Cruisin’

March 13, 2015Leave a comment

Cruise

While it has only been a little over 6 months since my last international trip (yikes, and almost the same since my last post!), I can’t seem to think of any reasons to not go abroad again! Ok, so money is always a slight deterrent- but to me, adventure far outweighs any material good. (Plus this is quite a different style of trip than my last.) Rather than traveling via plane or train to hostels, hotels and dorms, my room itself will be transporting me to different tropical paradises. Yes, that is right… I booked a cruise.

Now, I haven’t been on a cruise since my entire family celebrated my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary years ago. And at that time, I was pretending to be 16 to gain access to the dance club. I think it is safe to say that my experience this time will be slightly different.

Prior to booking the cruise, different ideas of All-Inclusive resorts throughout Mexico were enticing but when it came down to the actual price for a 1 week adventure, it was shocking. (Even more so, when you include cost of transportation to just get yourself to Mexico.) It was a little disheartening at first, but then it hit me… What if our hotel just took us to Mexico instead? I had remembered from my undergraduate days at the University of Florida how cheap cruises were during the spring (really, anytime of the year) and immediately started searching. Within no time, it was set!

For anyone interested in booking cruises, I would highly recommend comparing prices on the discount sites (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity) with the actual cruise line. The prices are generally similar, however either the discount site or the cruise line will offer different incentives. Through Expedia, we were able to book our 7-day cruise and received $150 in on-board credit, which can be applied to drinks/spa treatments etc.

Now, there are few things that people seem to forget about cruises (ok, so I forgot, since I was much younger before)…

1) They do not include gratuity in the price, and you should pre-pay this prior to departure. It is usually nominal, (roughly $12 a day, depending on the cruise line) but covers tips for all employees you encounter aboard. By pre-paying, it helps solidify your trip budget, as you will not receive a bill at the end of your stay.

2) Drinks (soda and alcoholic beverages) are not included in your overall price. Soda cards can be purchased at ~$5 a day and all-inclusive beverages (including alcohol) can be purchased at ~$50 a day.

3) Speaking of drinks – many people know that no outside alcohol is allowed. Not completely true. Ok so it probably depends on the cruise line- but we are able to bring in our luggage, 1 bottle of wine per person with no extra charge. More than 1 bottle is subject to a $15 uncorking fee by the ship.

4) Excursions really do fill up fast. If the excursion that you are interested in fills up, still opt to be on the waiting list! They will try to get extra space for you and your party. (Pro tip – the discount site that you booked through also offers discounts on certain excursions offered through your cruise line.)

5) Not all food is free. There are many free options, from buffets to the traditional sit down dinners. Many cruises offer a different assortment of restaurants to choose from and some charge a “cover-charge”. These charges can range from $15-200 depending on the services. Most ships will have a detailed account of their restaurants on their websites.

6) Days at sea. No matter your destination, whether it is one port or more, you will have days at sea. If you are not one who can sit idly by and relax by a pool (or visit the buffet 20 times in one day), then perhaps a cruise isn’t the most ideal fit for a vacation. I, for one, cannot wait to just be poolside sipping on a margarita and enjoying the day.

Now, while this is an abbreviated list of pre-departure pointers (and various things to think about before you book), I will be sure to update from the ship (if I am able) and have a whopping review of the trip upon my return!

I must say, after all the cold weather Colorado has had these past few weeks, I am looking forward to retreating to sandy beaches and warm waters. The only thing left for me to do is pack and look forward to embarking on a new adventure TOMORROW!

From Paris to Amsterdam

July 20, 2014July 20, 20141 Comment

There sadly isn’t much I can say about Paris. I have never been the biggest fan of Paris, and after visiting again, I still am not. So my advice? Don’t go. (Ha, I am only partially kidding) But really, once you get past the monuments and museums, it is a dirty city with cruel intentions. However, rather than continuing to why I do not like Paris, I will just leave you with a few tips to the city.

1. No matter how comfortable you feel, or how at home you may be – when you are out in the city NEVER leave your bag unattended. This means sitting on a chair next to you, on the ground near you or any other way where it is not physically on you in some manner. In many cases it will be gone in an instant (and sadly my mom found out the hard way).

2. The city is full of gypsies that not only take your purse, but have these cunning tricks (so please be aware – we ran into all of these): “Do you speak english?” a simple yes will have them harassing you to sign their piece of paper for supporting orphan children. While you are signing, they or their partner will pick pocket you- if you refuse to sign they get closer and closer to you, often touching your face in hopes to convince you to sign. Best to just shake a no and ignore their further questions. Another con includes a “gold ring”. A gypsy will generally toss a “gold ring” on the ground as approach you, pick it up and exclaim what amazing treasure they have found! They continue on to ask if it is yours, or if you would like to buy it from them. It is fake and they just want your money. And then there are the gypsies with fake babies – while the woman I encountered did not throw her fake baby at me in hopes I would try and catch it and rob me in the meantime, she kept tapping me on the shoulder to ask for money. Use caution in any situation!

