For every traveller who has any taste of their own, the only useful guidebook will be the one which they themselves have written. - aldous huxley
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table of contents volume 1, issue 1 This Is Our Land (Rhode Island) .................................................................................................................... 6 Instant Diary ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Helvetia (Switzerland) ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Postcards From Italy ....................................................................................................................................... 20 Yosemite For Dummies ................................................................................................................................... 21 Born To Run (Cross Country) ........................................................................................................................ 22 Unwind in the Dam ......................................................................................................................................... 30 London Calling ................................................................................................................................................. 31 Stranger Times In Barcelona ........................................................................................................................ 32 Grab Grub In NYC ........................................................................................................................................... 38 Red Rocks ......................................................................................................................................................... 39 Up The Coast (California) .............................................................................................................................. 40 NorCal With Michelle .................................................................................................................................... 46 Study Abroad 101 .......................................................................................................................................... 48 Meet the Ladies ............................................................................................................................................. 56 FAQ .................................................................................................................................................................... 58 Thank You ....................................................................................................................................................... 59
This is our land! , A Moonrise Kingdom Road Trip by emily domb 6
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Rhode island Point Judith Lighthouse, Narragansett, RI
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Awesome waves and beautiful views. This is the location for one of the lighthouses shown in the film. $ - free • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Northern Light aka Suzy Bishop’s Home, Conanicut Island Jamestown, RI •
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This is one of the two homes (the other is located in Wisconsin) depicted as the exterior of the Bishop home. Visitors - be respectful, as it is a private residence. Visit Roadtrippers.com for directions to the area with the best views from the water. $ - free
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Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport, RI
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Enter “The Castle Hill Inn” into your GPS. Park at the far end of their parking lot (tell the valet you are going to the lighthouse), and look for a small white sign marking a footpath. Follow the path (2 min walk) to the lighthouse. It’s painted red in the movie, but it is now painted black. This is an incredible view of the cliffs and the ocean. You will recognize the lighthouse from the scene where Suzy looks through her binoculars in the beginning of the film. • • • $ - free • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Fort Wetherill State Park, Jamestown, RI
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This was by far my favorite part of the trip, as you have literally found MOONRISE KINGDOM! Enter the park’s second entrance to visit the beach scene location where Suzy and Sam camp out. Make sure to explore the rest of the park. The cliffs are beautiful! Don’t forget to yell “this is our land!!” $ - free
rebecca’s
instant diary
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Locations (left to right):
Grand Canyon AZ • Grand Canyon AZ • San Diego CA • Salvation Mountain CA • Area 51 NV • Big Basin Redwoods State Park CA • Sunset Cliffs CA • El Matador State Beach CA • San Francisco CA • Big Sur CA • Malibu CA • Yosemite Nat’l Park CA • Middle of Nowhere MT • Del Mar CA • Paris FR • Ocean Beach San Francisco CA
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Helvetia ,,, Switzerland’s Tucked-Away Trio by taylor foerster
BOLZBACH, SWITZ.
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If you are like me, and you want to finally immerse yourself in Switzerland’s unbelievable beauty of snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and mouth-watering chocolate, you are probably wondering where to start. I noticed that this was my first question when thinking about the country. There are so many cities to choose from - Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva... and what if you don’t want to spend all of your time stuck in a city since you are smack dab right near the best part of the Alps? How do you see it all in as little as two days? I definitely didn’t think that I would be as satisfied as I am with only spending two days in Switzerland, but it is possible. Hands down, Switzerland is the most beautiful place I’ve seen in Europe thus far and I would love to explore more of it. Obviously, everything in Europe is alluring in its own way, but if you have even just looked at pictures of Switzerland on the internet or in your travel books, you know what I’m talking about. If you are on a tight travel schedule or are just looking for a push in the right direction, follow this completely satisfying route that I took through the charming country of Switzerland.
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1. Lucerne Lucerne is an excellent way to begin your journey through Switzerland. You will soak up the unique atmosphere of sunny outdoor eateries, and 14th century bridges covered in gorgeous floral arrangements. There are lakes that are as bright blue as the sky above them, and many talented street musicians. The beautiful views are plentiful. As you walk through the small city, notice the brightly colored houses and shops along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the rainbow of personality. The air is crisp in Lucerne; it just feels like a perfect little Swiss city. The reason why I am recommending this city after traveling there is not only because it gives a simplistic yet fulfilling Swiss experience, but because of it’s location (which I will get to later on). Lucerne is large enough to stroll around and get lost in, yet not feel intimidating in size. Nicknamed “the city of lights,” the people speak a variety of languages including German and Italian, and use both Euros and Swiss Francs. On the next page, I’ll share some ideas that will make your time in Lucerne enjoyable - you’ll have the time of your life no matter what!
LUCERNE, SWITZ.
