A Girl’s Guide to Travel, Studying, Working, and Volunteering Abroad

While my little travel blogging heart wishes that I could be in the big city for TBEX this week, I’m stuck in Nice. Poor me. Honestly, though, not a day goes by without me thinking how gosh darn lucky I am that this is my home (if only for six months). I’m still a bit in awe of the gorgeous beaches and beautiful buildings. The amazing Mediterranean climate doesn’t hurt either. So here’s my point for this week’s Wednesday Wanderlust: follow your dreams. Go somewhere amazing. Because if you don’t do it while you’re young, when will you?

From the big city to the island: The Jungle Princess is living the dream in a tiny Costa Rican beach town. And what does she have to thank for the beach on her front stoop and howling jungle monkeys interrupting her sleep? The Big Apple. I loved how she compares her life in the big city to her life in the tiny town of Coco in Thank you, NYC.

Do you dream of Norway? I’ve never been to Norway, but I do have a really cool Norwegian friend. Unfortunately, I don’t think that gives me enough material to create a video and win a free trip to Norway–so I am passing on the challenge to you. If you’re creative and Scandi-loving, definitely check out the Norway Your Way competition. And then invite me as your guest when you win.

Secrets of Paris: I’m heading to Paris next week for a big city break from the beach. The City of Lights is also a hot spot for many summer European backpacking trips. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the tourist traps with English translation menus, and check out these Hidden flavours of Paris. Another Paris tip? Skip the long lines at the Eiffel Tower and head up the Arc de Triomphe instead for a great view if you’re on a tight time table. It’s bizarre to take pictures of the Paris skyline without the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe is closer to the main shopping street! Grab some champagne, baguette and cheese and use the Eiffel Tower as a prime picnic spot instead.

Backpacking envy: While I did a pretty typical route through Western Europe when I went backpacking last summer, I’m kind of wishing I had checked out the Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations instead. If you’re still planning a trip, I would definitely keep these spots in mind. I’m particularly intrigued by the Iceland recommendation, since a good friend spent last summer playing professional soccer in Iceland and she had some crazy stories. Nightlife in a place where it never gets dark? I’m intrigued.

Get out of your comfort zone: If these tips have gotten you all jazzed up about traveling or moving to a new country or studying abroad–you know, that whole following your dream thing–this piece on Living Outside Your Comfort Zone has some great tips on how to prepare and follow through. My favorite point? Don’t wish you had someone else’s life. Find out what you admire about that person’s life, and try to be that way in yours.