Ditch That Itinerary

For years I have traveled with an itinerary for each place I go, not by choice though, usually something planned by family or another reason.  After my 6 month hiatus, I've decided to re-enter the blog world which I have missed so dearly now that summer is here and I have time to travel.  I am very thankful that my site has still been getting so many views, even over the past few days.  You all rock!  Anyways...

If I only one piece of advice to give you right now, I would tell you to leave that itinerary of yours at home, or better yet--never create one!  Well, unless this is a business trip or something of the sort.  Using an itinerary is only going to create stress will you are trying to enjoy time away from your hectic life.  Isn't the point of a vacation to enjoy those around you as well as your destination with not a care in the world?  That is always my plan!

This past week, my old college roommate and I packed up and headed south.  While she resides on the west coast and I live close to the east coast, we both have this crazy desire to travel whenever possible.  Our trip consisted of three days in the Big Easy, while ending our trip in Death Valley.  I have been to both these exciting hot spots before, but with family so my experience was limited.  This time, we hit the streets of the French Quarters with no plan in site and made some great memories I'm sure we don't exactly remember.  Our time up in Baton Rouge was a little more planned, since we were attending the Bayou Country Superfest, but still had an excellent experience and even had a home style craw fish boil!

Exploring without a plan gives you the chance to experience the touristy and non-touristy things to do.  Granted I do not love the tourism attractions, but they're also great to experience because that is what they are there for.  I believe finding the hidden gems within the area are even more exciting, they're not commercialized and you get the true experience of a place.  Now do not go on a trip completely blind!  I prepared for this trip by looking up maps of the local area and also looking up some of the tourist attractions.  By doing this simple and quick research, you will be able to find the items you really want to explore, and also discover where the safe and not so safe areas of town are.  Also be open minded and make some new friends.  Let the locals tell you some of the best places to check out, while also being cautious.  We talked to some bartenders, servers, and other travelers we met and got some excellent trips.  I am fortunate to have had such a great Louisiana experience!

Where will you "Stay"?

Wouldn't it be nice to log onto some travel website, look up a city and all their attractions, and magically create your very own itinerary?

Well, look no further!  Stay.com is a website designed just for that, not magic necessary.  Once you have navigated your way to this website, create your personal account in just seconds and begin planning your "fit-for-you" vacation.  Create a romantic escape for you and your other half, or create a family friendly experience of a life time.  Whether you're looking for all the tourist spots, or a way to live it up, Stay.com will help you create your trip just for you.

If you need help creating an itinerary, there are already many out there created by other users.  Once your itinerary is complete to your perfection, print it off and on your way!  Or, for the smart phone lovers, download the new app to always have this helpful site at the touch of your fingers.

With all the good, there may be things you don't enjoy.  It has been about 8 months since I've last taken a good look at this website, and since then the site has expanded more than before!  Some destinations may not be found, especially if they are not an extremely popular location.  This is why Stay.com offers you to give feed back on their forum and blog!

Overall, take some time to check this website out for your travel planning worries.  Having your plans organized on one site will ease your stress of  creating the perfect trip.  A great site for all types of travel!  Thumbs up to Stay.com!

Website:  http://www.stay.com/
Twitter:  @staydotcom
Facebook:  Stay.com

Lost & Found

After a good four months of abuse to my blog, it's time to make a reappearance, and revamp now that winter break is in full swing.  Travel has been on my mind a lot (as always), day dreaming of moving next summer and the desire to do something crazy and maybe just go to another country.  With this being said, I still have my wild desire to some how claim my way to fame and host my own Travel Channel show.

As far as the "revamp" to the blog, my daily topics are going to slightly change:
Service Sunday, Marvels Monday, Travel Tip Tuesday, Website Wednesday, Trivia Thursday, Favorites Friday, and Savory Saturday.
I'm not going to explain what the all mean, you should be able to get the hint, if you don't then stay tuned to my blog.

In honor of Marvels Monday, I want to "marvel" in some natural beauty which I will always find quite astounding.  And no, it's not from Australia, for once!

Far, in the northwest corner of the United States, we find a state snug between Canada and Oregon, looking out onto the great Pacific.  The great, green state of Washington!  Seattle has become a new place close to my heart, since my old college roommate is from the gorgeous city and has since moved back.  I've only traveled their twice, but from all that I've seen I love it so far.