Cool things to do in Lucerne:
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1. Kapellbrucke - the charming 14th century floral bridge that crosses the Reuss River. The triangle panels underneath the roof tell stories of Swiss history and mythology as you walk across. 2. The Dying Lion of Lucerne Monument 3. The Rosengart Collection - a museum with works by Picasso, Cezanne, Kandinsky, Matisse, Monet and others on view. 4. Sit outside along Lake Lucerne and enjoy the swans and scenery while drinking/eating lots of Swiss coffee and chocolate! 5. Museggmauer - a historic location with great views of the city.
ENGELBERG, SWITZ.
2. Engelberg In my opinion, if you are anywhere near Lucerne and are planning to stay in the area for at least a night, you MUST stay in the small village town of Engelberg. Located about 45 minutes away from Lucerne, you are taken out of the captivating city and transported to a picturesque mountain resort that is perfect for summertime or wintertime travel. As there is a train that can bring you to and from Lucerne, Engelberg is an exceptionally easy place to stay. Highly suggested because of its crisp air, quiet community, and lovely architecture, Engelberg is a town that you might never want to leave. After visiting Lucerne for about half a day, we went to go see where we would be staying in Engelberg. Hotel Hoheneck is A+! Almost every room has a personal balcony overlooking the town, and cute vintage ski lodge style rooms. We had delicious burgers at Yucatan Restaurant while enjoying the colors of the sunset behind the mountains surrounding us. Some of us went running during the quiet early hours of the morning and discovered an azure blue lake tucked away outside of the town center. (Cont’d...)
Fun Fact: Helvetia is the strong female personification of Switzerland. She is featured on the Swiss Franc.
A place like this makes you think twice about where you actually are. It gives you time to think about how amazing it is that you are actually in Switzerland. There is no doubt in my mind that you can spend an entire vacation in Engelberg alone, but there is just so much to do in Europe! Personally, I feel like I have more memories in the small town of Engelberg than in Lucerne itself. When you are so captivated by a busy city and seeing what it has to offer, it sometimes is hard to create unique memories. The amount of astonishment we all had when arriving in Engelberg was beyond compare. It was extremely nice to finally be able to get out of a city and see the natural beauty of Switzerland (although the scenery in Lucerne is unbelievable as well; it’s just different). Don’t forget to travel to unknown smaller towns that you hear about through friends or travel websites; they may surprise you more than “where you should go” or “what you should see.” I had never heard about Engelberg before going on our most recent trip to Europe, and it is now definitely one of the most special places that I have stayed in the world.
, LAKE LUZERN, SWITZ.
3. Mount Pilatus This excursion was the best decision my friends and I made throughout our entire European Road Trip. You absolutely cannot miss this if you are near Lucerne! First of all, the entire experience is visually stunning. From the boat ride across Lake Lucerne, to the toboggan track down Mount Pilatus, it almost seems like heaven. You will be embarking on an hour-long boat ride across the lake, so grab a drink and relax on the deck. The cool breeze and crystal colors surrounding you are extremely lovely, and just as wonderful as the mountain itself. We visited during July, and it was sunny and warm outside. If it is wintertime, you might want to stay inside the boat, but try and go out on the deck at least for a little bit to experience the ride. When you arrive at the bottom of Mount Pilatus, the steepest cog railway in the world will take you up the side of the mountain, allowing you to experience views you probably never thought you would see. You will be in the clouds when you reach the top! Be careful not to lose your breath when hiking around in the caves due to the altitude. This is not for the faint of heart, but it is something you should check out if you want to get your adrenaline pumping. And no, you won’t be taking the cog railway back down. Instead, you can take various cable cars - and even a toboggan! DO IT! Don’t be scared if you are nervous about the toboggan. You completely control the speed; and can go very slow if you want to (most people do to enjoy the scenery, anyway). Then you will get lifted backwards up the track to return to the starting location. The trail up to the toboggan is a little bit of a hike, but it isn’t bad at all. Just wear comfortable shoes! Check out www.pilatus.ch/en/ for pricing and booking information, and lots of exciting pictures.
MOUNT PILATUS, SWITZ.
Postcards from italy
,, taylor’s watercolor paintings
VERONA, ITALY
VENICE, ITALY
Yosemite for dummies
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Bring lots of food, warm clothes, and blankets.
Having food at your campsite is most convenient, as cafes and restaurants close somewhat early in the evening, andcan be relatively pricey. In addition, temperatures in the park can drop much lower than expected at night or on a rainy day(even in the summer). We learned this the hard way, as weshivered under thin sheets in our pitifully constructed tent. In the morning, we weeded out the weak when we saw whohad retreated to our compact PT Cruiser for warmth.
Become familiar with pitching tents.
Practice setting up your tent at home before entering Yosemite. Don’t get hung up on purchasing an oversized tent, as a little room goes a long way for sleeping purposes. Smaller tents also have less assembly involved, which saves a lot of time and frustration in the long run. Our tent neighbors must have had a good laugh watching five girls from New York try to set up their shelter for the night.
