thewayfaringtexan Uncategorized

How to See the World in Your Twenties (A Review of EFUltimateBreak)

When I was younger, I believed that my money should be spent on things that lasted for a while (electronics, furniture, etc.) and that trips or vacations would only last for that moment. BOY, was I wrong! My first trip sent me to the Big Apple to see a show on broadway, and ever since then, I’ve realized that the OPPOSITE is true. The rush of visiting a new location, experiencing the culture, and getting transported to another time and place is unmatched by any latest craze and fad on the market.

It’s difficult in your young adult years to travel though. Where do I start? How will I pay for it? Will I have to go alone? These are only a handful of questions that went through my brain when trying to plan my first international trip, but a quick Google search and some investigating led me to the best way to travel while you’re young; EF Ultimate Break!

“I had experiences I wouldn’t have found on my own without the help of our tour director and still had enough freedom to go on my own adventure while also being with my people.”

-Kat (Amsterdam, London, Paris, Rome)

Where Can I Go?

The first characteristic you’ll see when you visit EFUltimateBreak is the fact that they have a huge variety of destinations all across the world. From an Ultimate Europe Trip, to a Back to the Future Japan Excursion, you’ll be able to find almost any destination on your bucket list. I had never heard of this company and didn’t want to invest in it too much if it was a total waste, so I chose the shortest trip to start: London and Paris Escape.

I was extremely nervous in the final weeks leading up to our departure and almost cancelled, but I was SO glad I didn’t. I loved every minute of it and made some new friends along the way! Seeing Buckingham Palace, the Royal Opera House, Arche du Triomphe, and Notre Dame were my favorite parts.

Venice, Florence, and Rome was my second trip which turned out to be my favorite so far, and now I’m planning to do their Vienna, Prague, Budapest trip with an extension to their Greece: Off the Beaten Path for next year. If you couldn’t tell, I absolutely love traveling with EF Ultimate Break and will continue to do so until I age out.

“You just pay and go along for the ride! It’s truly worth every penny!”

Kaitlyn (Grand Tour of Europe)

How Will I Pay for It?

The most stressful part of a trip is paying for it. It may seem daunting trying to save a couple grand, but it is worth EVERY penny. One way I made it easier on my wallet was to select a trip that ships out in a year. With the monthly payment plans, that would put your monthly costs anywhere from $150 – $300; that’s definitely doable. Get a side gig cutting yards, do three and you’re done. Do some Uber/Lyft on the side and you can make that payment every month. There’s always a side opportunity that can help you make your travel dreams come true.

Because many of the group tours and activities are included in your trip costs, it’s recommended that you take $80-$100/day for your trip depending on how much you like to spend. I’m a shopaholic, so I had to plan for the higher side, but my roommate on the Italy trip was able to live on $50/day. Consider saving your spending money alongside your monthly payment plans to make it more manageable.

Another thing I did to save spending money was open an Acorns account. They take each purchase you do on your debit card, round it up to the closest dollar and put that change in a savings account. This allowed me to accrue over $800 in the course of a year which was all I needed for my spending money to London/Paris. It’s easier to save when you’re not trying!

Will I Have to Go Alone?

The scariest part about traveling is having to do it alone. When I was planning my first trip, my friends weren’t financially stable to do one, or were too busy working during that time of the year, so I had to go alone, but I’m so glad that I did! I ended up making friends with some fellow photography loving people, and others that just meshed with my personality so well that we ended up doing a second trip together! I’m proud to say that I’ve made lifelong friends that have a Wanderlust as much as I do.

So, with all these questions answered, all I have to say is . . . DO IT! You will enjoy EVERY moment, and you’ll wish you would have done it sooner.

thewayfaringtexan Uncategorized

Gelato and the Singing Gondolier

(The following is a work of fiction written by the blog creator for a creative travel-writing project.)

As I looked out the window of my flight to Europe, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of excited anticipation. Somehow Peter, my best friend, convinced me to take an unexpected trip to Italy for a few weeks, and since I have a tendency to over plan, I hadn’t expected my first trip out of the states to be so haphazardly strewn together. When we finally landed in Venice, we were met by a young woman calling out for Peter and he ran to greet her, Marcella, a foreign student from some of our university classes during our last year. It finally became apparent to me why Peter had chosen to visit Italy; it was her native country and I was officially the third wheel on this bicycle built for two.

