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What Are the Best Tips for Solo Travelers?
Traveling alone can be an incredibly enriching experience, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace and make spontaneous decisions. However, it also requires careful planning and consideration to ensure safety and enjoyment. Here are some of the best tips for solo travelers to make the most of their journeys.
1. Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible
One of the key advantages of solo travel is the ability to go wherever you want, whenever you want. However, having a basic plan in place can help you make the most of your time and avoid unnecessary stress. Here are some planning tips:
Research Your Destination: Learn about the culture, language, and customs of the place you’re visiting. This knowledge can help you blend in better and avoid cultural faux pas.
Book Accommodations in Advance: Especially for your first night or two, having a place to stay can provide peace of mind. Look for well-reviewed accommodations that are centrally located and safe.
Create an Itinerary: Outline the main attractions you want to visit and any activities you’re interested in. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to a rigid schedule, but having a list of things to do can help you make the most of your trip.
Stay Flexible: Be open to changing your plans. Sometimes the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions or recommendations from locals.
2. Stay Connected
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Staying connected with friends and family while traveling solo is crucial for both safety and emotional support. Here are some ways to stay in touch:
Regular Check-Ins: Set a schedule to check in with someone back home. This could be a daily text, email, or phone call to let them know you’re safe and share your plans.
Share Your Itinerary: Give a trusted person a copy of your itinerary, including accommodation details and any planned activities. This way, they can track your whereabouts in case of an emergency.
Use Technology: Make use of apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or social media to stay connected. These tools are invaluable for keeping in touch, especially if you’re in a different time zone.
Local SIM Card: Consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone. This can save you money on roaming charges and ensure you have a reliable way to make calls and access the internet.
3. Prioritize Safety
Safety is a top concern for solo travelers. By taking some precautions, you can minimize risks and enjoy your trip with peace of mind:
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be mindful of what’s happening around you. Avoid distractions like excessive phone use when walking alone.
Avoid Risky Areas: Research which neighborhoods are safe and which to avoid, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.
Keep Valuables Secure: Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your passport, money, and other important documents safe. Avoid displaying valuable items like expensive jewelry or electronics.
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Meet New People
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. Meeting new people can enhance your travel experience and provide opportunities for new friendships:
Stay in Social Accommodations: Hostels, guesthouses, and co-living spaces are great places to meet other travelers. Many of these accommodations organize social events and group activities.
Join Group Tours and Activities: Participating in group tours, classes, or activities is an excellent way to meet like-minded people. It can also provide a sense of security when exploring new areas.
Use Social Media and Travel Apps: Platforms like Meetup, Couchsurfing, and Facebook groups can help you connect with other travelers or locals. Joining these communities can provide tips, advice, and companionship.
Be Open and Approachable: Sometimes, a simple smile or greeting can lead to a conversation and new friendship. Don’t be afraid to initiate interactions.
5. Embrace the Experience
Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Here’s how to make the most of your solo adventure:
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Try new activities, foods, and experiences that you wouldn’t normally do. This can help you learn more about yourself and build confidence.
Take Time for Yourself: Use this time to reflect, relax, and enjoy your own company. Whether it’s reading a book in a café or hiking a scenic trail, savor the moments of solitude.
Document Your Journey: Keep a travel journal, blog, or vlog to document your experiences. This can be a therapeutic way to process your thoughts and emotions and a wonderful way to look back on your adventures.
Learn and Grow: Every challenge and triumph you encounter while traveling solo contributes to your personal growth. Embrace the lessons learned and apply them to future travels and life in general.
Solo travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences, offering freedom, adventure, and personal growth. By planning ahead, staying connected, prioritizing safety, meeting new people, and embracing the experience, you can make your solo journey an unforgettable one. Happy travels!
