Travel Tuesday

Well hello there, it's been awhile since I've posted. To be honest it's been a lack of inspiration. Yesterday was officially the half way point for me, and I'm honestly excited about it. I've been making plans for Christmas vacation, and I might even be able to figure out where I'm living next semester. It seems to be the time where life at home is going to continue and I'm honestly happy about it.

My parents and I meet up in Barcelona on Friday, and I can't wait to see them. I didn't realize quite how close I was with my family until I've had to be away from them for this long, where communication isn't as easy as in the US.

Here are some pictures of what I've been up to the past couple of weeks!

The park in front of la Casa de Juntas in Gernika, a sacred place for the Basque people.

Inside la Casa de Juntas in Gernika

The old tree stump from the Basque's oak tree. In the Middle Ages, the basque government met under oak trees. 

A replica of Picasso's Gernika.

Mundaka Spain

It's really breathtaking

People at the beach in the middle of October. Which I'm told is extremely rare. 

More pictures of the ocean, I just couldn't help myself!

We love field trips!

The view from where we hung out for the afternoon!

Bilbao at night!

More fun times!

Is there anything y'all miss from me? Organization tips or study tips?

Is there anything you want to know from my study abroad experience? 

xoxo

Study Abroad: My BackPack

In two weeks I'll be boarding a plane to Spain! While I don't have all my documents yet (procrastination) here is an over view of what I'm taking with me on the plane. I'll also post what's going in my suitcase that I'm taking with me on the plane once I leave. (Lets be honest that's not happening until Labor Day weekend)

I have The  Northface Borealis backpack in black because I figured it would show stains less, and help me blend in a bit. I'll be bringing this as my "purse" on the plane so that I can have everything important with me. Not the most fashionable bag, but sometimes practicality wins out.

Clockwise starting with my laptop. 

Laptop: Obvious enough, too precious to pack! 

Water bottle:Make sure it's empty! I bring mine so that the stewards can fill it up during the "night" (Make sure to ask nicely and treat them like people) 

Wallet

iPhone charger:Playing music and searching for WiFi in airports drains my battery, so this is the perfect way to make sure it's charged for when I arrive at my destination.

Compact Mirror/Polka dot make-up bag: I bring mascara, oil sheets and cover-up with me to freshen up in the bathroom before grabbing my luggage. 

Blue pencil bag/Gold Dot notebook: In case I need to write things down, like blog posts or random thoughts. I always have something like this with me. 

Lilly Agenda:Basically my life. Of course it's coming with me. 

Charging cords: Easy access to charge any of my devices in airports!

iPad:I can read, watch movies and play games to try and entertain myself on my long flight!

Accordion folder: This has al of my important information in it! This way I have plenty of ways to help myself if something happens,

Not Pictured

Camera: For pictures

Food: You never know what the airplane food will be like or if you'll have a longer lay over than expected. 

Travel Papers: Make sure to have multiple forms of i.d., your passport, your visa, your insurance and copies of all of them. Keep some copies in your suitcase, and on you. 

What do you bring with you? 

xoxo

Study Abroad: Toiletries & Accessories

Honestly this was  probably the hardest post for me to write! Having to narrow things down is definitely difficult because I know that I want to buy things while I'm over in Spain.

Here is my list of essential toiletries

Toiletries are pretty self-explanatory. I’ve read a couple of websites that suggest buying hair product once you get to the country you’re in but I personally have favorites that have always worked and am perfectly okay with packing everything I need since I have family who could possibly replenish me.

Feminine products are a necessary evil, and I would suggest bringing your favorite brand with you. Products vary across each country and region. I have found that I do not like European feminine products so I will be brining my own.

Some things on this list are similar across the world and you should be able to replenish them at any time.

Here is my list of suggested accessories to bring with you

When it comes to accessories I personally don’t have a lot because I don’t usually wear more than a necklace and earrings. I love my shoes though if you couldn’t tell. I know I shouldn’t bring this many but I am having such a hard time narrowing them down. If you have any tips please leave them in the comments or email me!

Scarves are a must when traveling, and I’m excited to pick up more as I start to travel in Europe!

Anything you would add? Are you traveling anytime soon? 

xoxo

Study Abroad: Clothes Packing List

I'm really excited to finally start my study abroad series! I leave in 28 days, and I know that it's going to fly by. Every Monday in August I will be posting about my study abroad packing process.

First is what clothes I'm packing. Read: this does not mean shoes (whole different post).

Layering is key:Since I am going to be studying abroad during two major season shifts, I am going to have to layer. That's why I'm bring sweaters and button ups as well as cardigans and t-shirts. I want to stay true to my classic, preppy style while being able to mix & match.

Buy statement pieces there: If you don't know about the magical world of H&M you need to find one. Since I will be there for 4 months I want to kind of blend in, so I am looking to get trendier pieces at H&M. It's cheaper this way and my suitcase will be lighter.

Basically my plan is K.I.S.S. , keep it simple stupid. This way I have what I need but don't spend a lot of time wondering what I am going to wear.

What would you add clothing wise to this list? Any other tips for studying abroad?


xoxo

P&P Studies Abroad

If y'all don't remember this post from March, I'll be studying abroad! I have surprise for y'all this coming August, but until then I am going to be posting about my steps leading up to studying abroad this semester.

{Passport} I've had a passport since I was 16, but for those who don't, you'll need that before you can really do anything else. Walgreens is where I got to get photos, but a quick Google search should give you other options!

{Visa} Make sure to know about what is required for your visa and what is not. It is a lot of paperwork and should be started ASAP! I would recommend getting everything done right away. I procrastinated a little bit on mine and am definitely regretting it. You have to wait for some paper work but have everything ready right away.

{Flight} Once you get your passport, I suggest looking for flights. They can be really expensive, and depending on whether or not you have a lot of time. I would search student discounted sites as well! I didn't know about these until just recently.
If you're going for a semester like I am, and plan on traveling after your semester don't book a round trip right away. I'm traveling with a friend at the end of my semester and we haven't completely planned our trip yet so I'm waiting to buy a one-way ticket back!

{Credit Card} Try and find a credit card that won't charge you exchange fees. Also, request that the company give you a microchip in your credit card. Long story short you might have your credit card information stolen in Europe if you don't have the microchip.


Sometimes we all forget about these big things in the excitement of studying abroad! Are you studying abroad? Where?

xoxo