Vacation: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World: a designation that kids dream about and lets be honest, adults as well. This Christmas break, I had the opportunity to go to the magical world that is Walt Disney. I had been there once before, but I was so young and honestly can’t remember a whole lot about my trip. As a 21 year old adult, I can say that I had just as much fun in the parks as my 5 year old niece did. Even my dad – a 54 year old man who had just earlier this year had back surgery, was in line to do as many rides as he possibly could. It just brings something out in all of us. Below, i’ve composed a few key tips that I had learned while attending the happiest place on Earth.

1. It isn’t always the happiest place on Earth. There were many times were I was so stressed because of the wait of lines, food, and the absurdity of people stopping in the middle of the walkways to regroup. It’s okay to get discouraged, I promise that it will not take away the magic of the park.
2. Take pictures with characters. This isn’t just for little kids and people won’t make fun of you. I unfortunately didn’t learn this until after I was back home, but now as I’m looking back at my pictures from the trip, I desperately wish I would have gotten some photos with my favorite characters.
3. Try not to get discouraged from long lines. On my third day in the parks, I learned that lines are actually a blessing. Sure they are annoying, but use your wait to regroup, take a break, enjoy a snack, edit and delete some photos, just enjoy that time to relax.
4. Bring snacks/lunches/water. You can bring food in with you and you’ll want to. My family unfortunately never brought food in with us and that costed us to waste a lot of food at the hotel and spend a lot of money in the parks.
5. Don’t fear bringing backpacks. Almost all of the rides have pouches for your backpacks in or under your seat. If there isn’t a department for it on the ride, there will be one near the ride and don’t worry – it’s safe.
6. Keep a map on you and get a schedule pamphlet. Obviously you’ll want a map, the place is HUGE, but make sure to get a time schedule that is right by the maps. Disney World puts on parades throughout the day and these times help you determine when it starts if you want to watch, and when to avoid it and not get trapped in a location if you’re trying to go else where.
7. Don’t stop in the middle of a walkway. DO NOT DO THIS. I know you need to get a bazillion pictures, but be mindful. Disney World is usually a busy place, try to remember that more than likely someone is walking behind you.
8. Get souvenirs at the beginning of the day. This is what is also nice about carrying a backpack. A lot of shops will have limited selections towards the end of the day. This may be annoying to have to carry around your new purchases, but it’s better to have options than pick from the “picked over” selection.
9. Carry some form of pain killer. You may get sore feet, you may get a sore legs, or you may get a headache. Disney World is loud, I had a headache almost everyday and if I didn’t, someone in my group did.
10. Wear a smile. Don’t let long lines, screaming children, and expenses get to you. Disney World is a happy, happy place. There were times when I didn’t enjoy myself because I just waited in line for 60 minutes. You’re there to have fun and be young again. Don’t forget it.

 

Stay Wicked.

 

Ten Places you should visit in the Pacific NorthWest

Hello Raddies! If you are anything like me, traveling isn’t a hobby, it’s something that keeps you going, keeps you motivated, and keeps you healthy. I have decided to write a few lists of places you should travel in the world. The first blog in the “10 places you should visit” series is my favorite place in the world; the Pacific Northwest!

1. Seattle, Washington – With its natural beauty and skyscrapers, it’s truly a site to see. Surrounded by water on three sides of the city, it’s easy to escape the craziness of the city and be back with nature. Of course I do have to mention the coffee, but Seattle is also greatly known for its art and music scenes.
2. Mount Rainer National Park, Washington – You know I had to mention this one. The views are breathtaking from every single angle so you photography lovers will have died and gone to heaven over and over again. Although you do get to see Mount Rainer at its 14,000+ feet,  you’re also in sight of forests, wildflower fields, waterfalls, and Tipsoo Lake.
3. Langley, Whidbey Island – For all of you history buffs, Langley is the perfect quant destination. Take a stroll down the cute streets and visit historic buildings, antique stores, and book stores. There are a wide range of activities for the family to do such as whale watching, wine tasting, glass blowing, and coffee roasting.
4. Olympic National Park – If you enjoy nature in peace and won’t mind driving farther into the PNW, this is a site to see. This National Park offers a variety of scenery from forests, snow covered mountain tops, a lake so clear you can see your reflection, and waterfalls. Although this description isn’t doing it justice, its a place you just can’t describe.
5. La Push Beach, Washington – Don’t judge it before you see it. You’ve all probably heard of La Push Beach from the Twilight movies, but La Push Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful and mysterious beaches in the world. With a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, you look behind you and see lush evergreen trees and driftwood up and down the beach. I should mention; however, the beach is beautiful, it’s usually cloud covered and misty so do bring a poncho!
6. Hoh Rainforest – As one of the few rainforests in the United States, the Hoh Rainforest is something you absolutely can not miss while in the Olympic Peninsula. From its lush green scenery, it has been unchanged for thousands of years. You’ll be in sight of the Washington state tree – Western Hemlock ( over 300 ft tall ) and 100+ year old Cedars! There is also hiking trails to enjoy your time
7. Columbia River George – a grand river separating Washington and Oregon. Enjoy it’s many waterfalls and water activities. If you’d rather stay indoors, follow on Columbia River Highway and you’ll find museums, spas, and wineries.
8. Multnomah Falls – Moving on down to Oregon, we stop 30 minutes away from Portland at Multnomah Falls. As the tallest and more exquisite waterfall in Oregon, it makes it a big tourist attraction. Plunging 600 feet in the Columbia River George, there are hiking trails that take you to the middle of the falls or all the way to the top.
9. Victoria, British Columbia – A scenic dream, Victoria stands as the capital of British Columbia, Canada. You’re never not in sight of mountains, ocean, and flower gardens. Enjoy its many farmers markers and history by double decker buses and carriage rides.
10. Vancouver, British Columbia – “Seattle on drugs”. If you thought Seattle sounded amazing with both nature and city life, Vancouver takes it to a whole new level. This city is great for a wide variety of people at all ages. Enjoy shopping, entertainment, art, and gourmet foods.

