young traveler April 2018
Hidden Gems Destinations Await Turning Dreams into Reality
Contents Letter from the Editor page 2 Living Life Mix page 3 Destinations Await Page 4
Turning Dreams into Reality Page 7 Hidden Gem Page 11
A Letter from the Editor This months issue is all about destinations that await you (page 4), making dreams a reality (page 7) and exploring exploring a hidden Gem of Italy (page 11). Since returning from studying abroad in Florence last fall, I felt inspired to make an issue about the importance of studying in other countries and international travel. Of course as always we have trip ideas for the traveler trying to stay state side. Florence will always have a piece of my heart and I thought it was important to share others stories of how much the city has changed them. I hope you all fall in love with it as much as I did once you get to visit. Let this issue be your sensory guide to travel the globe and ignite your spark for wanting to get up and go. Enjoy! Olivia A.
2
LIVING LIFE MIX
Quick Tip: Five Must Haves While Traveling
We all know how traveling can take a toll on our bodies and minds, so it’s important to feel comfortable while on the go. Here’s five things every avid traveler should have with them no matter what adventure they’re on. 1. Brita Water Bottle: A must have to always stay hydrated with filtered water no matter your location. 2. Headphones: to block out all the noise and listen to sounds you actually enjoy. 3. Cliff Bars: Everyone needs a little protein, energy pick me up. 4. Hydrating Facial Wipes: Pack on your carry on to wipe away a day’s worth of travel and re-hydrate thirsty skin. 3
Young Traveler | April 2018
5. Eye Mask: For anyone who struggles with falling asleep in the daylight
- Olivia Angerosa
Spring Break Breaking the Bank?
invest in an all-inclusive resort with a group of people to split costs and not have to worry about extra spending money. It’s important to remember that memories will last forever, and it doesn’t always have to be “picture perfect”.
-Olivia Angerosa
You’re Hot and You’re Cold…
Everyone knows how crucial spring break is for college students. But is it really necessary to spend crazy dollar amounts for that one Instagram picture that you want everyone to “like”? The average student spends anywhere from $800$1,000 on a trip. To help cut costs stay with friends or family who live where you’re vacationing. Using studentuniverse.com to find flights and get student specific discounts on airfare, hotels and rentals is a resourceful way to save your money. If you’re going to vacay it with your friends, why not
With Spring and Summer weather approaching you’re probably thinking of where to plan a little escape to. Miami and NYC, two hot spots, offer completely different experiences and weather. Perhaps you’re in the mood to bundle up still and catch the last few weeks of cold spells in the Northeast. Enjoy a romantic dinner in the city at a cozy hole in the wall restaurant or a walk around Central Park in the brisk weather. Or opposite of that, maybe you want to bare it all on the beach in the sun while enjoying a couple cocktails. To brave the cold or embrace the heat? Now that’s up to you.
-Olivia Angerosa
Destinations Await: Big Sur and Carmel, California By: Olivia Angerosa Where to Eat: • Nepenthe Restaurant and Café Kevah at Big Sur $$-$$$: With options ranging from brunch to a full dinner menu and wine list, this spot is sure to fulfill your every need! Situated on the site of The Log House, Big Sur, the restaurant sits 808 feet above sea level. Enjoy gorgeous views and vistas while seated outside on their patio. P: (831) 667-2344 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920 https://www.nepenthe.com/info-hours/ • Corkscrew Café at Carmel Valley $$-$$$: American cuisine in a quaint and quirky bistro setting. Both lunch and dinner served with a great selection of wines. Pizza and burgers are always a hit with the customers. P: (831) 659-8888 55 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93921 http://corkscrewcafe. com/
4
Where to Stay: • Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley $$$: This 28-acre escape is tucked among vineyards and mountains and only a short drive to the attractions of Big Sur. With guestrooms and suites available, Bernardus offers the perfect getaway for you and your significant other or perhaps a girl’s trip. P: (831) 658-3400 415 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 https://www.bernarduslodge.com • Wayside Inn in Carmel $$: Tucked away in the forest of Carmel, Wayside Inn is located conveniently near Carmel’s premier shopping plaza. The Inn is also located just about 20 miles outside of Big Sur. With full kitchens, spa tubs, fireplaces, and complimentary breakfast, you’ll feel right at home! P: (831) 624-5336 Mission St & 7th Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923 https://www.waysideinncarmel.com What to Do: • McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park $: This stunning overlook and waterfall is inside of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, an attraction in itself! McWay drops down 84 feet into a beautiful cove and flows year-round. Try to get to McWays around sunset time for an even more spectacular view. $10 parking fee for cars. P: (831) 649-2836 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578 •
5
Joullian Vineyards & Winery in Carmel Valley $$: Just 20 minutes from the coast, Joullian Tasting Room is a warm sunny place to enjoy California wine country. Tastings of 6 wines are available with reservations 48 hours in advance and $25 a person. Private tours are also offered. P: (831) 659-8100 2 Village Dr A, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 https://joullian.com
Turning Dreams into a Reality By: Olivia Angerosa How studying abroad transforms students lives Studying abroad is the dream that almost every college student wishes will come true for them. It’s become almost a fad of sorts, with an increasingly large number of students participating in study abroad programs all over the globe. Judging from the copious amounts of pictures you probably see posted by your friends or fellow classmates while abroad, you would think all they do is travel and have fun. Do they even learn anything while abroad?! While studying in a foreign country, of course you do take classes and learn things, but it goes deeper than that for the individual abroad. Perhaps studying abroad was just a fragment of their imagination and they didn’t think they could afford it, but somehow made the dream work and are delighted to be there now. For every student though, they learn things beyond the classroom. Cultural differences, travel experiences, and learning to make decisions on your own are all ways you learn differently while abroad. So how exactly does studying abroad change a student?