Rookies - end your exploration before dark. The woods are, in fact, lovely, dark, and deep. Again, as newbies from New York, we didn’t expect the nighttime to drastically affect our sense of direction. Wandering aroundwith no flashlight in hand didn’t help us locate our missingcar. Be sure to keep track of where you park, and be knowledgeable of bus schedules/bus stops. Shout out tothe bus driver who aimlessly drove us around after hours in search of our car.
Born to run , Excerpted-memories from Coast to Coast by rebecca lader
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The Great American Road Trip It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been almost two years since I set out on my first cross country road trip on July 1, 2013 - a dream I had had since I was young. When a close friend had to trek back from school in the southwest to the east coast, five of us promptly gathered all of the pennies we had to our name, and claimed the open seats in “Petey,” her tan PT Cruiser. The tiny vehicle carried us more than 5,000 miles over the course of 78 hours spent driving - none of which held a dull moment. Aside from all of the specific places I was able to see, I will always hold the memories of exploring with this tight-knit group dear to me. 24
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My memory of Arizona seems like a hazy, yet happy, blur. It was the date of our arrival from New York, and I had been so tired from the day of layovers. After coming in and out of consciousness for two hours in the backseat, I came to and was told that we had arrived at the Grand Canyon; an experience that there is no way to prepare yourself for. While it’s a jaw-dropping moment just to gaze at it’s vastness, my friends wanted a more personal experience. After walking around the rim, taking in the views, one by one my friends started climbing down into a section without any railings. I usually play it safe in these kind of situations, so I decided to stay back - I didn’t necessarily want to die on the
GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
first day of the trip. After some encouragement from my friends, and much personal deliberation, I guided my uncoordinated feet down to the very edge of the canyon. Hugging the cliff, I peered over the edge and stared down at the canyon floor a mile below. I felt vulnerable, but it was an incredible feeling. It was at that point that I realized how much this group would alter my experience on the trip - pushing each other to fully experience every ounce of what each destination had to offer. *QUICK TIP* Take everyone’s ideas and suggestions into consideration, despite your own possible reservations.
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YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA
Our next stop in Yosemite National Park was the polar opposite of Arizona, in terms of climate. Also, setting up camp in the forest required more teamwork than simply taking shifts driving on seemingly-endless highways. After struggling with our stubborn eight-person tent, we began our trek to the valley. Once there, we climbed the slippery boulders beneath Yosemite Falls and admired the massive trees stretching high above our heads. However, we would soon discover that we were unprepared for the drop in temperature at sunset. Shivering on the cold ground in our tent without jackets, we resorted to huddling together just to keep ourselves warm. Experiences like this brought us closer together, quite literally.
BIXBY CREEK BRIDGE, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
PORTLAND, OREGON
Our car of five quickly became something concrete. We shared wardrobes and supplies, and caught each other when we fell. We weathered running out of gas in an endless desert, hailing over strangers together for help. The five of us silently convened to express our hesitation over handing over our car to a one-eyed man for an emergency oil change in a town very far off the beaten path. All these minute experiences were a testament to how much stronger our friendships had grown as we passed through each state. *Quick Tip* You can’t sweat the small stuff. Remember that you’re in close quarters with your pals, and you all have a common goal: to experience the grandeur of the United States. Cherish every moment, and keep a light heart - a year later when you look back, you’ll laugh at the time you drove an hour in the wrong direction.
America has so much untouched beauty to offer, and truly has the ability to make one feel small. Beginning our journey at the Grand Canyon certainly set the bar high for the rest of the trip, but each destination proved to be just as alluring as the last. The first few hundred miles were spent zig-zagging through desolate deserts from Arizona to the edge of Yosemite National Park. We made our way up the west coast, traveling to San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, experiencing the unique personality of each city. From the Pacific Northwest, we crossed the northern portion of the country heading East, exploring the geysers of Yellowstone and the vast openness of South Dakota before ending up in the Windy City. There is so much to explore. However, the greatest takeaway I have from those two weeks is not necessarily the specific places I was able to experience, but the memories I share with those I explored with.