3. Overall, just be a smart and self-conscious traveler when going to Paris. (or any other big city!) The advice can’t get more simple than that!

Our trip to Paris wasn’t entirely awful- the following pictures document some of our favorite highlights of the city.

Having lunch on a Seine River cruise – it was phenomenal! (One plus for Paris)

Locks upon locks

The beautiful Notre Dame

Luxembourg Palace fountains and gardens

Versialles! Absolutely stunning – a do not miss when in Paris (or perhaps the only place to go when visiting)
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The hygge of Copenhagen (Part 2)

July 11, 2014July 11, 20142 Comments

The Danes are some of the happiest people on earth, and it isn’t hard to see why. They have some of the most beautiful countrysides, waters and cities around (plus the people are pretty fabulous too). Copenhagen itself boasts 390 km of bike paths! (which is roughly 245 miles for my non-metric folk.. which is probably most of you reading this, and lets be real.. I know km in distances of 5k and 10k) So what is there to do besides cycling?! And that is just what Ryan (my new pharmacy friend) and I did.

Ryan and I in front of Rosenborg Castle
We set off from our hostel on rented bikes, which were perfect (if you ignored the squeal from Ryan’s back tire). It may have been a bit misguided at first from my meandering directions, but we eventually found our way. Once righted in our directions, we bounced down the cobblestone street a couple of blocks from our hostel to a local restaurant to try their smørrebrød (a Danish open faced sandwich). They were surprisingly delicious! (I always love to recommend trying the local food… “When in Rome…”)

My herring sandwich!
Normally when traveling, there are restrictions on the distance of visiting certain locations- these become open when you have a bike! Ryan and I set out for the oldest amusement park in the world, Dyrehavvsbakken, located about 13 km from the city. Being Copenhagen, there was a paved path following the highway out to the park and farther… The ride itself was relatively flat and the weather just phenomenal. If I had to guess, we made it in less than 45 minutes.
We were surprised that the park was open to any visitor. We parked our bikes and strolled in just expecting to pay an entrance fee. Luckily no fee existed, and we were able to explore the area. (Rides themselves were expensive). I loved the fact that everything there was in Danish… it gave way to the authenticity and separated itself from a tourist destination. I felt in the hours in which we explored, that I was Danish. (A side note for visitors: I cannot comment on the exact price, but seeing the rides, I would not advise buying a ticket… Since you are able to just walk through, check out the rides and then purchase a ride ticket if a ride speaks to you)

The ride home always seems faster than the ride out… We made it back to the city center in record time (even managed to ride though some spots of rain) Upon our return, Ryan and I headed straight out to an Italian pizza spot and gobbled up some amazing pizza (on the cheap! which is 50 dkk so roughly 10 USD)

I had such an amazing time in Copenhagen and would highly recommend anyone to visit. Between the people, sights, tours, bikes and food, it was phenomenal. I would have to place it relatively high on my list of places to visit, as well as those to come back to.
Visit Copenhagen!!!

The hygge of Copenhagen (Part 1)

July 4, 2014July 4, 20149 Comments

As I am sitting in the lobby of my hostel in London, I cannot help but miss the beauty and adventures of Copenhagen. (Don’t get me wrong.. I am very excited for my upcoming travels, too.)

Copenhagen has a certain, well, “hygge” to it. “Hygge” is a Danish word, with no direct english translation. It was explained to me as being a feeling, a feeling in which you experience comfort, warmth, and a family-like sensation while in the company of others. And Copenhagen felt just like that.

It will be hard to summarize exactly everything that went on during the time I spent in Copenhagen. I was moving non-stop. Let’s see how well I do!

I arrived at my hostel after taking the train into the city from the airport. It was relatively quick and convenient – right into the city center. (Oh and cheap too!) I walked with my luggage (those 30lbs were starting to feel heavy) through town with the limited map I had printed out online. In reality, it was more like walking blind – I had assumed all the streets would be reasonably labeled, and of course found none… even when I did, the Danish words were horribly confusing. At one point I was attempting to just match letters on my map to what was on a building wall. I was about to hail a taxi and admit defeat, but was pleasantly surprised when I looked up – I was right in front of my hostel.

