Gap Year

Like in my earlier posts, college is a difficult thing for me at the moment. I have no idea where the right places to go for me are. How will I know unless I try? but trying something and hating it is the worst. I mean I thought I figured it out and was planning on doing one year at a local community college and then transferring to a 4-year institute in my state. I was going to do the 2-2 program but after talking with my counselor she said for what I want to go in to it would be better for me to do one year and then transfer. So once again, my plans getting jumbled up. But, this is not the purpose of this post.

One of my friends at my high school is taking a “gap year” and is volunteering in Norway. Another friend, is riding her horse across Europe before going to college. I never really thought about doing a gap year because I mean every one always told me to go straight to college after you graduate high school. It might not be a bad idea though. I think gap years could help a student find who they really are and let them discover new things about themselves. I mean, I’m sure you guys can already tell where I want to go right? Mexico. Easy. However, I don’t know where to start? Do I just google gap year programs or volunteering in Mexico? Do I talk to my counselor? Who knows…..

According to Suzy Strutner, a lifestyle writer with the Huffington Post states that students who take a gap year between high school and college are living life to the fullest compared to students who don’t.

3. You’ll get to adventure at your prime.
When else are you going to be 18 years old with no job, no mortgage payments, no significant other, no kids, no homework and no worries? Never. The answer is never.

4. You’ll know what’s important in life before most people do.
College is ridiculously fun, but it’s easy to get so caught up that you begin to believe your fraternity or friend group is the absolute center of the universe. As such, any small crisis might seem like the end of the world. However, if you’ve traveled the wider world in all its complexity and glory, you’ll understand there are bigger issues for humanity than a failed date night or lost game of beer pong.

This were only a few that stuck out to me. When I traveled to Mexico for a week on vacation I came back to the states a different person. I was humble and I realized the deeper meaning of life and it’s purpose. The things that you think matter really don’t and it’s the small things that creates a person’s happiness. I will be 18 turning 19 and it would be the perfect age to go explore. I don’t have to be accountable for much except for myself. I want to study abroad of course during my college time but I think doing something before will prepare me for the adventures in my future.

If I’m not ready now, to go to college.. why not go somewhere and spend a year helping others and exploring new things and finding new things about myself. I think that would prepare me for things in college than anything else. I would retain more knowledge and I would find what I loved to do before I started taking classes during college. Life is unfolding too quickly for me right now… I think I need some time to think. Some time to explore and experience new possibilities.

My Tattoos

Tattoos seem to be a big controversy. My mom has two and she still has to hide them when we see her because my grandma grew up in a time where tattoos where considered a taboo. My mom did too, she almost felt guilty getting them because she grew up being taught that they were wrong. However, now a days, tattoos are a way of expressing yourself. They are art.

When I left Mexico, I realized that I am in love with this country and it was now apart of me. When I was there I didn’t feel anxious or depressed; I felt bliss. Pure happiness.  At the time I was 18 and I knew what I needed to do. I needed to get a tattoo of something resembling Mexico. I needed it because that place is my home and I needed something to remind me of it everyday. A picture of the beach as my phone background is nice but I needed something permanent.

I got Puerto Morelos coordinates on my wrist so if I ever start to feel anxious or depressed I can always look down at my wrist or rub those coordinates and get back to having peace with myself again. It’s stupid I know but that tattoo means more to me then many people know. It has meaning and it helps me get through tough situations. That is why I love tattoos because everyone’s tattoo has a different meaning to them. And you may never know what it means, but to them it might save them.

So, here is my first tattoo.

20.8478 degrees N & 86.8755 degrees W… the place that saved me.

If any of you have a tattoo you know that they become very addicting. Once you get one you start to think about the next one you want to get. The pain from the needle is exciting and the adrenaline from getting a tattoo is exciting. So, I told myself that if you want another tattoo then that’s your choice and it’s your body so go for it!

And then…. this happened 🙂

 sorry about my ugly foot 🙂

But, I got this tattoo because the sun and the water are my happiness. Particularly, the sun and the water in Mexico. However, this has meaning to me as well and I absolutely love this one. These are my two favorite things mixed into one and I don’t think anything is more cooler than that!!

Tattoos are great, they are a way for a person to express themselves without having to explain it to anyone else. Celebrity Justin Bieber has numerous tattoos and he gets judged in the public eye every day for them. If you took the time to hear what his tattoos really mean then people would understand that he didn’t just get them for the heck of it. His tattoos help HIM get through rough situations as well.

Spending a Summer in Mexico

As I made friends with the entertainment team in Mexico… an interesting idea popped in both my friends and I’s heads. Why don’t I go down there during the summer and work as a part of the entertainment team for my summer?