The lively, little city and breath taking mountains makes Seattle a place inviting to all.  Each time I have flown home, I have been lucky to be stuck in the window seat looking out at Mt. Rainier.  This folks is my marvel for this Monday.  Beautiful and breath taking.  Enjoy the photos!
 

Mt. Rainier --January 2011

 

Mt. Rainier --August 2011



Love/Hate Tug-of-War with Flying

My little trip this past weekend reminded me and enhanced my love of traveling and the adrenaline rush I get when I'm at the airport and on the plane.  I usually have very smooth flights no matter where I go, which I'm lucky that I've never really had problems.  This was one of my first times I had some issues with my flights going smoothly and trigger the thought of, "Love/Hate" with flying.

The things I hate:
-Delays & disorganization
-Not having window seats
-Rude passengers you are stuck by
-Turbulence
-Prices in the airport & on the plane
-Impatient passengers trying to be the first one of the plane

The things I love:
-The excitement and adrenaline rush
-All the emotions I feel as well as the ones I see from people around me
-Meeting people
-Window seats
-Watching thunderstorms from above the clouds
-Taking off and landing
-Arriving at my destination

Out of everything, I must say that the things I love out weight the things I hate.  You always have to take some bad to appreciate the good.  Every time I return from a trip, I look forward immensely to the next trip I will be taking. 

Scares & Scars of Shark Week

While many of us are enjoying the exhilarating shows of Discovery Channel's 'Shark Week' --there are many things to be learned.  As for my working brain I always go beyond what the actual show is talking about.  One thing that keeps popping into my mind is how to stay safe on your vacation if you encounter a shark infested area.  This is a simple tip, and taking the extra time to follow through could really make a difference.  Check out the latest episode of "Caitlin Takes on the World"!

Caitlin Takes on the World -Episode 1: "Avoid 'Shark Week' Nightmares"

No dancing at the metro station.

One thing I always loved when visiting D.C. was the adrenaline rush I got from riding the metro train.  Basically like a subway, but you're not always underground.  There was something I loved about it in all it's unglamorous glory.  Not only did I enjoy taking the metro, I was excellent at navigating my way from all the different stations and the different lines.  When I was in D.C. this past April with fellow classmates for a communications convention, I was the tour guide.

After introducing them all to the craziness of the metro and paying our respects at Arlington National Cemetery, we were heading back to the city to check out some of the Smithsonian museums.  While waiting in the station, I walked up closer to the track by the floor lights.  Now I've never been diagnosed with ADD, but I often believe I have it.  I was distracted and highly amused with those flashy floor lights, that I felt the need to tap my right foot, then my left foot on top of it in a dancer fashion then strut my way back to my classmates.

Little did I know a security worker of some sort from the Pentagon happen to catch a good look at my 4 second routine.  I saw the man as I walked back, but he didn't appear to be a security worker, plus he was carrying a few grocery looking bags which I thought he was losing grip of.  Oh no he didn't--but oh yes he did.  Marching towards me such urgency and a clear mission in mind: "Now there is no dancing or playing around, especially that close to the tracks.  You understand that I could arrest you for this.  I have more serious criminals to worry about, do you think I really want to waste my time and yours on something silly as this."  Horrifically embarrassed, myself and my classmates were stunned in disbelief that this man made such a big deal.  Sir, I understand your concern for the safety of the public as well as the safety of our government figures, but do I look like I'm 12? or that I'm suicidal?  No sir, I think not.  It was highly uncalled for.

After about 5 minutes, all we could do was laugh and talk about that incident until our train had pulled into the station.  Lesson learned kids, don't get ADD and try to dance in the metro station.  Security folk are lurking and will swoop in for the attack.

Stay Tuned!

Lately I have disappeared from the blog world, abusing my blog and my love of writing about travel.  My busy schedule has worn be down a bit making me lack the motivation to blog.  While I think this is a horrid excuse myself, I have also been thinking of a new idea and here it is--hosting my own mini-series about travel.

I have career dreams, and this one is a crazy one that I will always strive for even if I don't reach it.  I would love to host my own travel show on the Travel Channel opening the eyes of viewers to see beauty in very popular places, but also the "hidden gems" you wouldn't expect.

So here it is, my first episode.  It's short and give you a brief synopsis of what this series will entail.  More episodes will be coming regularly a few times a week.  Please watch, stay tuned, and feel free to comment or suggest things!  Enjoy!

Caitlin Takes on the World -Introduction: "Just a Small Town Girl"



What's for dinner?

The age old question of what's for dinner.  This week I got to experience two dinners inspired by two different regions miles from where I live.

