worry to simply feeling alone. However true, I think

I feel so lucky to have had the time and opportunity to travel throughout Europe, the UK, and Africa over the past eight months. However, like most “lost girls,” my longing for travel is always there and  never repressed. I am constantly saving for and planning my next great adventure, because there are so many places that I hope to see. When I look at a map, my mind drifts to the adventures there, simply waiting to happen. While in London, I read Jack Karouac’s’ “Vagabonding,” which is an incredible book for lovers of long-term travel. The great mind of Karouac doesn’t even ask the question of “should I travel,” but instead asks us the question of “how will I travel.” His mindset is absolutely inspiring for fellow vagabonds, and because of this, I’ve created my own travel jar in my room where I save spare money for upcoming travels. I’m always looking forward to the next adventure, the next places I will visit, and all of the people I will encounter along the way. At the top of my list currently is Thailand, Australia, Brazil and Bali. I encourage you to make one of your own, putting your travel dreams in writing, because this is the first step to making it happen. I am always thinking about traveling, and thinking about the incredible places that I hope to see. We have to go out and fully embrace the adventure, if for no other reason than to simply get “lost.” Only then will you truly realize that you are strong enough to find your own way out.that it’s one of the best things that you can do for yourself. You discover things about yourself that you possibly couldn’t find otherwise. You learn your limits and become confident in yourself, and when it’s all over, you can look back and think, “Wow! I actually did that, all alone.”  It gives you time to think–time alone with your thoughts, to discover who you truly are–away from the monotony of every day life.