Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Prepping to Study Overseas

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Going to a foreign country to study, whether as an undergraduate in a prestigious university or as a high school exchange student, is one of the best ways to get a more holistic education. By going over overseas, you’ll be able to put to practice the saying that real education happens outside of the classroom. And as you mingle with locals and fellow international students, you will surely learn more about the world than you ever would by staying at home.

study abroad sign

However, choosing to study overseas is not a trivial matter. It requires a lot of preparation if you want your stay to be enjoyable and worth the resources you put into your decision.

To help you get things started, here’s a short list of essential matters to take care of before leaving to study abroad:

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Traveling to Learn

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They say that the world is one big classroom, but if that is the case then we can liken people who do not travel to little kids who never leave their desks. How miserable that student must be, confined to one desk unable to move about and confined to just listening to the drone of a teacher.

Let it suffice to say that I definitely agree to the world being our classroom; albeit a classroom and playground in one. As you travel you get to learn more than just your basic math, although you’ll probably get really good at time and currency conversion. You get to learn more important things like the history and culture of the people in each place you visit. You get to refine your palate with gastronomical delights (although not all are always delightful). And you get to appreciate the different sights and sounds unique to each place.

What I have learned over the years though, is that when it comes to learning more about the place I have visited, the places whose language I understand (even if just barely understand) are those that I am able to appreciate in greater depth. This isn’t surprising since we

all know the difficulties the language barrier poses. That is why I make it a point

to learn at least the basic phrases before heading to a new place. What’s more interesting about language though is that as soon as you immerse yourself in the environment, the faster you’ll surely pick up new words and phrases. So if it’s a specific language you want to learn, there’s no better way to learn it than to travel. Go to the language’s home country. Learn Thai in Bangkok, go to China for Mandarin, and head to Quebec or Paris for authentic French lessons. In the end, you’ll not only learn the language but you’ll do it while having fun and a lots of unforgettable memories that will last you a lifetime.

 

Image via SteveWheeler

A Warm Christmas for Everyone: Island Destinations

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Australia, Egypt, Flo

rida and Dubai. They are all great places to spend your Christmas vacation on but if you want a real tropical Christmas then to the islands you should head. With all the tropical islands all over the world you shouldn’t be at a loss for one to visit during Christmas. Some really cool (or more aptly, warm) islands to spend your Christmas vacation on are:

Maritius – Maritius is a perfect place to relax during winter. There are lots of Christmas holiday packages available from tour operators so that vactioning there is not only fun but also budget friendly. The island is a hodge podge of religions and though there are lots of

non-Christian religions there Christmas is still celebrated with great festivity.

Maldives – This cluster of islands is known for its beautiful corals, warm waters, and white sand. Those seeking a quiet private Christmas will definitely find any of the small resorts found in maldives a perfect place to stay. If you are into lots of activities and socialising though Maldives might not be the place for you.

Canary Islands – Each of the islands making up the Canary islands have a different strengths. This means that whatever your preference might be you will find it here. Make sure though too choose the island that suits your personality best. If you want to be part of the noise and fun a crush of tourist brings then head on Gran Canaria and check in at the mega-resort of Playa de Ingles. Those who seek a quieter atmosphere can relax at either the islands of El Hierrro and La Gomera. And those that want to experience beaches

with black sand can go to the volcanic island of Lanzarote.

A Warm Christmas for Everyone: Florida and Dubai

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In my last post I mentioned two great places to spend Christmas, Australia and Egypt. If you do not feel like going to either for whatever reason (like if you live there!) then two equally good alternative places to make sure you stay warm during the holiday season would be Florida and Dubai.

Florida – Florida = Fun. We all know how great the sun and sand at Miami beach. Aside from soaking up the sun though and getting wet in the water Florida also has a lot of other fun stuff for the entire family from the famous Orlando Theme Parks to the Seaquarium and the Planetarium. Florida is fun year round but wait till Christmas to visit it because then it turns really festive. Still unconvinced? Let me repeat and detail the magic that the theme parks in Orlando brings. Walt Disney World is of course famous for its special winter/holiday parades and other gimmicks, Universal Studios is just as fun this Grinchmas, and SeaWorld is as amazing as ever.

Dubai – Dubai is the place to go this Christmas if you have money to burn. Not

only is it hot there but it is also the location of the one and only 7-star hotel in the entire world. Now if you can’t

have fun in a 7-star hotel then you’d better lighten up! There you can have Christmas in the lap of luxury (even if you don’t stay at the best hotel in the world) and have fun shopping around for gold jewelry, carpets and cruising in a yacht.

A Warm Christmas for Everyone: Australia and Egypt

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Christmas does give you a warm feeling but keeping literally warm is another thing during winter. If you are ready for a change of weather this Christmas there are lots of great places where the holiday season can be spent basking under the warm sun. Christmas cheer can still be had minus the frozen fingers.
This Christmas some of the hottest hot spots you can visit include:

Australia – Australia is a great place to visit year round but the great thing about visiting it during the Christmas season is that it is summer there. In Australia you can have a summer and Christmas vacation in one! Being such a huge place you have a whole slew of towns and cities you can choose to visit. If you are really into heat remember that the further north you go the nearer to the equator you go. So go somewhere in norther Australia if you want a hot summer. Of course the east coast is equally fun or you can just opt to tour different parts of Australia. Hey it’ll be fun diving in the Great Barrier Reef between Christmas and new year!

Egypt – Another great warm place to spend the holiday season would be in southern Egypt. It’s not too hot there but it sure is a hot place to visit. I mean, Christ went to Egypt when he was a babe so why not see the

place too? Even without the Christmas context Egypt simply reeks of history and is simply awe inspiring. Pyramids, tombs, temples, and other ancient wonders

to gawk at, not to mention the Nile River, Egypt will surely make you feel warm on Christmas.