My aunt and uncle from Louisiana are in town for the week, and my uncle being born and raised Louisiana thought it was only appropriate to share his love of Cajun food.  My aunt served us all with some homemade jambalaya, craw fish pie, and Cajun shrimp.  Since I'm not a huge fan of fish, I passed on the craw fish pie--even though everyone else said it was absolutely delicious.  I did eat the rest though.  The Cajun shrimp was amazing, perfect kick of spices and southern zing, just how one may imagine Cajun food making your taste buds go wild.  The jambalaya was a nice pallate cleanser, neutralizing the spices of the Cajun shrimp.  Altogether, a wonderful southern home style meal.

This week, I also took my love of Italian food and created a delicious meal for my mother and I while my dad was out golfing (he missed out!). 

So for inquiring minds, here's my little recipe to make a delicious Summer Pesto Pasta.  Also a healthy meal!

You will need:
One garlic clove
Basil
Whole wheat thin spaghetti or capellini
Feta cheese
Cherry tomatoes
Zucchini
Pesto Sauce
Salt & Pepper
Olive Oil

-Boil whole wheat thin spaghetti or capellini until it is al dente (moderately soft, still semi-chewy.)

-Peel & slice a zucchini, place round slices on a cookie sheet (sprayed with cooking spray).  Drizzle some olive oil over top, season with pepper and basil.  Broil in the oven for 10 minutes on eat side.

-Slice cherry tomatoes into fourths.

-Once zucchini is finished, let cool for 5 minutes and cut into halves or fourths depending on size.

-After pasta is drained, mix in enough pesto sauce to coat the spaghetti.  It's not meant to be overly covered in sauce.

-Mix in feta cheese, the cut cherry tomatoes, basil, fresh pressed garlic, pepper, salt, and zucchini.

Enjoy!

Where have I gone?

Where have I gone?  Somewhere you would think since I've disappeared from my blog for about a month.  Sadly, I have not gone anywhere except to work.  The energy and motivation to write great posts hasn't been as exciting as usual, mostly because I'm exhausted.  But I'm not here to complain.

This girl has some new and coming ideas to my wonderful blog readers (and in hopes to attract more!)  The past few days I have been gearing up to launch a photo site as well as a YouTube channel.  I will be bringing my readers beautiful pictures that yours truly has taken--and maybe a few I find of places I have yet to go.  I will also be starting a mini-series on my YouTube channel covering tips, ideas, jobs, hidden gems, and so on which are all travel related.

Stay posted and don't give up on me yet!  I'm finding more time to get back to it all and keep you all up on the latest in travel.  Get excited and enjoy any travels you have this summer!

Travel Tip #6: Creating Relationships While Abroad

Whenever traveling on a vacation or studying abroad, you're bound to create some type of friendship with a new face.  This is more common, though, when studying abroad.  When studying abroad, you're gone for an extended period of time, without having your friends and family there and needing someone to spend your extra time with.  Creating new friendships and networking with new people, especially in another country, is a great experience.  While it is great to create new relationships while abroad, you must also be smart about the relationships you make.

The benefits of making new relationships are obvious.  You have people to hangout with, create networks to potentially help your future, and a person to keep in touch with once you have returned home.  The downfall is letting yourself get too attached or too romantically involved.  Sure you may find the love of your life while you're overseas, but don't let this idea cloud your common sense.  Don't get sexually involved either, you don't know what repercussions could come from that as well.

Above all, just use your common sense and enjoy your time you have while overseas.  Create new friendships and stay in touch after you've come home.  You never know how these relationships may help you in the future!

Similar Pride and Honor Across the Sea

June 5th, 2009 was a day in which I never existed.  No I did not die and return back to life, but I was settled on the biggest plane I had ever been on crossing the International Dateline heading towards Australia.  The memories aren't quite as strong which each new passing year, but for what ever reason why I'm captivated by that country lives on.  In honor of Memorial day last week, I noticed pictures from Australia that relate to war memorials we have in D.C. but found in Australia.

Roll of Honour

The capital of Australia is Canberra, with a lot of open area surrounding it.  Unlike Washington D.C. everything is not just a hop, skip, and a jump away.  You will find other similarities though, such as a Senate and House of Representatives, although their government is ran in a British structure with their Prime Minister as the country's leader.  You will also see war memorials and monuments dedicated to those who had served in the Australian military because they were dragged into another country's battle as a helpful ally.  I found all the monuments to be touching, beautiful, and a great way to honor those.  The Roll of Honour is similar to the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C., but here visitors place red poppies in the wall as a symbol for those who lost their lives in battle.  Also like us Americans, Canberra holds a special tomb to the Australian Unknown Soldier, though not as heavily guarded as the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Washington D.C.

