what i've learned from not yet studying abroad

Let me tell ya - preparing to study abroad is NOT fun. Maybe it's just my crazy brain, but I have been thinking of EVERYTHING for a while now. What should I wear? What should I bring? What if this? What if that? It's exhausting. So, in order to make your lives easier, here's a list of things to do/think about for your study abroad trip!

1. Money

Oh, goodness. The root of all my problems. So the big question is, how are you going to have money while abroad? After countless research and talking to my friends who have gone abroad, this is the best method I can think of:

• Carry and use cash. It's so much easier than wondering if the place you're going accepts plastic. Just take out what you need at the beginning of each week and be done.
• Open a Charles Schwab account. There's no minimum balance, and it's fast and easy to do. The reason why you want Schwab is NO ATM TRANSACTION FEES WORLDWIDE. *Cue the Hallelujah Chorus* This means that you're not limited by how many times a week you take out cash/you're not burdened with ATM fees. I still say don't withdraw too often, but this gives you a little more leeway.
• Hook up the Schwab account to PayPal, and then have your parents (if they're the ones sending you money) transfer it over. It's fast and free, unlike a wire transfer, which could take days and charge fees to do. 
• Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, like the Capital One Venture card or the Discover It card. I would recommend the Discover because it has no annual fees, cashback, and a lot of other cool perks. For more info on credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, go to CreditCards.com and do some research. This card is for emergencies/big purchases while abroad, and can be used later for your regular credit card.

2. Electronics

If you know anything about me, it's that I have to live next to an outlet because I'm always using something that requires a plug - my phone, my computer, my straightener, my blow dryer, etc. However, if you go abroad, the outlets/voltage is going to be DIFFERENT. You can't use all your stuff in the same way, so it's important to know what to do in order to keep your electronics intact. 

• There are two things you'll need - a voltage converter, and an outlet adapter. The outlet adapter turns your US plug into another country's plug. However, that's not all you'll need. The voltage in the US is 120v, but the voltage in other places (namely Europe) is 240v. That means, if you try sticking your straightener into the socket with just an outlet adapter, it's gonna be toast. Which means, you also need a voltage converter for many of your items.
• That being said, don't bring things you wouldn't want accidentally ruined. Buy a cheap straightener there. That way, it won't need a voltage converter OR an outlet adapter. Or, buy products where the voltage can be converted. I just bought a hot air brush, and it turned out that you can change the voltage from 120v to 240v on the product itself. Ebay is a good place to find things that people used when going abroad and don't need anymore. 
• Good news - Apple products are built in with universal voltage conversion, so they will only need the outlet adapter. 
• I recommend buying a kit with a voltage converter and outlet adapters, just to get you started. After that, there are several things you can get to make your life easier. You can get universal power strips with voltage conversion on Amazon. That way, you can plug in all your American stuff and not worry about it blowing up. Or, if you have products that are already converted to the right voltage (Apple products, for example), you can buy a big pack of outlet adapters, also from Amazon. Basically, Amazon is going to be your new best friend.
• If you're going abroad for the summer and you won't be writing lengthy dissertations, I highly recommend not taking your laptop. They're heavy, they're bulky, and they're the first thing that could get stolen. Instead, invest in a tablet of some sort and get a keyboard attachment or a stylus. Or if you just HAVE to take your laptop, have a way to lock it up when you're gone, just in case.

3. Phones

I felt like I had to make a separate category just for cellular devices. I know it's going to be hard to part with the extension of your right hand, but it's just not practical to use. Doesn't mean I said don't take it with you...

• If possible, take an old smartphone or iPod Touch instead of your usual phone. That way, if you lose it, it's not the end of the world. The good thing about old phones and iPod Touches is that they have no cellular connectivity, so you're also not tempted to turn it on, or turn it on by accident. They will only work on WiFi, which is what you'll need most of the time. But the good news is, WiFi is EVERYWHERE, especially in Europe. 
• Take pictures of important lists, maps, guides, etc. so when you're not able to get WiFi, you can have access to things you need. Download handy apps for when you do have Internet connectivity. 
• For calling, most study abroad programs will provide phones. Or, if they don't, you can always pick up a cheap-o at a hypermarket (their version of Walmart) and load it with minutes. You probably won't use it much, but it's good to have for emergencies and getting ahold of fellow students/staff quickly.