As soon as I had finished checking in, their system crashed and my key was unable to open my shared room (4 bed mixed dorm). So I tossed my luggage into storage and walked through the city! First thing I noticed, as anyone would naturally, was the amount of bikes. Bikes everywhere! You are more likely to get hit by a biker when crossing the street than a car. (They also do not lock them to anything and only use a small rear wheel lock to ensure no one could ride away with your bike). Luckily when I returned I was able to check in. Due to my long flights and sleeping 4 hours at most, I retired to bed.

The following morning, I awoke feeling refreshed- my little twin bunk bed in my dorm was worlds better than sleeping on an overly packed airplane from Dallas. I skipped the breakfast offered at my hostel (plus it was 65 dkk, which is roughly 13 USD) and decided to find a local cozy spot in town. I didn’t have to go far. Around the corner from my hostel is the oldest street in Copenhagen – the Mastraede. Along this street was a quaint little coffee shop that reminded me of being home in my own living room. It was farm house inspired and had a green table which was chipping paint – similar to my own coffee table. Each table was adorned with fresh flowers and newly lit candles that flickered in the soft morning light. Although I was alone, it was very hygge.

The once empty coffee shop was soon bustling with activity, as was Mastraede. I soaked it all in, enjoyed ever last bite of my flakey croissant and each remaining sip of my coffee. By 11, I was back at the hostel and awaiting the start of the free walking tour. (If you are traveling, alone or with anyone for that matter- I would highly recommend the walking tours! They are especially great when you have nothing else planned and want to learn the history of the city you are in.) It may come as a surprise to some, but I have to say it – pharmacy is a small world. And as such, I met a fellow pharmacy student who was setting out to partake in the same APhA Student Exchange program! We were both traveling prior to setting out to our final destinations and just happened to be in the same city and staying at the same hostel. But I digress.. enough pharmacy talk for the moment!

The tour was fabulous – we saw all the major sites – Town Hall on Raadhuspladsen, Strøget (a large pedestrian street filled with shopping and restaurants), Amalienborg Palace where we witnessed the changing of the guards, Nyhavn (my favorite and probably most photographed place of Copenhagen), canals, cathedrals, museums, and heard tales of vikings, fires and politics of the city. Our tour guide, Ben, (captured in some pictures below) was wildly enthusiastic and entertaining. It was the best way to spend the morning/early afternoon. Post walking tour a handful of us went to enjoy some Danish ice cream and a glimpse at the infamous “Little Mermaid.”

Town Hall

The controversial fountain (notice the water emerging from the woman’s breast, and the child urinating… oh and our tour guide, Ben)

Me in front of Christianborg Palace.

The Nyhavn area – so beautiful!

Changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace

The Little Mermaid

The evening involved a trip to Christiania. Christiania is an interesting place. They do not believe that they are a part of Copenhagen, nor Denmark. They ask that you do not take photographs in their “green district” due to their selling marijuana and apparently all of Copenhagen just turns a blind eye. It reminded me of a mix of Boulder (if all hell broke loose and it turned into a crazy commune of the hippie-est of all hippies) and a lot dirtier.

Entrance to Christiania.

Own a share of Christiania!

Rest did not come until 3 am after my first full day in Copenhagen. It was such a fantastic day and I met such lovely people. Hostel travel when alone is like moving into the dorms for the first time as a freshman – you are nervous but everything is exciting, everyone is interesting, you all make plans to hang out constantly, take group trips to the grocery store and have new experiences with each other. It is actually an interesting way to travel, one in which I am grateful for. I would highly recommend everyone to take a step out of their comfort zone and try it out!

Until part two, as the Danes would say – “Skål!”

And I am off!!

June 29, 2014June 29, 2014Leave a comment

It is a bit amusing to me that I have had writers block for the past couple of weeks. This fog has seemed to slowly extend itself into my everyday life and has prevented me from completing any serious planning for my trip -And yet, I’m not stressed or worried about it. Am I sick or something?

I’d like to chalk it up to the fact that I am ready for a new adventure!

I took off this afternoon and as many of my trips start – it was a bit hectic. Checking in online proved to be a lost cause, and I was also denied electronic check in at the airport. Once I had finally flagged down an actual airlines worker I received my actual ticket. From there lines were long through security and I made the poor decision to be in the longest line possible. (Go figure!) I made it to my gate with about 3 minutes to spare. But I made it, and am currently sitting in Dallas-Ft. Worth for my next flight to London. I am a firm believer that difficult beginnings can be the start of something beautiful – so cheers to that!

Like I mentioned before, these past few weeks have been uneventful in the planning aspect of my trip. Sure I have all my flights situated and hostel stays, but besides that, there is not much else planned. I have decided that spontaneity is going to be the underlying theme of this trip. And by traveling alone, it makes that quite easy!