Unwind in the dam
,, Amanda’s Amsterdam Checklist
To do: Have a picnic in Vondelpark Visit the Anne Frank House IAmsterdam Sign De Poezenboot: The Cat Boat Take a canal tour & learn about the city Rent a bike and explore the beautiful canals
Eat: Moeders; a “typical Dutch meal” Greenwoods; don’t miss this delicious brunch! The Pancake Bakery; try the poffertjes with sugar. Winkle; famous for the apple tart! Chipsy King; frites with fritesauce Shopping & nightlife: Dam Square; main square in Amsterdam First Sunday Market; food, art, fashion & design Noordmarkt; a market held in Jordaan every Monday Leidseplein & Rembrantplein; bars and clubs Trouw; music venue, club, & terrace restaurant Bitterzoet; quirky music venue for various genres Paradiso; a former church turned nightclub Melkweg; located in a prime nightlife center
Outside the city: Keukenhof (March-May); a beautiful tulip field and flower garden. Zaanse Schanse; the ultimate Holland experience! Taste some cheese, view the windmills and see how clogs are made. Schiermonnikoog; a beautiful island in the northern Netherlands. Ride a bike through the dunes, relax on the beach, or try mudflat hiking! 30
London calling
,, Brittany’s Wicked Pointers
Visit the free museums, including the British Museum, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery. My personal favorite, however, is the British Library. While technically it isn’t a museum, it has an incredible exhibit inside displaying the Magna Carta, Lewis Carroll’s handwritten Alice In Wonderland manuscript, and much, much more. Grab the front seat on a Double-Decker Bus. Skip the expensive all-day bus tour and get on one of the famous Double-Decker buses instead. The view of London from the front seat on the top level of the bus is unlike any other. From there, you get a clear view of the streets of London and can leisurely enjoy all of the famous architecture, without being on a set time schedule. Explore London’s Markets. Markets are free, and span across the entire city, giving you a reason to explore different neighborhoods you may not visit otherwise. The Brick Lane market was a personal favorite. It’s close to Old Spitalfields (another famous London market) but a bit more off the beaten path and not as touristy as other famous markets like Camden. Others include: Camden Market, Portobello Road Market, Borough Market, and the Columbia Road Flower Market.
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Stranger times in Barcelona , , A Spanish Weekend Getaway by brittany appel
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My friend and i found ourselves on a street in the middle of Barcelona, the name of which we couldn’t completely pronounce, looking for a bar that was, as we later figured out, no where near our location. When we saw a woman walking her dog, we quickly stopped her to ask if she knew where the bar was. She didn’t, and was convinced it didn’t actually exist. So instead of leaving us, she quickly offered to bring us somewhere else. “It’s very cool! Nice bartenders, good drinks, you’ll like this place a lot!” So we (warily, but quite foolishly) followed her and her dog down the street to a very cozy, charming bar called Collage. As her dog took up residence under the bar, our new friend introduced us to the bartenders, who gave us European kisses on both our cheeks and free celebratory shots. They were welcoming, sweet, and very sympathetic to my utterly embarrassing inability to speak any Spanish whatsoever. Barcelona, where you ask a stranger for directions and they end up coming out with you - dog and all.
This complete stranger, who we stopped for directions and was kind enough to show us around, sums up my time in Barcelona quite nicely. In just three days, I was able to realize that the architectural work of Antonio Gaudi, displayed all over Barcelona, is not the only thing that sets this gorgeous city apart from others. It’s more so the people, the distinct Catalan culture, and the energy that is quite simply unmatched by anywhere else I’ve ever been. Also, it’s the Sangria and Tapas. That too.
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But of course, you can’t speak about Barcelona without mentioning the architecture. It’s simply breathtaking. Most notably and distinct are the works of Gaudi, which seem to be strewn across the entire city, somewhat discreetly weaving through the otherwise colorful, antiqued buildings that inhabit Barcelona. The construction of Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, first began in 1882 and is still being built today. That alone is very telling to the grandeur of the architecture. Its interior and exterior are both something to behold. The interior was most surprising to me, because it’s unlike any other cathedral I’ve ever been in. My first reaction was to say it looks extremely futuristic, especially when considering that it was first designed in 1882. Gaudi was heavily inspired by nature, and it’s quite interesting, I think, that his naturalistic approach to architecture on the interior of La Sagrada Familia, stood out as very futuristic to me. My one semester of studying London architecture has taught me the very basics of architecture, but nothing about Gaudi is basic.
Barcelona Tips:
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1. Brush up on your Spanish or bring a dictionary.
Very obvious and very simple, but also very essential. The official language of Barcelona is Catalan, but everyone also knows Spanish. I, unfortunately, don’t know either and it became quite frustrating when I couldn’t communicate with people or had to ask my friends to translate something minimal for me. Not as many people know English as you would hope/expect, and while we were told most taxi drivers could speak English, we only came across a few that understood us. 2. Take advantage of anything free.
Also obvious, I think. If you’re a college student like myself, or someone just looking to save money, the Sandeman’s free walking tour of Barcelona is great. It’s a two and a half hour tour and they’ll show you around the old gothic area of Barcelona. It’s filled with historical tidbits and interesting tangents. The tour guides work off tips, so they generally try to make the tour as interesting and fun as possible. 3. Avoid crowds, because they’re terrible.