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Leuven is European Capital of Innovation 2020. Bringing ideas to life, Leuven is a mission driven city. Only the 6th city to win the award and the 3rd non capital city after Barcelona and Nantes. I could not have been happier. Congratulations beloved Leuven ❤️ . . . #leuven #belgium #flanders #belphenomenal #belgique #leuventownhall #leuvencity #visitleuven #europeancapitalofinnovation #innovativecity #flemish #flemishcity #flemishtravels #visitbelgium #mytravelblog #mytraveljournal #travelphotography #travellingtheworld #travelphotographer #travelcontent #travelandshoot (at Leuven, Belgium) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFhp_obMc9t/?igshid=scrgnm2tmwv8
#leuven#belgium#flanders#belphenomenal#belgique#leuventownhall#leuvencity#visitleuven#europeancapitalofinnovation#innovativecity#flemish#flemishcity#flemishtravels#visitbelgium#mytravelblog#mytraveljournal#travelphotography#travellingtheworld#travelphotographer#travelcontent#travelandshoot
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“There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.”—Aldo Leopold There are still plenty of wild places and things in the world and Iceland is full of such places. Descending falljokull glacier in southern Iceland. An experience that leaves you wanting to explore glaciers more. #iceland #trek #exploration #adventure #portraitsofatraveler #hikewithme #adventuretravel #glacier #glacierhikes #funhikes #happyhikers #hikersparadise #travelforthesoul #travelfun #traveladventures #mytravelblog #vatnajökull #neverstopexploring #exploreiceland #epictravels #icelandicadventure #hikingadventures #hike #lifesanadventure #falljökull #passporttoadventure #climb #mountaineer #travelblogger (at Falljökull Glacier) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Gy4Pwl4xV/?igshid=1epeftlxs2gvw
#iceland#trek#exploration#adventure#portraitsofatraveler#hikewithme#adventuretravel#glacier#glacierhikes#funhikes#happyhikers#hikersparadise#travelforthesoul#travelfun#traveladventures#mytravelblog#vatnajökull#neverstopexploring#exploreiceland#epictravels#icelandicadventure#hikingadventures#hike#lifesanadventure#falljökull#passporttoadventure#climb#mountaineer#travelblogger
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#Repost @that_first_sip ・・・ 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖, 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡! 🎄🎁 - - New release @thehopconcept THC Fresh IPA 6.3%ABV 🍺𝙲𝚑𝚎𝚎𝚛𝚜! - - - What's on your Christmas list? 🎁 #beer #craftbeer #blogger #beerblogger #hops #beersofinstagram #drinkbeer #girlswhodrinkbeer #craftbeergirls #craftbeerlife #happyhour #cheers #mytravelblog #azblogger #ipa @beerselfie https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Grcn4ns57/?igshid=i1hpqssu641s
#repost#beer#craftbeer#blogger#beerblogger#hops#beersofinstagram#drinkbeer#girlswhodrinkbeer#craftbeergirls#craftbeerlife#happyhour#cheers#mytravelblog#azblogger#ipa
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চলুন ঘুরে আসি সপ্তম শতাব্দীর প্রাচীন অজন্তা গুহাসমূহ থেকে।
বাঙালী, পৃথিবীর মধ্যে অদ্ভুত থেকে অদ্ভুততর এই জাতির মূল বিশেষত্ব হল তার রুচিবোধ এবং তার দর্শণবোধ। এই বাঙালীরা প্রধাণত সচেষ্ট থাকে তাদের দৈনিক দিনপঞ্জী তালিকায় কিছু না কিছু জ্ঞান আরোহনের। তাই তারা বছরের প্রায় বেশিরভাগ সময়েই বেরিয়ে পড়ে অচেনাকে চিনতে আর অজানাকে জানতে। এই তালিকায় প্রথমেই অংশ নিতে পারে নির্দিদ্ধায় অজন্তার গুহাচিত্র। প্রায় খ্রিষ্ট পূর্ব ২০০ থেকে খ্রিষ্টোত্তর ৬৫০ অর্থাৎ প্রায় ৮৫০ বছরের ব্যবধানে তৈরী হয় এই নান্দনিক গুহাচিত্র ও ভাস্কর্য।
এটি নির্মিত হয় সহ্যাদ্রি পর্বতে বাকাতক রাজাদের কালে। ২০০ বৌদ্ধ ভিক্ষু, শিল্পী, ভাস্কর ও শ্রমিকের শ্রমে ইন্দ্রিয়াদি পাহাড়ের ঢালে ফুলের মালা হয়ে দুরারোহ খাড়া আগ্নেয়গিরিময় পাহাড় ( ২৭৫ মি ) কেটে তৈরী করা হয় এই ভাস্কর্য। রূপ তার অর্ধচন্দ্রাকৃতি অশ্বক্ষুরের মতো। মোট ২৯ টি ভাস্কর্য খচিত গুহা আছে এখানে। মধ্যেভাগে হীনযান গ্রুপের তত্বাবধানে এখানে মোট ৫ টি ও মহাযান গ্রুপের তত্বাবধানে বাকি ২৪ টি গুহাচিত্র নির্মাণ করা হয় এই অজন্তায়। হীনযান গ্রুপের বৈশিষ্ট্য হল এদের গুহায় কোনো বুদ্ধমূর্তি নেই বরং বুদ্ধের প্রতীক আছে পরতে পরতে। দিনের প্রতিটি ক্ষণে সূর্য তার আলোকমালার বিচ্ছুরণ ঘটাচ্ছে এই গুহার সামনে। তবুও ঊষাকালে এবং দিনের প্রথমার্ধেই অজন্তা বেশি স্নিগ্ধরূপে সেজে ওঠে পাহাড়ি বাঘোরা নদীর ওপরে। এই গুহাগুলির বিশেষত্ব হল ২৪ টি গুহা ২৪ ধরনের শিল্পকলা ফুটিয়ে তোলে।
