Those of you living outside the UK may have missed the ‘media storm’ surrounding the woefully shrunken economy and the effect it’s having on University admissions this summer but for the Brits among us it’s been impossible to escape! According to sources,  applications to UK Universities are up by 250,000, but with 6000 fewer places available than last year it is believed that up to 200,000 British students may miss out on their places, despite having secured the grades they required.
Ultimately this means lots of tears and tantrums and a …

Lately I’ve been reading up on some of the latest news regarding Cuba. I was very elated to find out what may happen in just a few short months or years (who really knows), that has the potential to impact travelers immensely. Mainly, the American travelers have been restricted from touring the island for years, but things may change. The restriction may become “loosened.”  Meaning, they may be able to travel there again. For most travelers, they will be very much excited about venturing back into Cuba.
One thing’s for sure, that if you …

by Lisa
Once upon a time (six years ago) I embarked upon a six week hiking and camping road trip.  Since I was going solo — and since I had never done such a thing before — I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what equipment I needed and where to get it.  Before long, I had my shiny new equipment in piles in my bedroom.  The tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, backpack, lanterns, first aid kits, clothing, shoes, reading material, non-perishable food…the pile grew and grew and …

I was chatting with a friend the other day and realized I haven’t travelled very much during this year. My year has been filled with short day trips to different cities within VA, a week trip to Tampa, but nothing too far. I miss the old days. I long to surf the waves, listen to the ocean, and watch kids build sandcastles.
I vow this day, that 2011 will be the year I get a couple new stamps on the passport.
I have a few places in mind, but not too sure …

Everything is finally unpacked from that last adventure and you have just uploaded the pictures from your amazing trip onto the computer.  Friends are still asking about your journey and you can smell the spice or the air from the place/country you just left.  Now what?  What happens when people stop inquiring about your trip?  When they roll their eyes when you mention your last vacation to where-ever-it-was?  What will happen to those memories that you made when time comes in to slowly wash them away?
A journal can capture your …

by Lisa

“You’re going by yourself?”
These were the first words out of my mother’s mouth when I told her that I was taking a six-week road trip to camp and hike in America’s National Parks – solo.  Her concern wasn’t a surprise, and I was frankly skeptical myself.  Who was I to take a solo hiking and camping road trip?  I was (and still am) a city girl.  I like the convenience of take-out and access to the nearest salon…and to my high-speed internet.  Nevertheless, it was time to live up …

I’m heeeeere in Tampa, Florida and LOVING IT! The weather has been really nice, sunny, and blazing hot. I have trekked the Clearwater beach and waded in its beautiful water. I am in love. I have been down here since Tuesday and don’t think I’m going to leave. There are so many different sites to see and great places to eat. Whenever you’re in Florida, please check out these hot spots!! They are so tasty!

Algusto Fine Mexican Cuisine www.algustomexicanrestaurant.com – (813) 250-3500
Trang Viet Cuisine (813) 979-1464
Angithi Indian Cuisine angithirestaurant.com – …

Being an international GoGirl is pretty spectacular. Unfortunately, one of its major downsides is the question of what to do when you’re injured or sick while on the run. Equally unfortunately, the answer depends on your location, citizenship, immigration status, and financial power. Let me give you a very recent example of what I mean by this.
Today, I woke up with a strange rash on the back of my knee. At first, I thought I’d slept on it funny- you know, it had that pink tone to it that Caucasian …

Sometimes, though we love to travel, it’s just not possible.  Lack of vacation time, lack of funds, too many weddings to attend, or too much work to do can all interfere with planning your next trip.  What to do when your travel genes are calling but you just can’t get away?
Chances are, there are  a lot of things to do and see and experience only a few steps (or miles or subway tokens) away from home.  We so often ignore what’s in our own backyard in favor of the exotic and the …

Apologies for the lateness of this article! I just got back from a fabulous week of hosteling, hiking, and culture-seeking in Ireland with my sister. This isn’t my first trip to Ireland, nor will it be my last- but it was the first one we’d done without our parents, and the start of a tradition that we hope to make annual. As part of the Irish diaspora, the country has a very special place in my heart and you can rest assured that there will be many articles about the …