The first time I traveled to Europe for an extensive period of time, I brought two large suitcases, a small duffle bag and a large tote. Since those early days of over-packing, each time I head to Europe for more than a month, I try to pair down how much I carry. Lugging suitcases on trains, planes and across cobbled cities while dodging tour groups is every traveler’s hellish, sweaty nightmare. Those condensed packing lists advising to just pack two T-shirts, one tank top, three dresses and four pairs of underwear aren’t up any sort of alley I want to be on in the first place. Traveling Continue Reading
Avoiding Bankruptcy When Shopping For a Summer Flight To Europe
As I shopped for my flight to Europe this upcoming May, I read article after article about how to score the best-priced flight. Some experts told the day, the very hour in which you should book your flight overseas. Others recommended going in the off-season. The flights will be cheaper and so will the accommodations, car rentals and meals. I didn’t want to go in the off-season. I wanted to experience Europe in the summer, when places are actually open and the scenery can be at its most bright and vivid. The true challenge of shopping for a flight to Europe is scoring a good deal in the Continue Reading
How You Can Spend Three Months in Europe and Not Go Broke
I wouldn’t say I am a budget traveler, but then again I would. I hate overpriced tourist traps. Europe happens to have loads. However, I appreciate travel splurges here and there, a nice meal or a three star hotel. When I set out for Italy this summer, I knew it was obviously a more expensive option than going to live in a village in Africa or backpacking through Southeast Asia. Since I could walk, a challenge has never made me back down. I left for Italy with very little money. For those of you who dream of spending a few months in Europe, specifically Italy, it is possible. Here are some Continue Reading
Where are you going? The Baptism of a Distant Grandmother in Fulda, Germany
I am standing in the Fulda Cathedral, just northeast of Frankfurt in Germany. Mass is about to begin but I have to be on my way out of town. Where I am standing, the structure I have found myself today is strangely and distantly familiar. I would not find out until I returned home that my great great grandmother or great great great grandmother was baptized in the Fulda Cathedral. Regardless, I’m sure she really was great. Now I understand why it felt familiar. Fulda is not packed with tourists. In fact, when I told people where I was going, they had no idea where the town could be. Continue Reading