4 Travel Tips Every Wanderlust Should Know!

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The famous quote by J.R.R. Tolkien reads, “Not all those who wander are lost.” We travel to explore, to experience, and to feel what others across the world are feeling. Many of us travel to find ourselves. Therefore, it makes sense for us to travel while we are young, before we have definite opinions on the world and on ourselves. So many people have told me that their best decision was to study abroad, and their biggest regret was not doing so. But if you don’t have a whole semester to dedicate to such a mission, why not take a couple months to do so? As a graduation present to myself, I am backpacking through Europe with a few of my Gamma Phi Beta sisters, and have found that preparation for it can be quite the handful! Here are some tips and tools to help the young traveler prepare for their journey!

• Travel Websites
• Travel websites are a great place to begin planning your trip! Statravel.com is  one such website. STA offers everything from discounted rates on flights, to travel insurance. They also have pre-planned trips and access to a student passport, which can help when you are abroad. Another great site to look at is efcollegetrips.com. EF offers a section of the website in which you can select a city and view that city’s profile. This includes guides to the weather, sites, food, nightlife, etc. It’s important to look at the reviews of hostels and hotels to make sure they are safe enough to stay at.
• The "Rail"
• Rails services such as Eurail, BritRail, and Japan Rail are a great way to backpack! Rather than taking unknown busses and flights, you are able to pre-plan your trip. You can see the departure dates and times, and have the option of paying for just a certain number of travel days or an unlimited number of days during a specific frame of time. Not to mention you can feel safe knowing you will be riding along other student travelers as well.
• Travel Light!
• When backpacking make sure to only take the essentials, this will keep you from having a heavier load than necessary. On top of this, it is easier to have items stolen if you can’t keep track of them all. Many people suggest also keeping valuables and cash in a hidden place. A great way for women to keep their cash safe is by creating a money pocket in your bras – there’s no way a pick-pocketer is getting in there! Another helpful hint is to stuff your shoes. By placing smaller clothing, such as undergarments or socks, in your shoes, you will be saving space in your backpack or luggage.
• Travel with a Friend! 
• The best way to ensure you are staying safe is to have a companion. Travel with someone you trust and know will be responsible. Sorority sisters can make the best travel companions!

Wherever you may go, make the best of your experience! See the world, take risks, and be open to all different cultures. You never know what you will learn about the world. Happy travels!

Woman Crush Wednesday!

From Mardis Gras to March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day to the start of Lent, March is a month packed with activities and holidays. One detail that tends to get lost in the excitement is that March is also Women’s History Month! As a sorority woman myself, I can’t help but take notice of any opportunity to celebrate strong and empowering women. In honor of this month, here are three young new celebs that are making media history:

Jennifer Lawrence – Quirky, raw, and ambitious – what’s not to love about JLaw!? This spitfire has made a name for herself over the past year, from the release of the newest Hunger Games to being nominated for her third Oscar for American Hustle……and, of course, tripping at the award show for the second time. But what we love most about Jen is her uncanny ability to keep us laughing and show that she is a genuine person. Through her wacky interviews and her love for junk food, JLaw has got us hooked!

Miley Cyrus – Okay, I know what you’re all thinking….Miley Cyrus, really? Although I do agree that her twerk enhanced, tongue-tastic antics aren’t the best example of feminine power, there is something to be said about a woman that is this fearless. It takes a strong person to be able to handle the scrutiny of the media, while still being true to themselves. Through the judgment of millions, Miley has proven to be an entertainment powerhouse, and eludes a sense of self-confidence that girls and women should aspire to have.

Ariana Grande – Quite possible Miley’s polar opposite, Ariana Grande is making her mark in music through sheer vocal talent. The petite crooner first appeared in the music scene in 2013 with her single “The Way,” and made an impression with her performance of her song “Tattooed Heart” at the 2013 Grammy’s. She’s a little girl with a big voice and an adorable 50’s style that isn’t going anywhere!