আর দেরি না করে এবারে বেরিয়ে পড়ুন তাহলে অজন্তার পথে অজানাকে জানতে।
কিভাবে যাবেন :- মুম্বইগামী যে কোনো ট্রে��ে করে চলে যান জলগাঁও স্টেশন। তারপরে মোটরে করে অজন্তা পর্বত।
#landscape#travel#travel photography#travis scott#kolkata travel#mytraveladvisor#mytraveladventures#mytravelgram#mytravelcrush#mytravelblog#mytravelcouple#mytravelstory#mytraveldiaries#love on tour#tourist#tourism#shawn mendes the tour#tourlife#sweetener world tour#west bengal#maharashtra
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Sydney's version of the Dumbo bridge shot of the Manhattan Bridge. . . . . . . #chargetheglobe #amazing #aroundtheglobe #instasolotravel #femaletravel #girlswhoblog #mytravelblog #instatravelling #mytravelgram #insidetravel #aussiewomen #travelling #travelphotography #neverstoptravelling #exploretheglobe #travelinmyblood #womenwhotravel #adventureandtravel #sydney #sydneyharbourbridge #dumbo #manhattanbridge #sydneybridgeshot #harbourbridge #harbourbridgephoto #therocks #worktrip (at The Rocks) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2kpraPhJki/?igshid=crleefrrsgkv
#chargetheglobe#amazing#aroundtheglobe#instasolotravel#femaletravel#girlswhoblog#mytravelblog#instatravelling#mytravelgram#insidetravel#aussiewomen#travelling#travelphotography#neverstoptravelling#exploretheglobe#travelinmyblood#womenwhotravel#adventureandtravel#sydney#sydneyharbourbridge#dumbo#manhattanbridge#sydneybridgeshot#harbourbridge#harbourbridgephoto#therocks#worktrip
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Canon EOS 250D | 135mm | 1/2500s | f/5.6 | ISO 100 Taken on 18/05/2021. ________________________________________ #Ricaldone #LangheRoeroMonferrato #Italia #Italy #LandscapePhotography #Landscape_Lovers #ILikeItaly #MyLittleAtlas #MyTravelBlog #PiemonteConte #Ig_Piemonte #MonteRosa #MountainLovers #MountainsAreCalling #Alps #Alpi #Nature_Seekers #NatureWalk #NaturePhotography #LandscapeHunter #PaesaggiItaliani #ScattoPiemonte #RoadToPiemonte #SiViaggiare_Piemonte #Raw_Italy #Italy_Illife #Total_Italy #ClickFor_Italia #TheHub_Piemonte #Alluring_Italy (at Ricaldone) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPEV-lPlQBZ/?utm_medium=tumblr
#ricaldone#langheroeromonferrato#italia#italy#landscapephotography#landscape_lovers#ilikeitaly#mylittleatlas#mytravelblog#piemonteconte#ig_piemonte#monterosa#mountainlovers#mountainsarecalling#alps#alpi#nature_seekers#naturewalk#naturephotography#landscapehunter#paesaggiitaliani#scattopiemonte#roadtopiemonte#siviaggiare_piemonte#raw_italy#italy_illife#total_italy#clickfor_italia#thehub_piemonte#alluring_italy
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Happy weekend! My beautiful Brazil how I miss you!!! Repost @earthinabox ・・・ Rio 💙🕊 Have you ever been to Brazil? 🇧🇷 . . . . Thank youuuu Double Tap and share with a friend! ❤️ - 📸 Credits - @gargaglione . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #travel_ig #photographytravel #justgotravel #seetheworld🌍 #nature_shot #mytravelblog #aroundworld #travelshot #instagramtravel #adventurebuddy #traveltoexplore #picsta #travellingaroundtheworld #traveleurope #freedom #travel #mountains #igtravel #photos #travel #travellergram #triplife #funtravel #earthinabox #rio #braziliandesign #riodejaneiro (at Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzGcrTstq7/?igshid=18buxq9zj5gk5
#travel_ig#photographytravel#justgotravel#seetheworld🌍#nature_shot#mytravelblog#aroundworld#travelshot#instagramtravel#adventurebuddy#traveltoexplore#picsta#travellingaroundtheworld#traveleurope#freedom#travel#mountains#igtravel#photos#travellergram#triplife#funtravel#earthinabox#rio#braziliandesign#riodejaneiro