We decided to avoid the touristy parts of the city for our first day, so we took a bus to Dorsoduro, one of the six districts of Venice, to enjoy a stroll around Campo Santa Margherita. The sun had begun to dip behind the old facades of the square as lights from within make-shift taverns began to illuminate the streets and canals. The hustle and bustle of university students brought laughter, music, and excitement to us as Peter and Marcella stopped at a bar while I continued on my way to find a quiet place to relax. After an hour of wandering through narrow corridors, I stumbled upon a gelato shop that was still open. As I glanced inside to see the flavors, my eyes fell upon the sight of a young Italian man sitting at a table reading a book and paying no attention to his spoon, dipping it into his cup of gelato and placing it into his mouth. Every so often, he’d repeat this movement, making sure not to lift his gaze from the transfixing fiction he held onto with his other hand. His soft features were calming and inviting even though he was a stranger and as I passed his table, I crouched down to pick up his bookmark that had fallen to the ground. “Ciao, tu segnalibro?,” I asked as I placed it on the table. “Grazie mille,” he responded. After a few pleasantries, I discovered that his name was Giovanni and he suggested that I try his favorite gelato flavor, crema di grom, which had pastry cream with corn biscuits and chocolate chips. It was a brief encounter; no need to make it into more than that, but in those 10 minutes of conversation, it felt as though we had known each other for years. Peter and Marcella interrupted the evening and we headed to our hotel to rest for the next day.

Our last day in Venice began with a water taxi to the Riva Degli Schiavone that continued to the Bridge of Sighs at sunrise. While I was enjoying the view of the warm hues meeting the colors of the chill waters, a face I recognized could be seen peeking over an easel of acrylic paints on canvas. I was shocked! Giovanni waved me over to where he was painting and we talked while I admired the exact replica of the sunset that was before us. I didn’t want to seem too eager, so I stayed calm and collected until he suggested we enjoy the day together. My friends paid no mind to my decision, and Giovanni escorted me through the Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and many other tourist spots I had yet to visit. While weaving through the streets and canals of Venice, we talked about every topic imaginable; what our aspirations were, our favorite books, and which part of the city was our favorite. I only had a few hours left in Venice, so at dusk, he took me to a spot off of the Grand Canal and surprised me with a gondola ride. The views were breath-taking and since our gondolier wasn’t a singer, I decided to sing an Italian aria I had learned in college; “Ah cielo, di piu non chiedo! Si puo morir d’amore!” which translated, “oh heavens, I could ask for nothing more! Yes, I could die of love!”

thewayfaringtexan Uncategorized

Three Steps to Plan a Weekend Vacation on a Budget

In 2012, participants of a survey stated that the most stressful part about taking a vacation was the planning process; listing financial concerns, packing, and making an itinerary as the main reasons why it’s difficult to get away. Below are the tips and tricks you’ll need to become a planning pro and keep money in your pocket!

Step 1 – Flights

Often times, the biggest portion of your budget is dedicated to your flights and hotels, but this is also where you can save the most money! The hardest part is trying to keep up with all the online sites that claim to have the best pricing and greatest value, so find a site that does the work for you. Escape ATX is probably my favorite because not only am I able to browse all their posts, but I’m also able to get social media notifications to stay informed before the specials sell out. Below is an real example of a trip to Chicago that I was able to purchase for less than $100 round trip on American Airlines.

Other sites that can help find the best pricing on flights include NextVacay.com and Scott’s Cheap Flights (just to name a few).

Step 2 – Hotels

I’m all about saving money, so I don’t need an extravagant place to stay especially since most of my vacation is spent exploring the city. Most sites that you visit such as Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz.com, etc. generally have the same rates, so sort your searches by price and location; that will save you time when traveling to the spots on your itinerary.

Don’t be afraid to stay at a Hostel; I promise it’s not like the movie. Hostels often offer an affordable way to stay in the city and many of them also include activities so you can get to know other people in the same situation as you. Use HostelWorld to view ratings and reviews from previous visitors. Make friends that can help you enjoy the city!

