Travel Tips: My Top 6 Tips for Traveling in Europe

Since this one of my last full weeks in Europe for awhile, I thought I would share with you my favorite travel tips for traveling in Europe.

1. Buy Tickets Online: In cities with big tourist attractions that require tickets, it's always a good idea to try and buy the tickets on line. Most of the time you can even download a QR code onto your phone so you don't have to keep track of papers! It can be cheaper too!

2. Use Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: One of my favorite things to do is use a hop on, hop off bus when in a big city. It's cheap transportation and you get a to hear about landmarks you may not have known about! They are normally around 30 euro, which isn't too bad! These are easily an entire day.

3. Leave a day/afternoon free for exploring: One of my favorite parts about traveling, other than the food, is wandering and experiencing residential neighborhoods of cities. You find great gems, cool gifts and even a hidden landmark.

4. Book a shuttle or look into using public transportation: Honestly after traveling in a plane I don't want to have to deal with finding transportation. One week before I travel I look to see if there is a shuttle service that can take me to and from where I'm staying, or public transportation that's easy to navigate. In Paris, a shuttle service saved my 30 euro. We used a taxi in Berlin because it was easier and more worthwhile than public transportation. Don't always use a taxi as default!

5. Take pictures of monuments with Yourself: I didn't do this too much with other trips and I definitely regret it. This semester I took lots of pictures with my friends and myself because in 5 years I'll want those. Artsy pictures can always be bought.

6. Be aware of your surroundings: Pickpockets are real in Europe, though some cities are worse than others. Be aware of that when you're traveling, and make sure to find a suitable bag. Personally I prefer a crossover with a flap or a zipper because I can keep it in front of me with my hand on it. Don't be over vigilant but don't be oblivious either!


These are my top tips for Europe! What are yours? Where have you been? I've actually added more cities to my bucket list!


xoxo

Travel Tips: On a Plane

I have done a lot of plane traveling this semester, and I have to say I'm getting really good at packing a carry on and a bag for the weekend. This past weekend in Berlin I knew that I would have to pack some thicker clothes. Here are my tips on how to pack everything you will probably need on a plane ride.

For short trips (2-4 hours) 

-Liquids in a clear plastic bag. I found one that's bigger at Walmart that they've let me use all over the  EU and the US. It's reusable and durable. I keep this in my bag, not my carry on because that way I don't have to open and close my carry on.

-Keep your laptop and iPad/ tablet accessible. You have to take these out going through security

-Bring a scarf. Whether it's a blanket scarf or a regular scarf it's great to cover up with or use as a pillow. I rarely travel without one.

-Make sure to grab a bottle of water once you are past security. The air on planes is dry, and you can dehydrated really quickly. Make sure you drink it.

-Bring some of your own snacks. An apple, orange or banana can tide you over for awhile or at least save you some money on a snack.

-Pack one extra shirt, pair of underwear and socks in your carry on. Just in case.

-Take screen shots of your tickets and your itinerary if you decide to go paperless.

For long trips (4+ hours) 

-Bring makeup remover and your makeup on the plane with you. That way you can freshen up about halfway through the flight, also your pores will thank you

-Grab your glasses case and contacts case. You'll probably be sleeping and you don't want to dry out your contacts.

-Make sure to bring your own set of headphones, and some form of entertainment. Some people like to watch the in flight movies, or read books. You can even work on your laptop, but I would really recommend bringing something to do in case you can't sleep.

-Just add these things to your normal flight list and you'll be good to go!


Tips for packing 

-Roll your clothes!

-Plan out everything you would wear, and try to make sure that you can wear different pieces from different outfits together.

-Save room in your carry on for souvenirs! You never know what you may find.


What are your plane traveling tips? Have anywhere exciting to go soon?


PS Sorry for the absences, I'm soaking up the last few days with some of the closest friends I've made in an amazing place.

xoxo

Travel Tuesday: Adding Countries to the List

I'm back for another travel Tuesday post! This time I'm recapping the 10 days that my parents came to visit!


I met them in Barcelona the last Friday in October, and we explored the city. They were definitely really jet lagged, but we made reservations to see La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell for Saturday.