Barcelona isn’t exceptionally touristy in general, but naturally the large landmarks are. My advice would be to arrive at the tourist attractions as soon as they open or as early as possible, especially Parc Guell. It’s an amazingly beautiful place, but the massive crowds can dampen your experience. Pre-booking entry to La Sagrada Familia was also worth it. It takes less than five minutes to book online and it will help you avoid a lot of stress. 4. Use public transportation.
I used the bus, subway, and taxis in Barcelona and they were all inexpensive. The subway in Barcelona is easy to navigate through, even when you don’t know any Spanish. It’s also not that expensive so if possible I would take advantage of it! Alternatively, Barcelona also has very impressive taxi services. There are a lot of them, especially considering the size of the city, and it was also reasonably priced - anywhere we went was between 6 and 10 Euros. 5. Sangria and Tapas.
It feels as if it’s almost synonymous with Barcelona itself. It took us some time to get used to the concept (in the end we each just ordered a few dishes and ate the entire Tapas ourselves) and to a find a place we thoroughly enjoyed, but Tosca was the perfect place. Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious and the Sangria was amazing, of course.
day trips
, PALS, SPAIN
CALELLA, COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN
Grab grub in nyc
,, Artichoke Pizza - Manhattan A really great slice of pizza, which in size can be compared to that of a small child. My favorite slices are the artichoke and margherita. -Emily
Champs Diner - Brooklyn A quaint, vegan-friendly diner and bakery. After seeing the flavorful menu, you’ll likely return again and again. I would recommend the BBQ Chik’n Wrap, and a chocolate milkshake with coffee syrup. -Christina S’MAC • PB & Co. • Melt Shop - Manhattan Am I allowed to pick three? Well if so... All of your favorite comfort food needs right at your fingertips in NYC. A fresh Napoletana Mac & Cheese (S’MAC), a mouth-watering Nutella Peanut Butter sandwich (PB & Co.), or a homemade 3 Cheese Grilled Cheese with tomato soup (Melt Shop) are a few of my favorite cozy, welcoming meals. -Taylor New Park Pizza - Queens Most pizza in New York is good, but when you want the best, you go to New Park Pizza. It’s basically a landmark for locals, and it’s worth the trip for their no frills style pizza. There’s no menu - just order a regular slice, and savor it. -Brittany Houston Hall - Manhattan I’m a huge fan of converted spaces - and this early 1900s barn-turned-beer hall is a sight for sore eyes. Go back in time as you order your favorite craft beer and a giant warm pretzel. Enjoy the atmosphere! -Rebecca Emack & Bolios Ice Cream - Manhattan Head here for an assortment of fun-flavored ice cream and a friendly atmosphere. Try the hand-dipped cones... or even the ice cream pizza! It’s a spot you definitely don’t want to miss. -Amanda
Red Rocks
,, Grand Canyon Juxtaposition
TAYLOR FOERSTER
REBECCA LADER
Up the coast ,, A Journey Through the Golden State
by christina kmetz
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Our adventure began in San Diego,
widely known as “America’s Finest City.” I was excited upon arrival, as I had visited once before and had a blast. It was the end of April, which is still pretty chilly in New York - so I was in awe over the thought of wearing summery clothing.
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Upon arriving in San Diego, we headed to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. In my opinion, it’s a must-see due to the beautiful view and sounds of the ocean, along with the overall color palette. Rebecca and I had a mini photo shoot and watched the sun set over the Pacific.
The next day, we drove south to Salvation Mountain in Niland, California. We left the windows down throughout our two hour drive, feeling the desert heat pour into our small Toyota. When we finally arrived, we were speechless. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. The only way to accurately describe it is as a wonderful piece of artwork. It was sweltering hot, so within the first hour of exploration, we had sweat dripping down our bodies - but the experience was worth it. Although it was disappointing to leave our first destination, we were excited to continue our adventure up the best coast.
Next stop: Laguna Beach. Whenever Rebecca and I are in southern California, we make sure to stop in Orange County to visit one our favorite beaches: Thousand Steps Beach. Thousand Steps is unique in that you must climb up/down a concrete staircase made up of 300+ steps to access it. The warm sun felt wonderful on my skin, and the cold water was so refreshing. We walked down the shoreline and explored a cave at the end.
That night, we headed to Griffith Observatory to view the lunar eclipse. We had to walk for what felt like forever to get to the top, but the climb paid off. The view of the city was breathtaking. It was a wonderful way to end our stay in the City of Angels.
Our journey continued north to Los Angeles, the “City of Angels.” We walked a lot that day, visiting various places such as a street with a cool view of the Hollywood sign and the well-known record store called Amoeba Music, followed by the neighborhood of Silver Lake. Later, we went to our friend Will’s apartment downtown and relaxed on his roof. It was cool to catch sight of a different skyline.
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The next day, we got up early and continued north to San Francisco. We stopped at El Matador State Beach in Malibu, which was one of my favorite pit stops of our whole trip. The landscape and overall scenery was so gorgeous. I climbed up a rock that was over ten feet tall. I was hesitant, but I’m glad I did it.