Step 3 – Itinerary

Now that you’ve picked your city and arranged your hotel, it’s time for the fun part: planning your itinerary! The first place I start is by Googling ‘best photo spots in *city name*’ This search will get you a lot of different articles from many experts that have visited the city and will also give you some insight as a first time visitor. Make sure to save all the locations you want to visit in your Google Maps account so that you can have quick access while on your trip and it also allows you to remember the time you spent in the city in the future. 

My favorite travel app is the Sygic Travel Map. It allows you to build trips to cities, use preassembled daily itineraries, and it also links to other pages that offer affordable tours. The best part is that the app gives detailed turn by turn walking directions with estimated travel times.

Most of the photo-worthy locations can actually be free, so splurge on the things that aren’t. In Chicago, that’s the 360 Chicago and Art Institute Tickets, but even then, they were only $50 for both.

Now that the hardest parts are out of the way, enjoy your vacation! Take all the photos, eat at the best restaurants, and visit all the sightseeing locations. Since you planned so well, you’ll be able to enjoy the trip better!

Download My Sample Itinerary for Chicago!Download
thewayfaringtexan Uncategorized

Ciao, Venezia! The Perfect Trip Through the Heart of Italy (Part 1)

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Italy?” For some, it enlists their taste buds for the wonderful cuisine from Tuscany; others picture the gory battles of the gladiators at the Roman Colosseum; even so, plenty others imagine the romantic getaway that couples experience while taking a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Whichever sense brings you to this beautiful country, it will definitely not disappoint. Here’s a guide on how to get the most out of your eight-day visit to Italy!

“A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him.”

Arthur Symons

Day One: Riva Degli Schiavone, Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square, Teatro La Fenice

Taking a boat from the main land will start you at the Riva Degli Schiavone where you can see many street vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, and pastries. The backdrop of this promenade includes hotels which used to serve as palaces and a gorgeous view of the city at sunrise, but as you continue along the pathway, you’ll begin to see statues that usher you into the main part of Venice.

The Bridge of Sighs

On the right hand side, you’ll discover the ‘Bridge of Sighs,’ whose name came from the fact that this was the bridge convicts crossed before their imprisonment, and they’d give one last “sigh” to their final view of Venice. Following down the route will bring you past the Doge’s Palace and into St. Mark’s Square. It’s no secret that Venice is slowly sinking into the sea, so when the water levels are higher than normal, you will see water coming up from the ground and it will begin to flood the square. Take a moment to enjoy the gorgeous mosaic work on the facade and throughout the Basilica; this artwork was created over eight centuries and shows the development of technique through linear perspective.

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Basilica and Campanile of St. Mark

Travel through the narrow passage way on the North-West corner of St. Mark’s Square and you’ll begin to see the many canals that form Venice’s archipelago. Along the route to the next destination, you’ll be able to stop at a quaint restaurant for some local cuisine. One particular dish that interested my travel companions was the spaghetti al nero di seppia, a pasta with squid cooked in a sauce containing it’s own ink. Cross this off your bucket list, but be sure to have some mouth wash because the black ink is very noticeable on your teeth.

Teatro La Fenice

 If you’re a lover of opera and the theatre, the next place on our tour leads us to the Teatro La Fenice. True to its name, The Phoenix has risen from it’s ashes after three devastating fires have led to it’s current facade which was completed in 2004. Hailed as one of the most famous landmarks in the history of Italian theatre, La Fenice was home to many opera premieres by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi . . . just to name a few.
As you head North, you will begin to hear the gentle waves of the Grand Canal (Venice’s largest water corridor) where a lot of photos and gondola rides can be enjoyed. If riding a gondola in Venice isn’t on your bucket list, it NEEDS to be. Even though I was nervous about riding one, the experience was absolutely amazing and the views from the water were stunning.

Gondolas on the Grand Canal

After the relaxing trip through the water passageways via a gondola, walk along the Grand Canal to take pictures worth a thousand words. Eventually, you’ll end up at the Rialto Bridge which is another great site to see.
Finish your first day in Venice by getting some world famous gelato at GROM, stopping by the Acqua Alta Book Shop, and losing yourself in all the side streets and canals. Every direction is full of so much life!