Columbus in the Port of Barcelona

Saturday we did a hop on, hop off bus tour in order to see a lot of Barcelona. It was the perfect, inexpensive way to see the city!

La Sagrada Familia. 

This picture does not do it justice. No matter your religion, Gaudi is talented and has created a masterpiece. 

Parc Güell and my new best friend the lizard.

My amazing parents and I in front of Barcelona. 

That night we got tickets from our hotel's front desk to a flamenco show! It was a blast! 

Sunday my parents and I hung around Las Ramblas, where our hotel was right off of. It's a great place to wander, and I would highly recommend that area if you're looking to stay in Barcelona! 

After that we flew to Bilbao together with one of my friends MW, whose family was also in Europe for the week. My parents and I went out to dinner at the restaurant adjacent to their hotel, and it was delicious. My parents stayed in a hotel on the beach near Algorta which was really nice because I could walk to their hotel! 

My parents and I hung out in Bilbao Monday and Tuesday in between my classes,and Wednesday they went to San Sebastian for the day because I really didn't have any breaks in my classes. After they got back we went out to dinner, and then said good-bye until Friday. 

My parents left Thursday morning for Paris, and did this romantic cruise and dinner. (Apparently I'm not romantic, which is why I was not allowed to attend.)

Friday I joined them in Paris, and as soon as I got in we headed over to the Eiffel Tower. To say the least it was amazing. After the Eiffel Tower we walked on over to the Louvre and then the Notre Dame. We ended our day with a nice dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. 

Don't I come from a great looking couple?

From the top of the Eiffel Tower

Paris at Sunset

The Louvre at Sunset

Notre Dame at night.

Saturday we got up early and headed out to Versailles. We took the metro, and ended up taking a guided tour of the Dauphin's apartments, and that was great! We walked around the official apartments afterwards then headed back in to Paris in order to see the Arc de Triumph. It was amazing to say the least. 

Walking into Versailles

The Hall of Mirrors

Our hotel was right in between the Arc de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower. It was an amazing, and we were able to walk around quite a bit. We napped for a bit before dinner then went to this amazing Italian family restaurant called Orzio. I would highly recommend it. 

My dad and I 

Arc de Triumph

Sunday morning I said  goodbye and made my way back to Bilbao. As of today, I have one month left in Bilbao, and 34 days until I go home. I can't believe that this is going by so quickly. 

 This past weekend I was in Bilbao, and also for the next two. We have a long weekend where MH, MW and I are headed to Berlin. We've already booked a flat and are looking forward to exploring the city! After Berlin I have 3 days of class left, then one last weekend with my good friends. Two days of exams, a day to pack and then Thursday it's off to Essen to visit my lovely German family.


Then finally home for Christmas.


Stay tuned for a recap of my last month, as well as some Christmas links and travel tips!

xoxo

Travel Tuesday Week 5: Playing Tour Guide & Another Country

This week was great. I went to France, started nannying and got to see my grandparents. I also continue to grow more confident in my spanish skills and navigation skills.


Seeing my grandparents was great, but a little disorganized. I learned that actually finding a restaurant in Bilbao is more difficult than you would think, and I'm glad that I figured this out before my parents come for almost a week.

France was beautiful, we went to experience what the french part of Pais Vasco (Basque Country) was like. The French basques don't have the same cultural heritage as the Spanish basques because of the French policies. I can now add another country to my list, so I've been to four European countries.  I can't wait to add one more at the end of my semester abroad!

I've also had a couple of moments where I can't believe I'm actually in a foreign country, living as a "local". I use the metro at least two times a day, sometimes four or five. I know what candy to buy in the local shops, and what kind of drink I'll order. It's kind of a pinch me moment!

Also getting my fall clothes was great, but the homemade cookies from my mom made my week!

I know this post is late, but I've been a little sick this week and trying to catch up on papers and homework.

Here are some pictures from my trip to France, and my grandparents visit!

The beach in Saint Jean de Luz

French Street

We're so happy to add another country to our list!

We were reflecting on the beauty of the sea. 

xoxo