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Good Morning #grancaneria 🌴🤩🌴 . . . #travelblog #morninginspiration #morning #sunlife #travellers #travelbloggers #trv #atravellerslife #spainlife #sunseeker #mytravelblog #myinstatravel #destinos #canaria #canaryislands #sundaymorning #thinkhostel #thingstodo #travelvideo 😎 (at Amadores Beach Club)
#spainlife#travelbloggers#morninginspiration#sunseeker#grancaneria#canaria#canaryislands#travelvideo#morning#sundaymorning#atravellerslife#trv#destinos#thingstodo#travellers#myinstatravel#travelblog#mytravelblog#sunlife#thinkhostel
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ℍ𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕒𝕕 𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 Check the link in our bio for more!!! . . . . . Discover and visit stunning places with us ! ! ! . . . . . Tag someone who needs to see this! . . . . . Repost: Unknown – Contact us for remove or Credit Follow @medinandunes for more daily wonderful spots to visit. Currently in an active Post Seeking. A share or a Like can be appricated. Participate in our daily featured by tagging #medinandunes #travelislife #travelista #globetraveles #travelvibes #travelstories #travelquote #travelwell #meetheworld #globetrotting #globetrotters #travelinspo #mytravelblog (at Taghazout beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEkTCvfH9aa/?igshid=913mvxl6pno3
#medinandunes#travelislife#travelista#globetraveles#travelvibes#travelstories#travelquote#travelwell#meetheworld#globetrotting#globetrotters#travelinspo#mytravelblog
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How Has My Travel Blogging Evolved Over Time?
Introduction:
In the vast realm of travel blogging, the evolution of one’s personal journey is as captivating as the destinations explored. “MyTravelBlogging“ has been my digital canvas, reflecting not only the places I’ve visited but also the growth and transformation I’ve undergone as a travel blogger. This narrative explores the five significant phases that have shaped the evolution of “MyTravelBlogging.”
Embarking on the Journey: The Genesis of MyTravelBlogging
My initial foray into the world of travel blogging was fueled by sheer wanderlust and a desire to share my experiences. The early days of “MyTravelBlogging” were characterized by raw enthusiasm, unpolished narratives, and a genuine eagerness to document every adventure. At this stage, I relied heavily on personal anecdotes and unfiltered emotions, offering readers an authentic glimpse into my travels.
Finding My Voice: Navigating Through Style and Substance
As “MyTravelBlogging” gained momentum, I embarked on a quest to find my unique voice amidst the cacophony of digital travel narratives. This phase was marked by experimentation with writing styles, photography techniques, and content structures. I began to realize the power of storytelling – not just recounting my experiences but weaving them into compelling narratives that resonated with a broader audience.
In this period of evolution, I embraced a balance between informative and emotive content. Travel guides, tips, and itineraries started complementing the personal stories, creating a harmonious blend that catered to both the practical needs of fellow travelers and the emotional connection sought by those yearning for vicarious adventures.
Building a Community: The Social Aspect of MyTravelBlogging
A pivotal turning point in the evolution of “MyTravelBlogging” was the recognition of its potential to foster a community. I delved into social media platforms, establishing a presence beyond the confines of the blog. Engaging with followers, responding to comments, and participating in travel-related discussions became integral to the growth of both the blog and its audience.
The community aspect extended beyond virtual interactions. “MyTravelBlogging” started organizing meet-ups, collaborating with fellow bloggers, and even initiating collaborative projects with readers. This phase not only widened the reach of the blog but also transformed it into a hub where like-minded individuals shared their passion for exploration.