Obviously, there would be cons to that but I could and still can only think of the pros. I mean lets be real here… how amazing would this opportunity be for me? a lot of people have been hesitant of this idea but when people aren’t happy for me that almost makes me want to work harder and go to prove them wrong and prove that I will be alright. I’m going to have to grow up some time… right? I travel for the moments that steal my breath away and fill my soul. My adventure awaits….

Talking to the head of the entertainment team at the hotel that we stay at.. he said that I would have to do an interview and write papers for why I think I am a better fit to work and have this position rather then someone who is a resident of the country… so that honestly makes a lot of sense. But, the bad thing is I wouldn’t be getting paid for working. I would basically be doing it as a volunteer project and for the experience. That is okay for me still though? I mean I want to be an English as a second language teacher to Spanish speaking kids so that would look absolutely incredible on applications and would easily get me into the College of Education. It would be an experience of a lifetime.

I would be alone though, with no family. But like I said before, I need to grow up sooner rather then later. Why not start with this? I would spend half the summer in the Explorers Club with the little kids and the other half I would be entertaining the entire hotel. Could you imagine all the friends I would make from all over the world? This would be incredible.

I would have a place to stay: either at the hotel (the entertainment staff have a big room in the back of the hotel) or at an apartment with all the staff in Puerto Morelos. So I wouldn’t have to pay for food or a hotel… I would have to bring money for shopping and other things I wanted but… remember how I have those two free tickets to where ever Spirit flies, I could use them for my airfare to and from Mexico? so if you really think about it I wouldn’t need that much money because I am there for the experience anyway.

I kind of blew this opportunity off when everyone I talked to about it said it was a bad idea but after writing about this right now it’s starting to come back to me…. I really want to do this. I will get back with you guys on my decision!!! pray for me!

 

 

 

Mexico… The Place That Fills My Heart

Party country, spring break getaway, and the country where “BUILD A WALL” is chanted across the border. Many of you have probably been to Mexico, yes. But, you may be apart of the build a wall chants and get too crazy during spring break. I on the other hand have a different connection with Mexico. It is my place, my happy place. I have a passion for that country.

The first time I went to Mexico was for my brothers wedding in 2014, that was my first time on a plane and the first time out of the country. I didn’t really pay attention to the breath taking country until I went back again with my family in April AND December… 2016. This time we weren’t busy getting ready for a wedding. We got to really take in the country for what is truly was.. and yes, we went back twice in one year.

                  

Okay, so yes, I just spammed you guys with pictures but to be honest I couldn’t decide which one to choose so I just picked them all. Let me tell you, these people are real and honest and genuine. They care about you, like actually care about your well being. They are my friends.. these people that I met and hung out with for only a week are better friends then most of the people I see and talk to everyday. I care more about the friends I made while in Mexico then anyone else. I developed a deep connection with these people and I truly love them with all of my heart. I miss them more and more everyday. See that is the thing about Mexico, the people who live there are so kind and sweet and are so happy with so little and they make you realize that you don’t need much to be happy. While I was in Mexico I fell in love with the culture but more then that…. the people.

How could you not fall in love with those views though? Waking up every morning to the breath taking sunrises. I could get use to waking up every morning to that… and maybe having a cup of coffee on my little porch? yeah I think I could do that.

People always assume the worst when I bring up living in Mexico but at this point I don’t care what people think… it is my honest to god dream to spend my life in Mexico and grow old there. I am not happy with where I am at right now and when I go to Mexico there is an indescribable feeling that comes over me. I can’t explain it, I mean I guess the best was to say it is: bliss. Everything fades away and I am at peace with myself. I love that country more than you guys know…

 

The Best Beaches

Who doesn’t love the beach? Sandy toes, warm salty waters, and the hot sun beating down on your innocent and pure skin. I think I belong on the beach… it is the only thing that brings me pure bliss. I mean, some people like the mountains or the desert. But I on the other hand, the beach is my happy place. Nothing will ever compare to the beach.

I have only been to a few “beaches”. I put beaches in quotes because I am sure they aren’t really beaches. I mean… I’m from Iowa people. There are no beaches near us so we make do with what we can.

I love lists so lets see…

-“The Res” in Iowa City

-Lake McBride in Iowa City

-Lake Michigan in Wisconsin

-Clark’s Lake in Wisconsin

-Pacific Ocean while in Mexico

And…. that’s about it. So as you can see I am dying to find new beaches to explore and fall in love with.