Like us Americans, Australians really show their pride and love for their country in their nation's capital.  The war memorials I was so lucky to see allowed me to have a deeper connection with Australia than I ever thought possible.

Slang on a Sunday

After realizing how much abuse I have done to my blog, I wanted to write a short, fun post to prove I have not fallen off the face of the earth.  This past week I moved home from college and found a lot of my stuff from Australia, including my journal I kept.  In the back I kept some fun slang terms I learned while abroad.  Here are just a few random ones:

Lift = Elevator
Rubbish = Trash
Cheers = Hello/Goodbye
Dunnie = Outhouse (although we called ever bathroom a dunnie because we thought it was silly)
Chooks = Chickens
Fire Brigade = Firemen
Sun Bake = Tanning

These are the first few slang terms I really encountered, but have more to come in the future that are a lot more fun.  I will close with this insult our professors told to us:

"I hope you chook turns into an emu and kicks down your dunnie!"

Think about that one!

Travel Tip #5: Train Your Body

Whether you're going near or far, it is always best to prepare your body for the trip you have in store.  It's about two weeks before your trip and by now you have a pretty good idea in mind of what you'll be seeing, what you'll be physically doing, and what you will be eating.  Diet, exercise, and rest are going to be your three favorite things to do before leaving on your trip.  Trips that are within the country or only a few time zones away will not be as detrimental to your body as opposed to a trip on the other side of the world.

If you know you're going to be doing a lot of walking, hiking, or any other physical activity, be sure to take some time to walk a few extra feet or maybe even do a little cardio.  By doing this you will be able to boost your stamina and endurance, all so you feel lest winded and less exhausted will you're on your trip.  Any time you travel somewhere there is usually always a vast amount of walking involved, especially if you are doing a lot of site seeing.

Make sure you get plenty of rest within the week or two prior to your departing date.  If you're driving, you'll need to rest to stay focused on the road.  If you're flying, you want to make sure jet lag doesn't take it's toll on you making you exhausted and sick.  If you happen to be in a time zone that has a great different from your home town, take the few days before leaving to start adjusting your body to that time zone.  Stay up later or go to bed earlier--depending on if you're traveling East or West or even beyond the International Dateline.

Lastly, keep your diet in tip top condition.  If you know you're going somewhere where the food is extremely different from your everyday diet, invest in supplementary vitamins and other supplements that control gas and bowel movements (sounds gross, but you'll thank me later).  Make sure you're eating well balanced meals before you leave that are full of protein, vitamins, and all the good stuff you need!  Stay well hydrated as well, traveling by car as well as by plane can easily dehydrate you.  One common side effect from jet lag is dehydration, which I happened to experience when I returned from Australia.

Take all these pointers into consideration.  You'll feel great and not miss a beat while on your trip you have been looking forward to for weeks or months!

The 60's Live On

As I was boarding my flight from Auckland, New Zealand to Brisbane, Australia I day dreamed about that great experiences that were awaiting me.  Seeing the red dirt of the outback, taking post-card photos of the Sydney Opera House, and most importantly listening to those charming Australian accents.  Now I knew there would be things I would come across that I would not expect, but this one was really off the charts.  The village of Nimbin is tucked away off numerous side roads in the mountains of New South Wales, about an hour drive from the university I was at in the Gold Coast, Queensland.

About 7 of us hopped into a van, and after two hours of being totally lost, found this magical village known as Nimbin.  As we pulled up to the village, I had to blink twice.  It was unlike anything I had ever seen, something you would see in a movie or hallucinate when you are high (which is probably how it was developed).  Nimbin was a true hippie village, creating everything from all natural hemp, and hosting rallies each day at 4:20 p.m.  The rallies were hosted by locals who either sang or spoke in the support of legalizing marijuana.  The locals who hung out there and work their were as friendly as they come, I'm sure for reasons than other being a welcoming Australian.  You could roll your own fatty in some of the cafes, enjoy a hemp cookie or some hookah.  Either way it was a place to escape the bustling cities on the coast and really just chill.  A couple of us tried the cookies while we were there--absolutely delicious!  Resulting in absolute happiness later.