4. Packing

And, of course, you're going to need a way to pack all this stuff up and get it on the plane. Here are some things you should/shouldn't pack:

• Already said before, laptop is not recommended, but if you must take it, keep it with you on the plane, either in your carry-on bag or personal bag. 
• You'll need 3 bags - a large rolling suitcase (whether you stay in one place or move around will determine how large that suitcase will be for practicality), a carry-on that will go in the top compartment on the plane, and a personal bag with your ticket, passport, snacks, medicine, and plane entertainment. 
• Your carry-on should act as a "If my luggage gets lost and I'm stranded for a couple days without it, this will get me through" bag. Put in an extra outfit, pair of shoes, small toiletries, and anything else you wouldn't want to lose. But make sure it fits TSA standards (i.e., travel sized products).
• Don't bother bringing full-sized toiletries - they'll just be heavy and take up room in your suitcase. Instead, go to the drugstore when you get there and buy the products there. Unless you absolutely HAVE to have a certain kind of shampoo, you'll be fine with what is in the country you're staying in (and if you're in Europe, it's probably better for you anyway). A full-size bottle or two will last you for the duration of your stay, and you can throw it away when you leave and be done!
• Don't pack anything you wouldn't want to get ruined. Your $100 hair straightener? Buy it when you get there. Your favorite pumps? Those cobblestone streets will ruin them. Just think, "Would I want this ruined?" and if the answer is no, then don't bring it. 

5. Clothes

Depending on where/when you go, what you bring to wear is important. And what may be cool and in style here may not be there.

• Europeans don't wear athletic wear. They don't wear shorts very often. They dress up. They always look presentable. That being said, bring one pair of norts for working out/sleeping and be done with it. Life is too short to go to Europe and look like a tourist! 
• If you're going to bring jeans, don't. It gets hot there in the summer. "But you just said don't wear shorts!" You're right. Therefore, buy your jeans abroad. Europeans make their jeans of a lighter material during the summer, so they'll be more comfortable than your hot American winter jeans. 
• You want clothing with a little stretch in it. Most people abroad don't have clothes dryers, so they line dry everything. If your clothing has no stretch, it will stay large because the heat from the dryer normally shrinks it. I don't think this is a big deal, this is just what I've heard. 
• Cobblestones + high heels = dead. Don't even bother. If you want height, go for wedges. You'll be able to walk better and be more comfortable in them. 
• Bring things that can go with other things. What I'm trying to say is, make many outfits from few pieces of clothing. Make that shirt go with different pants and those pants go with different shirts. Here's a great article that has packing tips for making outfits.

I know this is a lot of information. I know. And some of it may come in handy, and some of it may not. But this is what I've heard to do for studying abroad and what I intend to do when I go. I hope this helped answer some questions you may have been having!

Have you studied abroad? Do you have any tips I may have forgotten? (Or did I get anything completely wrong?) Leave a comment! And if you want more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board :)

the best gym bag you might not have thought of

So yesterday, as I was packing for the gym, I wished that there were a bag smaller than a duffel but larger than a purse that could hold my wallet, keys, headphones, and water bottle, and that was preferably waterproof in case my water spilled.

And then I realized, there is. So I went to my closet and grabbed my Longchamp.

While most people use their Longchamp Le Pliage bags for purses or school bags, it is a great alternative to carrying a purse to the gym. The medium is the perfect size for carrying basic gym necessities, while the large is great if you also want to include a change of clothes. I'm sure a few people have thought of this ingenious idea before, but maybe not - I know I hadn't!

To buy:

Longchamp Le Pliage Medium - $125

Longchamp Le Pliage Large - $145

PS: Keep entering to win a $50 gift card to Erin Condren! Contest closes Sunday at midnight! 

land's end tote

As I mentioned in my last post, I had to give up my letters for two months because I'm serving as a Rho Gamma during recruitment. This meant I couldn't use my favorite canvas bag to carry my books, pool stuff, or whatever else. So, I went online to Land's End and found the perfect bag for school, work, and pool - the Urban Market Tote.