Rebecca and I were both anxious to reach Big Sur, but knew we had a long drive ahead. We stopped a few times along the way to take photos at cliff overlooks, because the drive along Highway 1 is one of the most scenic drives. The roads wind through mountains and the speed limit is constantly changing. We finally arrived at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park as the sun was setting. The tranquil waterfall and vivid blue ocean were unforgettable. I wish I was there this very moment.
We drove to Big Basin Redwoods State Park the following day. We were a little dressed up for the occasion, as we were wearing dresses in a state park. We spent a lot of time exploring and taking photos. The redwood trees towering over us were overwhelming in the most amazing way. Big Basin was unlike anything we had seen in California thus far, and made for a great pit stop on our way to San Francisco.
This visit to San Francisco brought new experiences our way. We stopped by the famous Full House house (which looks nothing like it did on the show, due to a new paint job), and drove to Fort Cronkhite, which was a serene, recreational beach over the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito that I hadn’t seen before.
Our favorite Cali friend, Andrew, took us to an event called Off The Grid - a food truck festival, which was an awesome experience. There, I had some of the most delicious food I’ve eaten in my entire life. It was a perfect way to conclude our most recent trip to the Golden State.
Guest interview: Northern California with Michelle Andres
,, What made you choose California as your destination?
MICHELLE: A lot of reasons, actually. When I travel, I usually end up at a tropical destination out of the states, and I had been thinking about how much there is to do and see here in America. I had never been to California prior to this trip, and never heard a bad thing about it - so it seemed like a good choice. Plus, I’m thinking about moving to the west coast and definitely needed to make a visit.
What were your favorite places you visited during your trip? M: I’m very outdoorsy, and prefer to spend most of my travel time adventuring. On the trip I had two destinations: San Francisco, and Redwood National Park. I split my time between each. In San Francisco, I would have to say my favorite spot was Baker Beach - which is this amazing little dog beach about one mile past the Golden Gate Bridge. It has some of the best views of the bridge, and is packed with puppies - so you really can’t go wrong there. My favorite part of Redwood National Park was a toss up between the Newton B. Drury Scenic Highway, and Gold Bluffs Beach. The highway is this picturesque road that you can take instead of Highway 101 up north that drives directly through the old growth redwoods. The road is lined with some of the biggest and oldest trees in the country. It was very surreal. I’d also like to note that Star Wars was filmed there! Gold Bluffs Beach was a lengthy shoreline that is lined with - you guessed it - gold sand bluffs that stretch for miles. It’s really difficult to get to, but it’s worth it for the many beautiful views. The best part about both of these places are that there are minimal tourists or crowds in that area, so you can have the area to yourself.
, Favorite meal/restaurant you ate at? M: In San Francisco, I had a few favorite spots. For breakfast: Dottie’s True Blue Cafe is a must. There are huge lines that form outside, so you have to go early - but the food is unreal. For lunch: Ike’s Place is perfect. I had one of the best sandwiches of my life there, and they are very accomodating with ingredients. For dinner: Lers Ros Thai was fantastic. I’m such a foodie, and my main goal when traveling is always to eat everything everywhere - so it’s so hard to pick just one favorite.
Favorite outdoor activity? M: Hiking! Which I’m actually really bad at, and I’m always dressed completely wrong, but California is so perfect for it and it’s the best way to see everything.
How did you travel from place to place? M: In San Francisco, I mostly walked everywhere, but the trolley was also really fun to take, and it goes everywhere. To go up to the redwoods, we had to rent a car, since the drive is about four hours north of San Francisco. Having the car was awesome though, because it allowed us to drive to some of the more remote areas in the city that were too far to walk to.
Any tips you have for our readers about traveling in California? M: Take a million pictures! Don’t be afraid to walk around and explore. Enjoy the fresh air that is so hard to come by here in New York. Also, book your hotels through Groupon/deal saving sites. I saved so much money through those kinds of sites compared to places like Orbitz - and they even gave me credits back! Biggest tip: get In N Out as much as you can. Especially right before heading home!
Study Abroad 101 , Because, why not? by amanda stevens
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Making the decision to study abroad brought on an endless amount of questions. Where should I go? How can I afford this? Is it safe to go alone? Planning to go abroad was a long and exhausting process, but one I would never hesitate to do all over again. Many people have approached me throughout the years expressing an interest in studying abroad, but were unsure of how to start the process. My goal here is to assist and inspire others to avoid procrastination and doubt and consider the amazing experience that lies ahead. This opportunity will not be around forever and it is definitely one you do not want to miss out on! So stop making excuses on why you can’t go, and start thinking positively. If money is an issue, take out a loan. If you can’t get the time off work, quit and find a new job. If fear is in the way, face it. If traveling and exploring is something you truly aspire to do, prepare yourself to face any obstacle in the way, and just go.