If you really think about it though, there are SOOO many beaches in the world! Like literally all over the world…

 

So here are the top 25 most beautiful beaches in the world. I definitely didn’t think that South Africa would have pretty beaches because I associate Africa with the jungle, ya feel?

My dream is to go to the Maldives just to see their beaches. I have seen so many pictures on Twitter and Facebook of the Maldives and it is absolutely stunning…. I am not going to lie I have no idea where the Maldives is located on a map so that just shows that I need to explore the world and visit these gorgeous places.

The beach is calling and I must go… bye for now!

The Cheapest Day’s to Fly for Summer 2017

For many of you.. I am sure you are all looking forward to the warm summer days. I mean who doesn’t? I am also sure a lot of you reading this post are interested in going somewhere for vacation during the summer before you go back to work or school.

Of course the beating question in every travelers mind is the cost of airfare and if they will be able to afford it or not. I know that is the problem in my household. I mean, it’s only my mom and dad and I. Nonetheless, those dollar signs add up pretty quickly and as we all know that the airline companies will do whatever it takes to take your money.

Recently, I did some research about when would be the best time to fly this summer and I found some interesting information that I am excited to share with all of you. I found this website called, “Conde Nast Traveler“.  This website is for all of you traveling guru’s! It interested me but I don’t have a lot of time to dig deep into it because I have so much going on. So, if any of you guys have time take a look at it and tell me what you guys think.

According to CheapAir CEO Jeff Klee, the cheapest day to fly during summer 2017 is June 6th. Where as the most expensive day to fly for the summer of 2017 is July 9th.

If July was the month you were planning to take some time off, then book a flight on the 4th because it is actually the least expensive day to travel during during that month.

Like I said in my latest blog post, booking a flight on a Holiday actually saves you money?! I would have never guessed that.

So if you’re planning to travel during this upcoming summer remember:

-June 6th = the cheapest day to fly

-July 9th = the most expensive day to fly

-Book 2 one way tickets

-Flying out on a Holiday will save you money

– Look up individual tickets for the passengers instead of all together

Okay, there are a few tips from me!! Ready. Set. GO!!!! Go book your dream vacation (just not on July 9th)!!!!!

I have no idea where this is but, I would do anything to be on that lounge chair right now.

The Cheapest Way to Fly

So, it is currently 7:07 AM on a Monday morning and I am drinking some raspberry hibiscus tea and I should really be getting ready for school… however, that is not what I am doing as you can see.

I was eating breakfast and talking with my mom about why we can’t get a hold of an actual person at the Spirit Airlines call desk to book our free round trip ticket to WHERE EVER Spirit flies… We are getting so frustrated and then the question came up, “I wonder what the cheapest days and ways to fly are?” and then a light bulb went off in my head and I was like YES!! perfect for my next blog post. We are getting very fed up because we can’t even book the free flight so at this point, I am ready to just give up these tickets and book something cheap to where we wanted to go.

As I get on my handy dandy laptop I look up “cheap flights”. Of course the typical websites like Kayak and Expedia pop up. I scroll through all those because that is NOT what I am looking for. Here I am getting mad at something that isn’t real…. again. I stumble across Travel Zoo, I have never heard of this website. Let me just tell you, after reading this article I am ready to work at Travel Zoo. These people get paid to write about travel, and this particle article is about the Do’s and Don’ts of flying.

The things that shocked me the most??

The Do’s:

-If you’re traveling with more people only search for a ticket one at a time

They jack up the prices if you put “2 passengers” in when you first search.. did not know that.

-Airlines launch their sales midweek

-Searching for 2 one-way fares may end up saving you some big bucks.

I would have never thought of that one. Especially if you’re booking with two different airline companies.

-Booking on a Holiday would actually save you money

I always thought that flying out on the actually Holiday would be 1) crazy expensive and 2) super busy… I guess I was wrong!!

Barnes & Noble (FOUND MY BOOK)!

Hey guys,

It’s me. again. and I am back to say that I went to Barnes & Noble and I found my book that I have to read for class…. actually, I found three. And I bought them all.

 (This was taken on the Barnes & Noble floor)

I was going to go to the public library this weekend to get my book for my Composition class. (like I said in the earlier post, we have to read a book about our overall topic of this blog and then we get to write a paper about it). But, I think I am kicked out of the public library because I never bring my books back on time… like ever. I’m an odd student and I love writing papers, essays, and book reviews. Of course I always think I am right so writing a book review is my absolute favorite. Also, this is the only way I enjoy reading. If I get to choose the book and if I get to write my opinion on it. Okay, I am getting off topic.