Day Two: The Verona Arena, Castelvecchio Museum, Juliet’s Balcony

Castelvecchio Museum

After a full day of exploring Venice, it’s time to head to Florence, but not before stopping by Verona. It’s an extra hour drive, but it’s definitely worth it. The first stop in Verona is a museum that shares its property with a massive medieval castle. You can find some great photos of this location at every turn.

Arena di Verona

Travel to the East and you’ll see a sight that seems a little familiar, yet different. I like to consider the Arena in Verona as a smaller version of the Roman Colloseum you’ll see later in the trip. The best part about this historic theatre is that it’s still being used today!

Statue of Juliet

The final (and most important) stop in Verona is Juliet’s Balcony. Here, you’re able to leave love letters on the wall, so make sure you take paper, pen, and some tape to make your love life flourish. It’s also been said that if you grab the bust of Juliet’s statue, your luck in love is about to turn.

We’ve seen the most Romantic city in Italy and we’ve also visited a monument that will grant you luck in the love department, but we’ve only just begun our Perfect Trip Through the Heart of Italy.
Next stop, Florence!

Walking Tour of Venice

Walking Tour of Verona

thewayfaringtexan Best Photo Spots

Austin’s Top 10 Photo Ops

Austin. Bat City, Hippie Haven, Silicon Hills, The Live Music Capital of the World. No matter what you call the Capital of Texas, there’s no denying that it is one of the most gorgeous parts of the Southern United States. In spite of the frustrating traffic, Austin’s people, food, and scenery will deliver you a memorable experience that you must capture with breathtaking photos.

1 – The Texas State Capitol

There are so many photos you can take at the Capitol, but the most breath taking can be captured just a bit South on Congress Ave where it intersects at 3rd St. Take the time to go inside and snap photos of the architecture and the inside of the dome while you’re there. (1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701)

Inside the Dome of the Capitol

2 – Austin City Skyline

Austin Skyline from Butler Park
(1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704)

Every city has its iconic skyline, but Austin has developed so much over the last decade that the buildings you can see now weren’t even imagined in the early 2000s.

Austin Skyline from the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge on Lady Bird Lake
(Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Austin, TX 78704)

3 – Pennybacker Bridge

This gem can be found in the Northwest part of Austin. Be sure not to visit during rush hour because the traffic is absolutely horrible and finding a parking spot will take ages. When you’re driving on the Capitol of Texas Highway, you’ll see a bunch of “Do Not Park” signs near the bridge. Now, I’d never advocate to break the rules, but people seem to park there all the time so they can hike up the hill to get the photo you see above. ( 5300 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78730)

4 – South Congress Ave

Right down the road from the State Capitol, you can find the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin on Congress Ave. If you’ve never had a chance to experiment with Street Photography, this part of Austin is perfect for you. My first time lead me to some interesting photos of people on scooters, the vibrant theaters, and bat-watchers under the Congress St. Bridge.

5 – The Graffiti Park

Although this treasure is currently being demolished, it will be resurrected at a new location in East Austin. The best part about this unique Austin attraction is the fact that it’s constantly changing – artists will paint over other artist’s work so visiting will bring you new photos each time.

6 – “Greetings from Austin” Mural

The picture perfect post card can be found on a narrow street near Congress Ave a couple of blocks South of the Colorado River. While the location is in an unexpected part of town, you’ll be able to notice visitors taking a picture from across the street at all times during the day because, of all the locations in Austin to take a photo, THIS shot is the only one that is an absolute must to take. (1720 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704)

7 – Mount Bonnell

Traveling down the Colorado River from the Pennybacker Bridge will lead you to the second best view of the river at Mount Bonnell. Leave your vehicle at the entrance to the park and follow the brick trail up to the top of the hill. Be careful, these steps can sometimes be difficult for the faint of heart, but there are rails you can hold onto if need be. Also, if steps are too difficult, there’s a secondary entrance towards the North that you can use that has a gradual incline to the same spot that the steps lead to. Once you get to the top, it’s totally worth the breathtaking view. On the night of December 31, be sure to arrive with plenty of time because this is one of the most romantic spots to usher in the New Year. (3800 Bonnell Dr, Austin, TX 78731)

8 – Zilker Park/Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Austin has plenty of good weather days and you can find many natives at the Zilker Metropolitan Park enjoying the view of downtown and playing with man’s best friend. You’ll want to snap a photo of every cute dog you see there, but make sure to save time for the rest of the park. You can photograph beautiful flowers in the Botanical Gardens, locals enjoying a swim in the Barton Springs Pool, and elaborately eloquent statues at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Make sure to save Zilker Park for a complete afternoon; there’s just so much to see! If you’re visiting in October, be prepared to see a huge increase in activity because of the Austin City Limits Festival, and check out the Trail of Lights during the Christmas Season.