Step 1: Attend a study abroad info session Overwhelmed with the desire to go abroad, I knew the very first thing I had to do was attend a study abroad info session. This was an exciting start to the process and very helpful as many of my questions had been answered. The advisor’s discussed how to narrow down on a place to go and how to go about picking a program. Many programs require a certain G.P.A, extracurriculars, focus of study, etc. So set some time aside and be prepared to do a great deal of research.
Step 2: Pick a place After watching all of the Mary Kate and Ashley travel movies, I was eager to go everywhere and see everything. I wanted to have a baguette fight in Paris, but I also wanted to learn how to surf in Australia. I craved the opportunity to be exposed to multiple countries, hear many different languages, and taste various kinds of foods. So I decided to study somewhere in Europe, where I could travel to different countries on the weekends. It was also important that I could communicate easily with the natives. After learning much about Amsterdam, I was infatuated with the idea of spending six months riding a bike around one of Europe’s most beautiful and picturesque city.
Step 3: Apply The most agonizing part of the process. Multiple forms to fill out, writing the same information over and over. Gathering transcripts and letters of recommendation. Writing a personal statement. Obtaining a passport and extra passport photos. Making copies of all important documents. Getting approval from your doctor. These are just some of the things required by most study abroad programs. This step is one that appears to turn many people off. Just think about the amazing experience ahead of you, and get it done!
Step 4: Plan FINANCING: If you’re like me, and your parents can’t afford to sign a check for over $10,000, then you are definitely going to have to rely on student loans. The cost of my semester in Amsterdam was equivalent to the cost of one semester at Arizona State, so that was not an issue as my loans covered the program fee. I also worked as much as possible before I left to save up money for my travels. Try not stress about the loans. You will be able to pay them back, someday... BUDGET: This is extremely important! I can’t stress this enough. Many people in our program ran out of money halfway through the semester, and you can only imagine the stress that creates. Work hard before you leave and save every dollar possible! Plan to spend a certain amount each month and try to stick to it. However, when traveling with a group of people, you’ll have to be flexible with your budget. Do not hold a group back from going to a museum or attraction because the extra 10 euros is out of your budget. It is rude and you will lose future travel buddies.
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*QUICK TIP* Eating at restaurants while abroad can be a wonderful experience... until the check comes. You are not in America and no, they will not split your check 10 ways. When going out to eat, have everybody put 20 euros in one pile. Pay the bill with that money and use the rest on drinks or dessert later.
LIVING: If you live in an apartment or dorm in the U.S., be sure to get your lease figured out while you are gone. As for living abroad, this varies from program to program. You can decide to live with a host family or in a private dorm. Most of them will accommodate your living situation for you. My program, CIEE, only offered a few home-stays, which was not an issue for me because I knew I wanted my own space in a private dorm. TEXTING: Decide how you will stay in touch with all of your friends and family while you’re away. I recommend keeping your iPhone on airplane mode the entire time, and just connect to wifi whenever possible. As for contacting your new friends abroad, I suggest purchasing a cheap, unlocked phone when you arrive. HEALTH: Tell your Doctor you will be abroad for some time and ask for an extra few months of your prescriptions. Be sure keep them all in the original prescription bottle. I would also suggest bringing a prescription of z-pac or any other antibiotic just in case you get sick while abroad.
FLIGHT: Definitely book this as early as possible to get the best rate! If you fly often, try to stick with the same airline and collected frequent flyer points to help with the cost. Most credit card companies offer a free flight after spending roughly $1000. BANKING: Harass your bank to make sure they are 100% aware that you are going abroad for the semester, and that you can not have your account frozen. Multiple people in my program did not have access to any money for the first week or so because they either forgot to call their bank, or were not very clear. This is a stressful situation that you can easily avoid.
Step 5: Pack CLOTHES: Research the weather during each month in that specific country. As hypocritical as this is coming from me... do not overpack. Bring a lot of things that you can layer or wear multiple ways, like shirts or dresses that can be worn both casually and dressed up. Pack your most comfortable shoes, as you will be doing lots of walking. TOILETRIES: Pack a travel size of everything for the first few days. However, do not bother traveling with your giant bottles of expensive shampoo and conditioner. Save the space in your bags for other things and purchase that stuff when you arrive. Depending on where you study, you can find almost everything that we have here in the United States.
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*QUICK TIP* As far as electronics go... Don’t forget a converter and all chargers. I recommend purchasing any hair tools abroad. Additionally, purchase a backpack that has a handle and wheels, and is acceptable as a carry on by many of the European airlines such as Easyjet or Ryanair... they are very strict. When traveling throughout different cities, this will be very helpful. Consider the fact that you may later decide to stay in that country longer to travel around, and you do not want to lug around a ton of heavy bags.