Monetization and Professionalization: Turning Passion into a Profession
As the audience of “MyTravelBlogging” expanded, the prospect of turning passion into a profession became increasingly tangible. This phase saw a shift towards strategic growth, with a focus on monetization avenues and professional collaborations. Sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and partnerships with travel brands became an integral part of the blog’s revenue model.
Simultaneously, the need for a polished and professional online presence became evident. The evolution included website redesigns, improved branding, and the development of multimedia content such as podcasts and videos. While maintaining authenticity remained a priority, the transition towards a more professional outlook allowed “MyTravelBlogging” to sustain itself as a viable career.
Adapting to Changing Trends: Navigating the Digital Landscape
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital media, adaptability is key. “MyTravelBlogging” underwent a phase of adaptation, aligning with changing trends and technologies. This included optimizing content for search engines, harnessing the power of new social media platforms, and embracing emerging formats like virtual reality and live streaming.
The evolution also involved staying attuned to the shifting preferences of the audience. User-generated content, interactive features, and real-time updates became integral to keeping the blog fresh and relevant. This phase emphasized the importance of not just embracing change but also leading it, ensuring “MyTravelBlogging” remained at the forefront of the dynamic digital travel space.
Conclusion:
The journey of “MyTravelBlogging” is not just a chronicle of places visited; it is a testament to personal growth, adaptability, and the transformative power of storytelling. From humble beginnings fueled by wanderlust to a professional platform influencing the travel landscape, each phase of evolution reflects not only the changing nature of the blog but also the dynamic landscape of travel blogging as a whole. As “MyTravelBlogging” continues to evolve, the journey remains as exciting as the destinations it explores.
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Leuven, a city of hope, happiness and harmony. I may go all around the world, but a little bias always pulls me towards this magical place. An amazing color combination of the sky prepares the canvas for a stunning backdrop. . . . . #leuven #belphenomenal #belgium #flanders #leuvencity #visitleuven #visitflanders #stpeterchurch #grotemarkt #church #belgique #travelforlife #travelforever #travelerforlife #travelphotography #travelcommunity #traveljournal #mytravelblog #deb_captures #mytravelstory #mytraveljourney (at St. Peter's Church, Leuven) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFH8FjYs7jK/?igshid=1vnbgadl8dkj2
#leuven#belphenomenal#belgium#flanders#leuvencity#visitleuven#visitflanders#stpeterchurch#grotemarkt#church#belgique#travelforlife#travelforever#travelerforlife#travelphotography#travelcommunity#traveljournal#mytravelblog#deb_captures#mytravelstory#mytraveljourney
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Where do you find your peace? In the forest, mountains or in the water? . .⠀ .⠀ 📷 Credit @the.wandering.patronus 😍 . .⠀ .⠀ #kasolhills #dreamingoftravel #kasoldiaries❤️ #travelsnap #mytravelblog #travelalot #travelltales #kasoltrip #ilivetotravel #himachali_insta_shoutout #kullumanali #insta_himachal #beautifulmountains #mountainslife #mymountains #igersmountains #jannatehimachal #himachal_diaries #onehimachal #snowymountains #ig_mountains #lovefortravel #lifeintravel #instahimachal #himalayas #whitemountains #travelista #globe_travel #plans2pick #planstopick ⠀ @himachalgram @himachal.wonderland @instahimachal @himalayangeographic @himalayan_chain (at Kasol Parvati Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCX4RdbpTMP/?igshid=kg3n47xfdako
#kasolhills#dreamingoftravel#kasoldiaries❤️#travelsnap#mytravelblog#travelalot#travelltales#kasoltrip#ilivetotravel#himachali_insta_shoutout#kullumanali#insta_himachal#beautifulmountains#mountainslife#mymountains#igersmountains#jannatehimachal#himachal_diaries#onehimachal#snowymountains#ig_mountains#lovefortravel#lifeintravel#instahimachal#himalayas#whitemountains#travelista#globe_travel#plans2pick#planstopick
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#Repost @that_first_sip ・・・ 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨? I'm still thinking about mine. So in the mean time before heading out, think I'll sip on a @stonebrewing Enjoy before 1.1.20 A Festively Fresh Double IPA 9.4%ABV to give me some motivation!🍺𝙲𝚑𝚎𝚎𝚛𝚜! #stonebrewing #beer #craftbeer #blogger #beerblogger #hops #beersofinstagram #drinkbeer #girlswhodrinkbeer #craftbeergirls #craftbeerlife #happyhour #cheers #mytravelblog #azblogger #ale #ipa #hops https://www.instagram.com/p/B63kwzSHL3t/?igshid=16op7lyknn1z5
#repost#stonebrewing#beer#craftbeer#blogger#beerblogger#hops#beersofinstagram#drinkbeer#girlswhodrinkbeer#craftbeergirls#craftbeerlife#happyhour#cheers#mytravelblog#azblogger#ale#ipa
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Admiration for Transformation
As a study abroad alumna in my senior year of college, it is safe to say that going abroad is the best decision I have ever made. I traveled to Rome, Italy with the Global Passport Program, offered to first year students, as a freshman in May 2015. I then headed to Paris, France with the Staten Island Vice Provost Program as a sophomore in January 2016. Since these were only one week programs I was not expecting for my life to be impacted the way it was. I often find myself looking back into the thrilling blur of those week-long programs and catch smiling. How had I become so fortunate to be presented with an opportunity such as this? St. John’s has given me ample resources and possibilities for an enriched college and future career, but studying abroad has to be my highlight. It has enhanced my own personal growth and has given me a taste of the large world we are a part of. I decided to become a Global Studies Ambassador to pass along my knowledge, experiences, and profound gratefulness for study abroad to my fellow students. Although I have vastly grown due to my study abroad experience, there are several specific qualities I have attained while gallivanting through Rome and Paris and engaging the local cultures in my short time abroad.