9 – Lake Travis

The final spot on my list of the best photo spots in Austin is probably the most breathtaking. Watching the sunset on Lake Travis has been one of the best experiences while living here, but pictures cannot fully capture the beauty nor the colors found when the sun meets the earth. Visit The Oasis and enjoy dinner with this glorious view or head over to the clothing optional Hippie Hollow for a more relaxed experience.

10 – _________________

What happened to the number 10 spot in this list? It’s filled by you, the reader. Comment what you think should be on this list and I’ll find a way to include it in a future article. Send me all your suggestions!

Here’s how to visit all the spots on my list while you’re visiting!

thewayfaringtexan Uncategorized

A Weekend Getaway to NYC!

New York City is one of the Top 10 Destination Spots to visit in your lifetime; and for many good reasons! All the sights and sounds of the Big Apple attract over 61 million visitors a year, so trying to visit all the attractions can be a bit overwhelming without some tips and tricks to the city. My first trip was a short, little weekend getaway that included lots of shopping, entertainment, and plenty of exploring. Here’s how you can plan your own adventure on a budget!

This itinerary includes:
– Big Bus New York City SightSeeing Tour
– Top of the Rock Observation Deck
– Central Park
– Broadway/Times Square
– Greenwich Village

@terekhov7600

THE MUST-SEES
Start your trip with one of the easiest ways to see the best parts of New York City; a bus tour! This option not only takes you to the best landmarks, but it also includes a guide that tells you the stories of the city. Use this time to also get acquainted with the different neighborhoods so that you won’t be completely lost when you explore in the next couple of days. Many tours include a “hop on/hop off” aspect that allow you to take your time at the different sights including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and many other destinations. There’s even an option to include a cruise to the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island! (Cost: $35-$100)

@craigsbeds

 THE BEST VIEW OF THE CITY
It’s impossible to visit NYC without getting the iconic photo from the Top of the Rock, so be sure to do that on your first morning in the city. Check the light calendar for your specific date to get the picture perfect sunrise view of Manhattan and Central Park from the three available observation decks. When selecting your time, be sure to include the additional “Sun and Stars” option to get a second entry in the evening. (Cost: $35-$90)



GET LOST IN THE PARK
The rest of the day can be spent enjoying all that Central Park has to offer. In the Southern half of the park, get captivated by the Strawberry Fields, Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle, and Bethesda Fountain (my personal favorite). The Northern half has the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Conservatory Garden, and the Lasker Rink, but the best part about Central Park is that most of these things are free. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hear musical ensembles perform in the terrace right next to the Bethesda Fountain! (Cost: Mostly Free)

@hellorebecci

FOLLOW THE LIGHTS TO BROADWAY
One thing I advise you to splurge on is a ticket to a popular broadway musical. Don’t break the bank, but you’ll never forgive yourself if you don’t take the opportunity to get orchestra seats to the latest shows featured in that summer’s Tony Awards. I was lucky enough to order my tickets to “Waitress the Musical” the night before the Tony’s so the price wasn’t too steep, but any show will do! Most of the theaters are a short walking distance from Times Square, so be sure to get some night photos on your way back to your hotel. (Cost: $50-$300)

FOCUS ON YOU
By the third day, you should already be accustomed to the subway routes, the native slang, and the fact that no one pays attention to pedestrian crosswalk lights (I’m serious! Just look both ways before you cross) so take the time to cross something off your bucket list. Greenwich Village was a priority of mine to see because not only does it have a quaint atmosphere, but it’s also home to the “FRIENDS” apartment complex and the Stonewall Inn. (Cost: It’s up to you!)

Visiting New York has its many challenges, and sometimes you might feel overwhelmed, but with the right planning and preparation, you’ll definitely enjoy every minute of it. I’m even sure you’ll be back for more!