Stay Wicked.

How To Travel As A College Student

If there is one thing a college student is good at, it’s being broke. However, if theres one thing a college student wants to do during the college years, it’s traveling. As a college student myself, I have created a list of every city and country I want to travel. I have also researched about how much money I needed to travel with to reach my destination and 9/10 times, it’s more than what I can afford. Determined to change this, I have researched many options for saving money and traveling cheaper.

1. Traveling with others.  If you’re a college student wanting to travel, theres always someone that will want to travel with you. Whether it is an acquittance, classmate or your best friend, you’ll have a co-traveler. Even traveling with one person will split the costs in half. More travelers=less money individually.
2. Travel as natural as possible. This doesn’t mean you have to hitchhike everywhere, but it can greatly reduce costs. Your vacation doesn’t need to spend in the nicest hotel, renting the fanciest car, and eating at the most luxurious restaurants.
   1. Stay in Airbnb’s, hostels, and even couch-surf. Airbnb’s are becoming a big hit in the traveling community and there’s a great reason for it. This is a great concept that can keep you out of hotels and can keep you from digging up every penny  you can find. With Airbnb’s, you are staying in an individuals home or apartment for almost half the price of a hotel. Now I know I mentioned couch-surfing and don’t freak out. This concept has been recently becoming more  used with traveling and safer as well. Some people might get an actual room, some an air mattress, and you might be sleeping on a couch. There are even couch-surfing meet up groups and FREE approved websites if you’re interested.
   2. Take buses, trains/rails, bikes, or hitchhike. Doing your own personal driving, renting a car, and getting a taxi/uber can quickly add costs onto your vacation. Some are uncomfortable using the methods of transportation that I mentioned, but there are a ton of free apps available to use while you’re using public transportation or even hitchhiking.
   3. Cook your own home meals. This can be a little difficult if you’re in a hotel, but you don’t need to eat like a king every day. Most people eat out everyday for lunch and dinner while on vacation and thats where most of your vacation costs end up – in your stomach. With Airbnb’s, most come with a full kitchen. Going to the local grocery shop and picking up a few things to eat can save you around $100-300. Even most hotel rooms come with a mini fridge, and every hotel I have been to offer a microwave for 24/7 use.
3. Do your research. Every travel adventure you go on often comes with information you probably need to know. Research estimated costs, peak travel times in that city/country, and research attraction prices that you may want to check out. A lot of cities can offer prices on bus tickets, subway tickets, and if you want to get taxis, there are websites that offer current taxi rates in any city. If you’re traveling to a destination that is high in tourism, check out the peak times. Peak times for traveling = higher costs. Travel during off time as often as possible to save you dollars.
4. Plan your vacation. I’m not saying everyday while you’re on vacation there needs to be an itinerary, but doing some sort of planning can help save you money. Plan out when you may arrive, when you can check into your hotel, or your Airbnb. It’s also a good way to decide what you may want to do. You didn’t go on vacation to sit around planning what you may want to do that day, so plan ahead. Planning is also a good thing if you’re going with another person or 5 people. Chances are you all won’t want to do the same things. Get a plan going that allows you all to see a little of what everyone wants. Budgeting is SUPER important here. If you’re traveling with a low budget already, you definitely need to budget. While you’re doing your research, remember to write down what the cost for the aquarium was or how much the broadway show is on Saturday night. If you budget accordingly, you shouldn’t have any worrying to do about money while you’re on vacation. This tip also allows you to see how much money you still have left for the trip.
5. Save your money. Trust me when I say this,  we’re college students…we like to spend money. However, saving money for a vacation doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing the things you want.
   1. Start a piggy bank. It doesn’t have to be an actual piggy bank, but something that allows you to put money into and isn’t super easy for you to break into will do the trick. This was actually a hard concept for me to get into. If I had a dollar in my bag, it usually went to $1 shot night on Tuesdays. The only thing in my piggy bank were pennies and nickels, everything else seemed to “valuable” to put into a jar. What was valuable, however; was the adventure I went on across the country because I soon learned to put quarters in and then ones, and then eventually ten dollar bills.
   2. Cook your own meals. Like previously mentioned, cooking your own meals seriously reduces costs. Eating out, whether at a 5 star restaurant or McDonald’s , can quickly drain your wallet.
   3. Start using coupons. This can seem pretty lame for a while, but it really makes a difference in the long run. Shop when there are deals going on, or when the coupons are really good. As college students, we have SO many student discounts that are available to us. You wouldn’t think so, you don’t see many places that actually offer that discount, but you have to ask. Restaurants, shopping, attractions, traveling, the list goes on. Get into the habit of asking if they offer student discounts and you will usually be surprised.

Traveling on a college budget or even a low budget can see impossible, but it really isn’t. There are so many money saving techniques all over the internet and the world, you just have to put your time into it. You don’t have to be rich to travel to the places you’ve always wanted to visit!

Stay Wicked.