Nimbin also had their own special museum dedicated to that special green plant.  The museum had replicas of old VW buses as well as protest signs for legalization of marijuana.  One room is dedicated to wars Australians have been brought into as allies, promoting nothing but peace.  It was just astounding to me to see such a museum exist in such a town.  If not for my pictures I took I would have thought I was dreaming it all up or just on some crazy high.

This is something I can truly never forget, even if I tried.  So as I close with this wild adventure I experienced, I leave you all with some pictures.  Nimbin made me love Australia even more.

In a Sunburned Country

If you know me at all, you know I have an obsession with Australia.  If you don't know me, well here's your heads up.  Ever since I studied abroad in Australia I have felt connected to that beautiful country and always feel like it has a part of me.  Sounds like a cheesy love story doesn't it?

One of the girls I studied abroad with recommended to our group to read this humorous book about traveling through Australia.  Since our program was a study tour, we got to see a vast majority of the country experiencing all climates, which made the book easy to relate to.  The book is In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson, and he takes you on his own personal trip through the country allowing you to feel like you are actually there.  His witty personality and dry humor keeps you gripped into his wild adventures.

I've enjoyed reading this book, relating to my own memories of my trip there.  Take the time to travel on the wild side while still sitting in your own home.  You'll get an idea of the mystery, marvels, and mischievous adventures found in Australia.

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
--Dorothea Mackellar, "My Country" (formerly "Core of My Heart")

Hidden Hibachi

Being inspired by my own tip about looking for that hidden gem, I've decided to create a mini series about looking for that diamond in the rough.  Whether it's local or national, I will highlight places or things I have found or others have found.  My first inspired hidden gem comes from the heart of Youngstown, Ohio--a city that is mostly known for high level of crime, murder, and unemployment.

The Tokyo House is a well kept dining secret that a handful of people in the area know about.  Advertisement is word of mouth through family and friends.  This establishment has been around for about 20 years now owned and operated by a strong husband-wife duo, Can and Hin.  The loyal customers start lining up at least an hour prior to opening to assure they can get the first table.  Since only Can and Hin are the only two who run the restaurant, you can sometimes wait up to a few hours, so it is important to get there before they open!  And yes, they are ALWAYS busy.

While the food is delicious and cheap for the mass amount you get, Can really makes the entire visit.  For his loyal visitors or even those who come now and then, he will remember who you are and the small details of your life like he is one of your close friends.  For the new comers, he gladly welcomes you to his restaurant and will have you laughing from the moment you sit down.  His witty humor and friendly personality makes the wait worthwhile and the food taste even better.  This truly is Youngstown's best kept dinning secret and a place well worth your time.

The Vindicator-Tokyo House article

Travel Tip #4: Look for the diamond in the rough.

So I'm a little behind on blogging, the semester is winding down and I'm getting ready to graduate (yippee!)  I will be combining my travel tip and website favorites together today because they go hand in hand.

The other day, the Travel Channel posted a tweet to find out what are some favorite travel tips of their followers.  I got excited because I had a few up my sleeve that would hopefully gain some attention.  Much to my surprise, one of my tips go retweeted, which brings us to travel tip #4: looking for the diamond in the rough.

When traveling near or far, you may really want to see the glamorous, tourist attractions, but don't be afraid to go with the flow.  You may stumble upon a hidden gem in a small town or big city.  I continuously find exciting places and outdoor places local to me that very few people know about, and I love it.  While abroad in Australia, I found numerous hidden gems--mostly found by my professors taking us around.  This is a short and simple tip, but a very wise one none the less.  You will get more out of your traveling adventures if you go with the flow and discover something ten times more astounding.

I will leave you with one of my favorites gems from Australia, North Stradbroke Island.  Geology research is done here, and it is also thriving with their small local population and coal mines.  Very few know about this island, but not many venture there unless they have a reason.  It's a quaint island thriving in aboriginal culture along with some of their more modern day residents.  Koalas run wild and you will not find an ounce of light pollution at night.  In the later hours of the night away from public shores, by light of a small flash light you will find dolphins coming up to the shore line.

Above:  A beautiful view of North Stradbroke Island

Left:  Sunset on Straddie
















Stay up to date with the Travel Channel!
Website:  travelchannel.com
Twitter:  @TravelChannel
Facebook:  facebook.com/travelchannel

I believe.

I don't wear pink simply because it's a trend--I have a reason and a passion. I know I am making a difference with my sisters. The day I stop wearing pink is the day they find a cure for breast cancer.