Step 6: GO! • Avoid all stereotypes of the place you are going to and keep an open mind. • Be prepared to experience jet lag. You will be with all of the other students
the first few days. Try not to let jet lag and culture shock get the best of you. These are the other americans you can rely on to help you remember the U.S. and they can relate to how you are feeling. Try not to leave a bad first impression because you are tired - everybody is tired! • Travel on weekends, but also spend some time in the country you are
studying in. I felt that I was too focused on traveling all the time and did not make friends with many dutch natives. • Be safe, but don’t be paranoid the entire time! Avoid showing off your
valuables as it is very possible they could be stolen. Beware of the gypsies! • Fall in love. Not just with another person, but with yourself. And with your
passion for traveling. Fall in love with new places and experiences. • Have Fun!
Meet the ladies Roadie
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a creative travel collective
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est 2014
,, rebecca lader
Travel to-do: Alberta, Canada Reykjavik, Iceland Denali National Park
Travel playlist: Drake - 0 to 100 / The Catch Up The Replacements - Left of the Dial Japandroids - The House That Heaven Built
taylor foerster Travel playlist: Arcade Fire - Sprawl II Dirty Gold - California Sunrise Bass Drum of Death - Crawling After You
Travel to-do: Peru Thailand New Zealand
emily domb Travel to-do: Ireland Australia Glacier National Park
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Travel playlist: Wild Belle - Twisted High Highs - Open Season Lissie - Pursuit of Happiness
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brittany appel Travel playlist: Sigur Ros - isjaki Styrofoam - Couches In Alleys The Naked & Famous - Young Blood
Travel to-do: Iceland Australia New Zealand
christina kmetz Travel to-do: O’ahu, Hawaii Grindavik, Iceland Denali National Park
Travel playlist: Whirr - Junebouvier Title Fight - Secret Society Nada Surf - The Way You Wear Your Head
amanda stevens Travel playlist: Grimes - Genesis Atlas Genius - Trojans Arcade Fire - No Cars Go
Travel to-do: Hawaii Croatia Australia
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FAQ
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- How did you all start traveling together, especially at a young age? We all, in some way, have bonded through our love for travel and it’s only made us closer as friends. Having friends that are interested and excited to travel could be, for some people, the biggest hurdle to get through, because after that it’s very easy to feed off of each other’s excitement and book trips! Brit embarked on her first trip to Europe when Amanda was studying abroad in Amsterdam, and that was very much the catalyst she needed to finally just go. If you have close friends that love to travel, don’t worry, because that’s the start/motivation you’ll need. After that you’ll all find ways to do it!
- How do you guys afford to travel everywhere? We have a variety of ways to make trips affordable. Firstly, traveling is a priority because it is so important to us. That being said, there are six of us that contribute to Roadie, so between all of us we have a lot of travels, tips, and stories to tell! We definitely save most of our money, because we are always looking to plan our next adventure. When you’re first starting out, it’s useful to have tips on how to travel affordably and realistically. Speaking from past experience, planning trips with friends is a lot of fun, and it is also a good way to stay constantly excited and involved in the process leading up to the actual trip. In this case, the Internet is your best friend. There are lots of sites that we have come across while trying to look for cheaper options as well. EF College Break and Contiki are some great tour websites that make it easy, quick, and inexpensive for young travelers that want their trip pre-planned and like traveling with a group. AirBNB is an awesome site that lists verified users rooms/houses that can be rented out, which is a more affordable option compared to hotels. Hostelworld, Viator, Megabus, and STA Travel are a few additional websites we’ve used in the past that are also quite helpful. Money may seem like the biggest hurdle to get over before traveling, but if you are passionate about travel and have an opportunity, save every last penny and get out there!
Thank you
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We’d love to thank EF College Break for providing affordable, easy-to-plan trip packages and giving us the experience of a lifetime. Thank you to Artin for being the best guide we could have possibly asked for, and to all of our friends that we made on the European Road Trip. Many thanks to the numerous kind souls who extended a helping hand on our USA road trip, such as the Bus Driver from Yosemite, Random Stranger that helped us get gas in the middle of Death Valley, and Phil the San Francisco Tour Guide, to name a few. TravelThisWorld.tumblr.com, thank you for believing in our message and helping us to spread our collective’s brand throughout a social media platform widely used by our demographic. We can’t thank you enough. Thank you to Michelle Andres for being our first interviewee and providing us with your beautiful photographs and helpful information! Anyone that has helped to contribute to Roadie in any way or who ordered this zine holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you all!
, Our blog lives here: roadiezine.com
Instagram/Twitter: @roadiezine
Facebook: facebook.com/roadiezine YouTube: youtube.com/user/roadiezine
“Roadie Zine: Issue I” was edited by Rebecca Lader and Taylor Foerster. Photographs by Rebecca Lader appear throughout the zine, but may not be credited.