Monogrammed front and front pocket - Short handles - Long handle

Two inside pockets - Books, laptop, pens - Beach towel, book, sandals, and sunscreen

I've used this bag in lieu of my backpack for a few days now, and I love it. It's a little heavy with a laptop, but the laptop (Macbook Pro, 13") fits very well inside. The inside pockets are great for my wallet, keys, and writing utensils. The towel fit in a little snug, but it was still roomy enough to fit a large book (Harry Potter), sunscreen, and sandals. Overall, it was a great purchase. If you're looking for a new bag, I definitely recommend this one!

how to pack up your life for the summer

As if you didn't have enough to worry about at the end of the semester with finals underway, you also get the pleasure of packing everything you own and stuffing it into your car to take home. Lucky you. While this may seem like an impossible feat, think of it more like a challenge, a challenge that should be accepted...or else.

Now, I know you may be saying, "But Sydney, I got all my stuff here the first time! Why is moving everything out any different?" Because, young one, you have unconsciously accumulated more stuff since that fateful day you first moved into the dorms - more clothes, more decor, more toiletries...it added up when you weren't looking. This is a whole 'nother ball game - a similar one, like baseball and softball, but the rules have changed.

If you've never packed up an entire room before, never fear! I have, and it's completely possible. Here are some tools and ideas that can make this daunting task just a little less stressful so you can better focus on the REAL issue here - your 4 finals next week.

When packing clothes...

It may seem tempting to just take everything on hangers out of your closet, still attached to said hangers, and just put them on top of the big pile of everything else that you have to maneuver into the backseat of your car. Sorry, Charlie, but that can quickly become a safety hazard when checking your rearview. Instead, pack them in suitcases like a normal person.

If you have too many clothes to fit into suitcases (like most girls do, myself included), take a page out of my friend Katie's book and use a vacuum bag. These allow you to fit all your clothes into a bag, flatten the bag, and then put the bag in your suitcase. And then you have room for all your shoes on top. Then, use your laundry hamper to store all your empty hangers. Done and done.

To buy: 3 for $17.59

If you absolutely must leave something on a hanger for fear of wrinkling it, use a garment bag to keep it looking nice during the trip.

When packing decor...

Plastic bins are you new best friend. I suggest buying a huge one and/or a few smaller ones and using them to  pack all your wall trimmings, desk accessories, books, etc. Warning: these can get really heavy really quickly! To avoid breaking your back, separate heavy items into the smaller bins and the lighter items into the huge bin.

                vs.

When packing accessories...

One of my favorite ways to store/move accessories are in cloth bins. They are big enough to hold everything but small enough to carry, and they are so functional, you can use them all year round. I use mine for belts, hats, scarves, purses, etc. For jewelry, use small boxes or plastic baggies. If you have a hanging jewelry organizer like I do, use masking tape to seal the openings so nothing falls out in-transit.

To buy: $5.99

When packing toiletries...

Here comes the tricky part. Toiletries are highly susceptible to leakage, given the fact that they are more than likely liquid, so you don't want to just throw them in with everything; however, you still need them when you go home, so you want to pack them so they are readily accessible. My top 3 suggestions are 1. a plastic (whether solid or like a bag) shower caddy or zipped bag, 2. a small plastic bin, 3. a duffle bag. Just make sure not to put anything heavy on top or they'll burst!

Example of a plastic shower caddy

When loading the car...

This can be the worst part of the whole experience, worse than carrying everything down three flights of stairs - trying to play Tetris with your belongings. My best advice is this: utilize every inch of space your vehicle possesses. Start with the trunk - load the biggest things in here first. If you have something that won't fit, lay it across your backseat and continue filling the trunk. When it is so full you can hardly close the lid, move onto the back. Utilize the excess room you have on the floor and in the front passenger seat as well. But again, don't stack things too high! If you sit in the car and can't see out the rearview mirror, you need to rearrange things to where you can. The worst thing you can do is get in an accident (or get pulled over!) because your rear view was obstructed.