Well for one, you will most likely come back a more confident version of yourself. Going into studying abroad, you can be timid or even scared because of the unfamiliarity. Junior, Shelly Wolfe who studied in Florence, Italy said, “I had only traveled with family before leaving for abroad and my hardest milestone was the anxiety I faced about taking the plane ride ten hours by myself. In the end it turned out to be a great experience for me and gave me so much more confidence about doing things independently.” It’s true that many students don’t have experience with international travel or even domestic for that matter, before leaving everything they know behind them for 4 months. Traveling is a huge part of the study abroad experience. Whether you decide to venture outside the country you’re living in or just stay in your country, it’s a big adjustment. Kate O’Connor, a junior who studied in Lugano, Switzerland this past fall said the biggest challenge for her was having to solve problems on her own in difficult situations. “The most challenging part of studying abroad was having to solve problems completely on my own knowing that my family and support systems were oceans away from me,” said O’Connor.
7
Shelly Wolfe in Florence
Scott Little who studied abroad in Florence, Italy as well, realized how much the language barrier actually helped with public speaking skills. “Speaking a new language to natives of Italy, helps you get outside of your comfort zone and get over cultural barriers,” he said. “Both my jobs I’ve been at since I graduated have loved that I studied abroad and it shows that you’re curious and outgoing.” There comes a point while you’re abroad though that you start to feel comfortable and realize just how much more there is out there for you. You remember that it’s okay to be away from home because you’ll always be able to go back home but who knows the next time you’ll be sipping a granita on the beaches of Positano, Italy? “Studying abroad opened my eyes on how big the world is and how little I’ve seen of it. this experience has given me the travel bug I don’t want to stop exploring,” said Wolfe. Julia Dougherty, the Program Coordinator at the Office of International Studies for Lasell, had an eye-opening experience when she studied abroad. Dougherty studied in Florence, Italy her junior year while she was attending Penn State. “My reason for studying abroad was because I wanted to drop out of school. I was just fed up and didn’t see the point of school. So, my parents suggested I try studying abroad since it would be a change of environment for me, and it totally worked!” She ended up loving it so much that she didn’t want to come back to the states. Dougherty loved being abroad so much that she decided to pursue her master’s abroad and also taught English in Korea for a while. Seeing how much studying abroad transformed her life, she knew she always wanted to work with international matters. That’s what led her to what she does now, helping students get ready to go abroad and transition into a new lifestyle. “I was a prime example of how studying abroad can change everything for you, and it made me want to spread the word,” said Dougherty. As far as she’s concerned, there will always be time for her to go abroad again in the future. “I see myself staying in the field of international education, and always being in the international realm of things. It’s rewarding seeing the students blossom into confident, internationally acclimated young adults when they come back,” said Dougherty. Julia is just one of many examples of how studying abroad can help cultivate a student’s career path and choice. According to a study conducted by IES Abroad, a study abroad program, alumni of studying abroad have increased hireability because of better cultural understanding, adaptability and self-confidence. Alum also earn an average of $6,000 more in their starting salaries.
Kate O’Connor in Switzerland
8
While abroad Wolfe realized the important impact studying abroad would have on her life post-grad. “It helped me prepare for post-grad because in real-world settings there are going to be so many different types of people you have to work with of different cultures and ethnicities. It is important to realize how to respect and accept others,” said Wolfe. O’Connor had a similar answer when asked the same question. “It opened up my eyes to the world. It showed me that there are a lot more important things going on than what is up with the Kardashians and Donald Trump. It allowed me to have a wider perspective on world issues as well as a better understanding of myself and what I wanted for my future,” she said. A study by University of California Merced, showed that 96% of students who studied abroad claim they had an increase in self-confidence after studying abroad. 89% also felt they now facilitate a greater tolerance for ambiguity. As the years go on, we’re bound to see study abroad on the rise even more as it becomes a major asset after graduation. If you’re thinking about studying abroad but feel self-conscious or nervous it’s perfectly normal. Most all people’s post-abroad reaction is a positive one. They can’t wait to return and rave about how it’s changed their lives for the better. So, even if it appears that your friends are just having the time of their lives (which they probably are), their also learning things that will be far more valuable in the real world than getting straight A’s every semester. Don’t be afraid to push your limits and watch yourself grow into someone you never thought you could be.
9
Hidden Gem: Sermione, Italy
Eat, drink, relax, and stay awhile in beautiful Sermione, Italy right on Lake Garda. Situated in Northern Italy between Venice and Milan, it’s the perfect escape.