This Friday brings a special extra post since I am heading on a quick day trip tomorrow to Indianapolis, IN with a lot of my wonderful sorority sisters.  This trip is different than any other trip I've been on with an extremely special reason behind it.  Earlier this year, in January, 7 of my sisters headed to Indianapolis to donate breast tissue and blood to the Komen for a Cure Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center.  Only 7 were able to attend because of such short notice, but because of their wonderful experience and our entire chapter's excitement we got the opportunity to attend their second donation collection for this year. (which they only do twice a year)  The tissue bank takes all the donations of breast tissue and blood to a lab where tests will be ran in order to understand how someone gets breast cancer and what can be done to fight this terrible disease.

Our philanthropy in Zeta Tau Alpha is Breast Cancer Education, Research, and Awareness--and as you could imagine we spend many hard, working hours towards our cause.  Each year, my chapters hosts the annual Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic to raise money for our philanthropy.  This cheerleading and dance exhibition is held to honor those still in the fight, those who have conquered it, and remembering those who fought until they could no more.  Since it's inception 10 years ago, we have raise well over $400,000, which is very impressive coming from a smaller chapter on a commuter campus in a community that is trying to come back to life.  I am so proud to be who I am today, and love donating my time and efforts to this cause.  I have a friends and family members who have been affected by this disease, so it definitely hits close to home.

So tomorrow I will be on a bus to donate my blood and tissue to help find a cure.

I believe a cure will be found.
I believe my sisters make a huge impact.
I believe I am helping find a cure.
I believe we are one step closer everyday.
I believe one day no one will ever have to be faced with this disease ever again.

Check out more about the first donation in January and the donation bank:
komentissuebank.iu.edu
thejambar.com/
vindy.com/

An Unkown Paradise

Earlier this week, a friend of mine sent me a link to a beautiful, unpopular paradise.  He's very aware about my love of travel and knew this would be something of great interest and now the topic of today's future destination.  This little-known paradise is found in Croatia at their Plitvice National Park.  Tucked away in Central Europe, Croatia has not been a top destination of choice making it apparent why much of the world is unaware of this gem.  Now becoming a trendy location to visit, Croatia is getting more attention along with it's most well-known park, Plitvice.





Pltivice National Park captures all shades and colors of natural beauty imaginable.  Sixteen clear, blue lakes surrounded by green flora stretching up to reach the beautiful blue skies.  Numerous series of paths take you through the park, some leading up to docks where you can float down the beautiful rivers in the park taking in every astonishing view.  The fauna also runs wild with wolves, bears, and other various animals calling this place their home.  Pictured above and below are some beautiful photos I found.  Also, check out the websites below to learn more about this exciting European Paradise!



This has definitely been added to my list as a place I must go see!  A place for anyone to fall in love with, especially if you love nature and the outdoors.

www.hellomagazine.com/travel/

www.rediscover.co.uk/croatia

 



photos from: www.tripadvisor.com and www.zagrebworlds.com

Study & Intern Abroad with Panrimo

There is no doubt in my mind that the best way to see the world and learn something new is through a study abroad or intern abroad program.  While it is always great to go venture out on your own, there are things that you will more than likely miss out on.  I have always had the travel bug, but I truly believe that having the opportunity to study abroad in Australia really set it off and pulled me in even more than before.  Experiencing study abroad allows you to merge yourself into the population and culture there as well as more opportunities to learn new things and to enrich your current attributes.  From my personal experience I feel I have gained a lot from studying abroad; a stronger sense of independence, a desire to explore, and a whole new wealth of knowledge.

A great company to plan a study abroad experience with is Panrimo, a smaller company that is affordable and very easy to find what you are looking for.  At the time I was looking at study abroad, Panrimo offered the trip to Australia I took, which they sadly no longer offer.  I paid half the price that others in my group paid using a different company, and I got the exact same thing they did.  The workers and advisors there were very friendly and helpful, especially in understanding that I was a broke, college student trying to pay for the expenses.  Panrimo also gives you the option to customize your experience by adding on additional supplements or extra excursions for a low fee.

After going on the site recently, I caught that pesky travel bug again--I'm thinking Stirling, Scotland for a summer internship in 2012?  I think it sounds fabulous to me!  Check the site out for yourself!  Explore the options and don't be afraid to ask them questions.  This is a great company to go through, especially if it is your first time studying abroad!

Website: www.panrimo.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/panrimo
Twitter:  @panrimo_abroad

Sydney, Australia 2009