Or, beg your parents to come and move everything for you. That works, too.

More tips...

• Common sense: heavier stuff on the bottom, lighter stuff on the top.
• Make a list of all the areas that need to be done, and tackle one area at a time.
• Set aside clothes you're going to wear the next day and pack your toiletries last.
• Don't put it off! Start packing now or suffer the consequences!

If this is your first time moving, don't worry - it'll be over soon. If this isn't your first rodeo, what are some tricks you use when packing up your room that I didn't mention? Please comment!

Good luck with finals, good luck packing, and May the 4th be with you (sorry, had to).

Much love,

Sydney

spring break guide: hometown tourist

When was the last time you drove around your hometown and thought to yourself, "Self, I live in a really cool place,"? Yeah, thought so. It's so easy to take for granted the cool places you live in because you're so used to everything. You've been to the attractions, you've eaten at the restaurants, you know the roads back and forth. But to an outsider, your town may be the coolest place ever.

If you're not doing anything this Spring Break but going home, take this opportunity to re-explore your hometown as a "hometown tourist." Go to all the touristy locales, eat places you've never eaten at before, use a GPS to get to where you're going, even if you've been there before. Get to know your hometown all over again as an outsider would. 

I can't speak for every major city in Texas, but I can speak for my hometown: Fort Worth. I've lived in the Fort Worth area since I was four, so I'm pretty familiar with the area. I have my favorite places to eat, shop, and hang out, and can direct tourists to the coolest places that a travel guide can't tell them. But when was the last time I actually went to some of the "touristy" places and took it in as a traveler would? Years, probably. Maybe even not since I saw them for the first time.

Whether you're a Fort Worth local or a fellow Texan interested in seeing this grand city for yourself, here are some of the major things to see and do while being a "hometown tourist":

Go to the museum

Lucky for me, this one is almost too easy. Fort Worth boasts several renowned museums, including the Kimball Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, the Museum of Science and History, the National Cowgirl Museum (which I am in, holla!), the Texas Civil War Museum, and the Amon Carter Museum. Phew! If you're interested in seeing amazing art galleries or getting a glimpse into rich Texas history, you're going to want to visit a few of these awesome museums. I'm definitely wanting to go to the Museum of Science and History to see the Titanic exhibit - I'm a huge Titanic nerd, so this sounds so cool!

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

In case you were wondering why the heck I'm in the National Cowgirl Museum...

Go to a famous attraction

The most popular attraction in Fort Worth is definitely the Stockyards. This area of Fort Worth has an Old Western feel that will take you back to the days of cowboys and stagecoaches. Visit Stockyard Station for some boot shopping and good eating, the Cowboy Hall of Fame for some history, or see the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo if you're visiting in January or February. Other things to visit when the weather is warm are the Botanic Garden and Water Gardens, filled with beautiful landscaping and botany, and the Log Cabin Village, which is an interactive museum that gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Pioneers. Fort Worth is teeming with culture!

Fort Worth Stockyards

Also, just a few miles away in Arlington (which is NOT Fort Worth NOR Dallas), you have Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, the Rangers Ballpark, and Jerry World (Cowboy Stadium), all of which are super fun places to go. Catch a game, ride some awesome roller coasters, or pay $10 for a bucket of popcorn (I'm serious. Jerry World's concessions are the worst).

See that wooden one at the bottom? I got stuck on the top of that when I was 8.

Go to the zoo

Also lucky is that Fort Worth has a world-renowned zoo. It is ranked #5 by USA Travel Guide's Top 10 Zoos in America and was named a top zoo by USA Today, Family Life, and the LA Times. It is home to over 5,000 different animals, both native and exotic, and house many really cool exhibits, such as Penguins, World of Primates, Australian Outback, African Savannah, Texas Wild! and the Museum of Living Art (MOLA). If you do ANYTHING in Fort Worth, go to the zoo! 

