Packing Between Planning

The day of departure is getting closer, which means I have to start packing, and gathering all the crazy travel thingies that are mini. So far I have mini everything: toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, contact solution, mouthwash…I got mini thingy happy in Target. I have these for the first couple of days for my travel agency’s (Australearn) orientation period, and in case my checked luggage takes a detour. I also got some cool socks that prevent blood clots called flight socks, and space bags! I can’t really say anything about the socks, since I haven’t used them yet, but these bags are amazing!

(Don't worry this is just my carry on.)

They say you can roll these, but when I have two pea coats and a sweater in one, it’s pretty hard to roll with no upper body strength….so my mom and I have been setting them on our dining table and pushing our chests on them squishing the air out; then we roll and squish some more.  And it works amazingly! I suggest them to anyone who travels. I got mine in Bed, Bath, and Beyond, but I think you can get them in Target or any luggage store. 

In between packing I went to my go to site, Conde Nast Traveler website, to see what they said about traveling in New Zealand, and Australia. For spring break I’m hoping to take a short trip to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Because really, how can I go Down Under without going to Sydney?! And I just sort of added Melbourne in. Mostly because the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) nominated it one of the three world’s City’s of Literature along with Iowa City in 2008; and my sister Sarah said I would love it.

(I 'borrowed' this poster here)

So while doing random Conde Nast research on Sydney I somehow followed a Sydney Opera link, and somehow looked up the events dates of operas around that time…..and *cough* ended up buying a ticket for an opera. I think I forgot to mention that I’m and impulse buyer. Even before I have tickets to get to Australia, I have paid for an opera ticket. So I guess this means that I’m going to Sydney! Woot! I feel like being impulsive is good sometimes….right? Click here to for info on the opera.

Well I’m off to read more travel books and watch New Zealand movies/t.v. shows! Oh, and I will have legit ‘goals’ list next time.

To the Land of Kiwis

Hello, I’m Kate and I am currently scared out of my mind! I am a junior at the University of Iowa and I am also a native Floridian. I am presently in my hometown getting ready for a big leap, actually a HUGE leap across land and sea. I will be spending a whole semester in Auckland, New Zealand! I have traveled  before...but, I have never gone to the other side of the world before. And alone! I don’t know anyone in New Zealand and I don’t know anyone in my program who will be venturing over with me. So, that is why I am slightly freaking out while writing this to you instead of reading one of my traveling books on New Zealand.  Right now I am planning, to plan for my trip….well…it’s a process…don’t judge. I started by Googling the top restaurants in the Auckland area…pretty good start I think. First things first, I am a wannabe foodie.  So the obvious first step for me to de-stress myself was to look up the amazing restaurants there and to get a feel for what I’m diving into; which looks heavenly! Honestly, if you were in heaven I think you would be eating food from Auckland. Their seafood looks better then Florida’s seafood, their dairy looks better then France’s dairy, and their wine is known around the world. Need I say more? Of course I plan on doing other things in New Zealand, like hunting for kiwi birds at night, going to the Rugby World Cup and seeing The All Blacks, and visiting the amazing national parks! I am mostly freaking out about my tip because there is just so much I want to do! How can I choose?!?!

                                                                                    Game Plan:
1.Read all two travel books I have on NZ.

2.Watch The Piano, Whale Rider, and any other NZ movies I find.

3.Pack

4.make list of goals before I leave.

I’ll keep you updated on my list…..I think research will help with my planning abilities.