With A Visa.

All of the paperwork was worth it; this visa is by far the best looking stamp in my passport!

In 30 Days.

A brief geography lesson for everyone that asked "...where is Ghana?".

After A Few Good Reads.

I read Nine Hills to Nambonkaha in college. It was a requirement for my most memorable liberal arts class, a real insight into the Peace Corps volunteer experience.

My last trip to the library was almost a disappointment when I found out all 16 copies of Catching Fire, book two of the Hunger Games, were checked out. But then I remembered I had to research Africa. Copper Sun was recommended to me by a library employee; I was not disappointed after all.

A Budget.

My bank account did not look promising this morning:

Scraping together money for a trip is not an easy task. Here are a few of my travel philosophies and tips (I obviously need to improve on these):

1. If you buy the plane ticket, you will somehow someway find the money for everything else.
2. Don't waste your money on souvenirs. Take a few photos and enjoy the view. 
3. Publicly display your negative balance. This is a new one I am trying out...
4. Do not buy a new wardrobe for your trip. One or two new items will suffice.
5. Wait to exchange currency at your destination; the fees are usually more reasonable at a local bank or ATM. Exchanging cash at the airport is a rip off. Also call your bank (2x) and let them know where you plan to travel. A frozen bank account will ruin your day.
6. Sign up for a travel rewards credit card and pay it off each month. I currently have the CapitalOne Venture and in a few short months I will have enough points for a weekend getaway (within driving distance).
7. Learn how to use public transportation. My wallet currently contains an Oyster card (London), the Charlie card (Boston), the SmarTrip card (DC), and a MetroCard (NYC). They have saved me a ton on cab fare. 
8. Do not go through a travel agent.
9. Be your own tour guide. Research in advance and skip the overpriced guided tours. 
10. Create a separate savings account for travel. Have money automatically deducted from each paycheck. Even a small amount each month will get you closer to booking your next adventure!
    
    
    

For a Good Cause.

Krochet Kids International has been featured on recent Bing commercials. Like many viewers, I went directly to their website and made my purchase..a charcoal colored "Love" T-shirt to be exact. Their business was inspired by a trip to Uganda. Take a look, buy a hat, change a life!

http://www.krochetkids.org/

With Style.

The perfect travel accessory!

http://www.modcloth.com/Modcloth/Womens/Accessories/Bags/-Traveling-Translator-Tote

Again.

In 2009, I filled out my Peace Corps application. It still sits in a forgotten folder tucked between my Teach for America essay and my job offer to teach English in South Korea. Needless to say, these opportunities did not work out. Like many people right out of college, I hunted for a full time job and put my other adventures on hold. Life is short and I plan to travel as much of this world as possible. My next adventure..AFRICA.

See the World, Life is an Adventure.