Fort Worth Zoo

Go downtown

Over the past 20 years, the city of Fort Worth and the Bass family have done a lot to clean up the downtown area (called Sundance Square) and make it more metropolitan. Now, it is full of restaurants, shopping, and my favorite attraction, Bass Hall. Bass Hall is THE place to see musicals, symphonies, ballets, operas, and rock concerts. There is also decent nightlife, although I personally have never gotten to experience it (21 in 7 months!). If you go in April, be sure to check out the Main Street Arts Festival to see beautiful paintings, sculptures, crafts, and photography from local artists. 

Downtown Fort Worth. My daddy works in one of those buildings.

Another really trendy area of town is West 7th. It has a two-story Movie Tavern and lots of stylish boutiques and awesome food. Sometimes, you can even catch some live music during the warmer months. 

West 7th Street

Go eat

Between all your tourist activities, you're going to want to stop and refuel. While normally I would recommend Urbanspoon, it can be difficult to navigate if you're not from the area because you won't know which part of Fort Worth to select. I would try to plan ahead using an app like TripAdvisor so you know ahead of time which restaurants are in which areas. But some of my favorite local places to eat are:

Love Shack - Burgers - West 7th and Stockyards
Fuzzy's Tacos - Mexican - TCU
Chubby's Burgers - Burgers - West Ft. Worth
Sushi Axiom - Sushi - Hulen
Margie's - Italian - Camp Bowie
Bombay Grill - Indian - Hulen
Terra Mediterranean - Mediterranean - West 7th
Zeke's Fish and Chips - Seafood - Camp Bowie
Edelweiss - German - Bluebonnet Traffic Circle
Spiral Diner - Vegan - Downtown
Joe T. Garcia's - Mexican - Stockyards
Parton's Pizza - Pizza - West Ft. Worth

But no matter where you go, whether you choose to eat at a local dive or Chick-fil-A, I encourage you to try something new that you can't get at home. It makes the experience that much better.

The patio area at Joe T. Garcia's

Go dancing

If you're feeling in a country mood, Billy Bob's Texas is the place to go. Think Harry's times ten. They have a huge dance floor, a bull machine, a restaurant, a gift shop, and much more. Most people go for the awesome concerts for country stars such as Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis, David Allan Coe, Kyle Park, The Band Perry, Josh Abbott Band, Willie Nelson, Ted Nugent...you get the idea. A lot of famous people play at Billy Bob's. Whether you're wanting to dance to a house band or check our your favorite country artist, you've got to go to Billy Bob's. 

Billy Bob's Texas

Go be a college kid...somewhere else

This may sound sacrilegious, but I love the TCU campus. It is absolutely gorgeous. One of my favorite areas of town is the area surrounding TCU because it's just another college town...but it's not MY college town, so I'm not exposed to it every day. There's plenty of cheap eats and bars to satisfy your home-away-from-home-sickness, and you'll still be surrounded by people your own age...they'll just prefer purple to maroon.

Riff ram bah zoo? ...nah

And now for a few don'ts...

Don't go to the same ol' haunts

If you're going to take this seriously, you HAVE to go to new places. Otherwise, it's just a normal day. Go to different restaurants, shop at different stores, explore new parts of the city. It's the only way to really get to know your city from a different set of eyes.

Don't act like a local

I know it's tempting to go to the museum or the zoo and stroll through quickly because you've seen everything before, maybe several times. But really try to take the time to look at things as an outsider would. If you want to really act like a tourist, dress like one - wear ridiculous clothes and fanny packs. Ask for directions, even if you don't need them. Use a GPS to get everywhere. Really act like you're visiting your hometown for the first time.

Don't under-appreciate your hometown

When you're accustomed to a place, it's so easy to forget all the beauty that lies within it. This whole experience is meant to provide you with a new perspective on the place you grew up in. Think of how different things would be if you had grown up somewhere else, how different you would be if you weren't shaped by your city's own unique culture. Try to use this as a way to learn to appreciate your hometown all over again. 

If you're interested in touring your hometown, I suggest apps like TripAdvisor and Urbanspoon so you can find new places to go. If you're interested in visiting Fort Worth because it sounded really cool (aww, shucks), leave a comment and I'd be ecstatic to give you more information! 