I had phenomenal help with packing from a friend – I tried on a plethora of outfits and there were many attempts at creating multiple outfits from the same small amount of clothing options. I think that I was very successful, yet probably still overpacked- It is just so difficult planning and packing for travel and work.

The Before… (hoping most fits)

The almost after… I was able to fit most.. (1 black dress, 2 patagonia dresses, 2 pencil skirts, 2 jeans, 2 workout pants, 3 coats -one rain, one white coat for work and one jean jacket, 2 pairs of dress pants, 3 white tanks, 3 shirts, 6 dressier shirts for work/dressier events, 3 pairs of shoes, climbing shoes and of course 1 pair of American PJs) So yes, I probably overpacked!

My favorite item that I am bringing along is a travel journal that a wonderful friend of mine surprised me with. It is just perfect – half of the pages with lines for writing, and half blank and perfect for sketches. If you travel without one, you are missing out! They become some of my most prized possessions once I return home because they can instantly bring you back and even fuel that passion for your next adventure.

Next post, I’ll be in Copenhagen – stay tuned!

So long, May…

May 30, 20142 Comments

I feel that May has just quickly slipped by and is receding quickly into the ever withdrawing past. It could be due to 19 days of inadequate sleep that preceded finals, or perhaps Connor’s short trip home which always goes by too quickly. Regardless, it has been too long since my last post!

As I am adjusting to my summer lifestyle filled with work and my small adventures around Colorado (read: actually having time to enjoy life). It has been so wonderful that I have been able to enjoy hiking with my favorite pup, Tioga. I have even had time to climb outside even though the intense rain, hail and tornado warnings did put up quite the fight!

View from the top, enjoying a day of summer in Boulder, CO

Tioga overlooking Boulder

Things are quickly falling into place with my travels to Lithuania. I have all flights reserved throughout Europe and have allotted a few weeks without plans to create some spontaneous adventure. Due to the high cost of travel (and extensive time) to fly straight into Kaunas from Denver- I picked the cheapest European destination for flights (based on the Kayak Explore website I mentioned in a prior post). Not only will I get to Europe on a less expensive flight, I also get to experience a new country. I will jet-setting to Copenhagen, Denmark at the end of June and after a few days will meet up with my parents in London. From London, we will be on the standard European tour of visiting Paris and Amsterdam. Although I have been to all three of those places in the past, one cannot possibly have seen all that those cities offer in just short trips. It is from Amsterdam that I embark on my venture to Kaunas, Lithuania!

I must say, I am not above staying in hostels. I actually find them to be quite lovely, you just need to do your research prior to arriving. (Connor and I made that mistake once in Puerto Natales out of pure desperation). Hostels are the perfect way to meet other travelers and exchange stories, ideas and advice (ideal for the solo traveler, like me).

There are a few sites that I have used in the past for booking hostel reservations. Hostel World and Hostel Bookers both are excellent. They give reviews, pictures and locations of the hostels and only require a small downpayment for reservations. Many people envision hostels with rooms filled to the brim with bunk beds (and in some cases that is extremely accurate), however many hostels allow you to select private rooms with private baths (and have even proved to be nicer than some hotels I have stayed in).

Backpack prep in our hostel, Yagenhouse

Besides booking hostels, my to-do list is quite extensive and mostly filled with items to bring along. I am hoping for a miracle however, as I just sent my backpack in for repairs on Monday and they quoted their return time to be 3-6 weeks. Here’s to hoping I have it back before I leave!

If anyone has any suggestions of where to go and what to see, I would love to hear it!

I’m going!

May 12, 2014Leave a comment

Although every thought that passes through this overpacked and seemingly overflowing brain of mine should be on studying for finals this week, it is daydreaming of summer instead. A summer bursting full of adventure. That’s right guys, I have been placed!

No more waiting in suspense! My ticket is booked, bags are packed (ok, so not really) and I have already started counting down the days. I am extremely excited to announce that I will be spending my summer practicing in Kaunas, Lithuania!

Image from: http://www.partnerinlithuania.com/IMG/mapEurope.jpg

Even though I booked my flight at a particularly inconvenient time (only 3 months before my travel), I still managed to find a decent deal. If you haven’t tried Kayak Explore, you should definitely do so! It enables you to set price limits, rough estimates for when you would like to depart and then picks spots all over the globe that you could possibly travel to. It places them all on a fun, interactive map – so it is really easy to just sit and daydream of traveling to obscure places for hours. (I guess I can’t really pretend I didn’t do that!) From those listings, I was able to pick a handful of the cheapest airports to fly in and out of and then compared prices between them for my specific dates on separate sites.

Now I just need to survive finals (only one more week!) and then start organizing and planning for my trip! I am beyond psyched! Stay tuned for updates!

Paige Ashley

A prescription to travel

Tag: adventure