The Before-I-Leave Checklist

Hola todos,

Less than four days until I arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina! I am so excited, nervous, stressed, hopeful, and pretty much every other emotion under the sun. Today, I am sharing with you the list of things that I want to complete before I leave.

1) Eat take-out Chinese food. Apparently, the Chinese food in Argentina is questionable, and only for the brave of heart- and stomach.

2) Go on a weekend bike ride with my mom. I won't be able to cycle in the crowded city.
3) Family trivia night at The Hungry Monk in Tempe. Good food and fun competition, plus we might win again!
4) Early birthday/Christmas celebration with the family. Because I'll be traveling through South America during my winter break, and won't return home until May.

5) Go on a hike with my dad. Think of it as training for Machu Picchu!
6) Pay my bills. Which are pretty sizable, considering that I just bought my text books...
7) See Frozen and The Lego Movie. I've seen both, but my family hasn't. I'm in for a night of laughs!
8) Pack. Oops.

9) Eat Micky Mouse waffles. Because, duh.

All too soon, I will be standing in LAX with a group of Pepperdine students awaiting our group flight. Until then, adios!

Besos,

Tina the Exploradora

It's Time to Pack!

Hola todos,

I am a mere two weeks away from leaving the United States and traveling to not only another country, but also another continent (not to mention a different time zone, language, culture, and society!). As the date slowly creeps towards me, I am realizing that I need to pack... which seems like an incredibly daunting task. How am I supposed to pack enough stuff for 8 months in a foreign country? Especially where they don't sell some of my favorite products...
Well, never fear. I discovered this gem a while back, and it changed my life.

http://upl.codeq.info/

"The Universal Packing List" includes documents, clothing, electronics, and almost everything that I have ever thought to pack. You can customize it too, so that it includes special items related to you/ your travel plans. (Going hiking? It will included hiking boots. Have kids? It will remind you to bring pacifiers and car seats!)
However, there are always a couple of key items that should be highlighted as the cornerstones of packing for international travel. Below is a list of some of the most important things (in my opinion) to remember to bring while traveling abroad.

Passport/visas

(obvious, I know)

Sweatpants

(because even if they don't have your comfort food, you can still be comfortable)

Professional clothing

(especially if you are traveling for business, but even if you are a student- you might have an internship opportunity come your way!)

Fake wallet with gift cards or expired credit cards

(if you get mugged, throw the fake wallet away from you to escape; the same works for an old cell phone)

Flashlight

(many countries have spotty electricity, especially if you are in a rural area)

Travel converter/adapter for international outlets

(because shorting out your hair dryer -or worse, your laptop- is the last thing that you want to do EVER)

I hope the link and list above will help you start your next adventure... ready, set, pack!

Besos,

Tina the Exploradora

PS I didn't include underwear in my list, because I figured that its importance was obvious enough. But yes, bring plenty of underwear.

My ISIC Card Arrived!

Hi again!

I'm super duper excited because my ISIC card arrived today!

This card is pretty nifty- it acts as an internationally-recognized student ID card. All of those benefits that your student card gets you? Like discounts at stores, free or discounted entrance to museums or national parks or monuments? This card is a version of that for the internationally acquainted and culturally educated student. It also comes with travel insurance.
It costs $25 and can be obtained here: http://www.isic.org/get-your-card/
Hopefully, this card will keep me motivated to get out and go somewhere and do something while on a new continent. Who can turn down free admission?

Besos,

Tina the Exploradora

PS After reading this again, it sounds like a commercial or something. But, honest to goodness, these are my personal opinions! (But STA Travel, if you see this, feel free to send me a check for advertising or something.)