Much love,
Sydney

spring break guide: pack your bags

It’s that time of year again. A time of busting out the bikinis or shredding the slopes or going to some random town you’ve never heard of because your parents say it sounds “fun.” Yes folks, it is once again Spring Break! Whether by boat or by plane or by train or by car, you’re probably taking this week to travel somewhere. But no matter where your travels take you, you’re going to need to pack a suitcase (or two, or ten…). So here are some tips for packing smart so that your vacation is less stressful and more fun:

Personal bag

No matter where you go, you’re going to need some kind of purse/bag/backpack/what have you to keep all personal belongings in. Here is my advice concerning that – the bigger, the better. That doesn’t mean use a suitcase as your personal bag (lol that would be funny). It means, think about the things you’re bringing that you couldn’t imagine living without, and put them in something to keep them as close to you at all times as possible. Then, think about what you’ll need in order to be most comfortable on your journey. That should be what’s in your personal bag.

For a bag big enough, I suggest the Original Tote by Lilly Pulitzer, or something of similar size. It will be big enough to hold all your travel necessities but small enough to be considered a “purse.” “But Sydney,” you say, “I don’t want to carry this thing as a purse the entire trip! What do I do??” Glad you asked! I suggest packing an actual purse in your luggage so that you can switch over when you get to where you’re going. Either a crossbody or a Longchamp will fit into luggage without taking up much space.

What to pack in your personal bag:

1.    2.    3.    4.    5.    6.    7.    *8.

*Note: after I made this collage, the pink cup sold out! I instead linked to the turquoise cup. Sorry for the inconvenience! 

Carry-on (my wayward son)

Sorry, I just had to! The carry-on bag mostly applies to if you’re travelling by plane, but it can also apply to anyone bringing two suitcases. Your carry-on bag is the bag you take on the plane that goes in the overhead compartment. I repeat: GOES IN THE OVERHEAD COMPARTMENT. Please do not be that person who is constantly fishing things out of their carry-on. That’s what the personal bag is for! Instead, your carry-on should be your “my luggage got lost in transit and all I have to get me through the next two days until my luggage (hopefully) arrives is this” bag.

Indeed, your carry-on should consist of the things you would need if your luggage was lost and you needed some things to survive off. Therefore, it should consist of a couple of shirts, a pair of jeans, a pair of all-purpose shoes, basic toiletries, and undergarments, and anything else you couldn’t live without. That’s it. Just the necessities to get you through a couple of days.

When I say “basic toiletries,” I mean basic. Like, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash. And because it’s carry-on, you can only have travel sizes of everything. Why not shampoo, conditioner, and body wash? Well first, most hotels give these things to you complimentary. So if you were stuck without them for a couple days, you could probably make do with the ones at the hotel. Also, I tend to use a LOT of these things when I take a shower, so travel sizes won’t do it for me for a week. I would pack them in my checked luggage and use the hotel samples if I have to. Or, pack emergency travel sizes in my carry-on AND big bottles in my luggage.

What to pack in your carry-on:

1.    2.    3.    4.    5.    6.    7.    8.    9.

Luggage

After you've packed your carry-on and personal bag (or before, or at the same time), you'll probably take a larger suitcase full of even more clothes (because you can never be TOO prepared, amiright?). For plane travel especially, I suggest a hard suitcase, or a suitcase with a sturdy frame. In order to fit as much as possible in that thing, be sure to utilize space by rolling some thing and folding others, packing shoes on top, and using that mesh pocket at the top. You'd be surprised how much you can fit in a regular suitcase if you are creative enough with how you pack.

So whether you're spending Spring Break in Cancun or your aunt and uncle's house in Minnesota, you're sure to be well-packed with all the right things in the right way. I wish I myself were able to jetset to some awesome place, but so far my plans involve working and going home. Instead, I'll just help you with your travels.

Stay tuned! Next week, I'll be posting more guides to an awesome Spring Break 2013! 

Much love,

Sydney