In my recent post about Nomadic Matt’s recommendation about which travel books to read I could only find one at Barnes & Noble. However, I was so excited that I found “The Geography of Bliss”!! I am so excited to start jumping in and reading it. I am scared I am going to spend all my paychecks on plane tickets and car rentals after reading this though, actually any of the books! When I read or see other peoples stories and experiences with traveling it makes me want to go on an adventure right away.

There were so many stories about traveling and different places around the world I wanted to buy them all. I felt like a little kid in a candy shop reading the descriptions of these books. That felt weird saying out loud because I use to hate reading. I think I have Mr. Ayers to thank because I would have never started this blog nor enjoy reading this much if it wasn’t for joining his class. I am having so much fun with this blog and I feel like I have so much to say and I apologize if I keep rambling. I am going to write a little review about each of the three books I chose so keep an eye out for those! It may be awhile though because I have a very busy schedule. I am going to link a summery of each of the books I picked out in case any of you guys are interested in reading one of these books yourself. 🙂

The Geography of Bliss:

Wanderlust:

The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost:  

 

Where It All Started

My love for travel happened at a young age.. it’s kind of an odd story actually so I thought I should write about it.

Growing up, a lot of my peers went on marvelous and crazy trips. From London, England to Los Angeles, California. While I on the other hand went to a little and very unknown place called Door County, Wisconsin. Maybe you guys have heard of it but a lot of you probably have not. It is in the northern tip of Wisconsin where it breaks off.

I have gone to Door County every summer since I was maybe 3. I grew up riding in a car for 8 hours and passing through dinky and sketchy cities. I grew up on the lake and with no wifi nor T.V. on vacation. I grew up with no chain restaurants and no name brand shops. I had the “Blue Ox”, “Al’ Johnson’s”, and “Not Licked Yet” to eat at. And, “Harbor Wear”, “Nan & Jerry’s”, and “The Irish House” to shop at. My trips were very different than my friends growing up. I spent my week of vacation in a tiny tiny cabin on Lake Michigan. Yes, that sounds very nice. Our very own cabin but I didn’t get the luxury of going out out to the ocean or dress up all fancy for dinner because this was an old fashion vacation and it didn’t have the modern conveniences. I was following the traditions of my mom and my grandma and my great grandma. My grandma and grandpa went to Door County every year for 47 years.

I would say going to Door County made me more modest and humble because they didn’t offer the most prestigious of things. And, I was okay with that. In 2017, they are building a Jimmy Johns in one of the local towns and none of the townspeople nor vacationers who visit there frequently, agree with that. For me, Door County is a place where there are no chains and you get to take in the beauty of nature, the locals, and the culture of this place that no one has heard about. This is where my love for travel all started though. Passing through cities that no one has ever been to. Eating junk food and stopping at a “Pick and Save” to find the cheapest of snacks. (well known store in Wisconsin). And, Door County will always have a special place in my heart. As I get older however, I am ready to go experience bigger and better things and I am ready to start finding myself through travel.

Another Nomadic Matt Post! (About Books Surprisingly)

So for my composition class we are starting to look into reading a book based on our overall topic of our blog. If you guys can’t already tell, my blog is about travel. So as I am way ahead of my blog posts for this week for the class and I’m currently writing for two weeks in advance and I thought I should start looking into some book ideas.

Being apart of the iGen or Gen Z generation, I grew up on technology. So of course, I type into Google “Travel Books”. Numerous things came up but they all looked to deep for me. However, Nomadic Matt’s blog popped up and I clicked on it right away. He recommended 13 different books and gave a brief description of each book and why he enjoyed reading it. I almost have a little internet/blog crush on him. Everything he writes about is so interesting and his blog is so mesmerizing, I. Just. Love. It.

Some of the books he recommended looked a little to far for me. And when I say far I mean I don’t think I would understand the meaning and purpose of the book because I am either to young for it or I am not interested.

The one that really captured my attention was, “The Beach”. I know I am not suppose to but I definitely judge a book by it’s cover (and the name). For one, my favorite thing in the world is beaches. That tops everything for being my “happy place”. The feeling I get when I’m at a beach is hard to describe. The best word I guess would be, home. He mentions that this book is about backpackers and their quest to find paradise. The next one that intrigued me was, “The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s search for the happiest places in the world”. First off, that title is amazing. “The Geography of Bliss”… like that is so calming and makes you want to dive in and read it. The next part about a grumpy man searching for the happiest places in the world. Like urg, travel can make someone feel truly happy and bring joy to a persons life. It’s crazy what travel can do for a persons soul.

SO, now I’m stuck. I want to read them both.