In New York, we are lucky to be surrounded by different cultures, languages, customs and religions. Being and acting different is a part of what makes up our society. Abroad, it’s a whole other ballgame. You are in another country, another city, and you must be conscious of their society. In Paris you will draw attention by simply talking too loudly. There is often the stereotype that people may be rude or simply not like you in some places because you are an American. Yet, there are many people in other countries who actually love Americans! In Rome people would greet me and my classmates with kindness, joy, and even speak to us in English, knowing right off the bat that we were American. People would tell us stories about when they had gone to America or how much they wish to go. Always research the location you will be staying in to gain greater perspective and preparation of their culture. Did you know that most Italians, would never order a cappuccino after breakfast time (usually 10:00am)? Going abroad, you must learn to adapt and assimilate in order to be respectful but also for safety reasons. You want to have fun and an impeccable experience, but also to stay safe. Studying abroad has helped me gain adaptation and assimilation skills in unfamiliar situations which will be skills I’ll be able to use for the rest of my life.
While being away from home and out of your own comfort zone, there is definitely more independence but also responsibility thrown your way. You might have to learn to navigate without Google maps or your parents’ directions, wash your own clothes if you don’t already, enhance your decision-making abilities (especially when it comes to your finances) and be courageous in a place you have never been. Although that might seem intimidating, do not be afraid to go alone. While gaining self-sufficiency and fulfilment, you also gain life-long companions. People bond through the experience of something new and unfamiliar. I vividly remember walking alone through the Rome campus on the first day, past a group of my peers that I had never really spoken to. One of them looked at me and asked if I had lunch yet. When I responded “no”, they invited me to go eat with them and we were inseparable the rest of the trip. Some of us ended up going to Paris together the following year. I still remain in contact with them and we love to reminisce about our memories abroad. They made the trip even more unforgettable and I utterly cherish their friendships to this day.
As I reflect on my experience I recognize the consciousness and appreciation I have gained for the world. There were countless times I would stand in awe at the breathtaking sites before me. I can still feel my relaxed and serene state of mind every time I look through pictures or even think about my time abroad. The experience was absolutely surreal and a once (well, twice!) in a lifetime opportunity. While going through our everyday lives it is easy to lose track of all that is out there in the world. My problems become smaller as I think about the bigger world we are a part of. Heading off into the world of “adulting” you realize there is less time for soul searching and more time for soul selling. I was truly at peace and had become one with myself during my short time traveling. I am forever indebted to St. John’s for giving me that opportunity and fulfilment. My ONLY regret was not doing a full semester abroad because I feared all the responsibilities and things I would be leaving behind. My advice, be daring. Take on all opportunities presented to you. You will regret it if you don’t.
Angelica Rios, Staten Island Global Ambassador.Spring 2018.
#sjuglobal#globalstudies#stjohnssi#stjohnsstatenisland#sjurome#sjuparis#sjulimerick#stjohnsglobalpassport#studyabroad#discovertheworld#discovereurope#italy#travelnoire#traveltips#studyabroadtips#studyabroadadvice#mytravelblog#stjohnsuniversity#paris#moulinrouge#exploretheworld#discover
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