IMAGINE THERE IS NO COUNTRIES... THE WORLD LIVING AS ONE...

Yes, John Lennon dream is still a dream. We travellers are dreamers, and not the only ones but.. Unfortunately, there are still borders, possessions and the world is not shared by all the people.. What Im trying to says is YES, We need passports, paperwork and if you are Colombian.. VISAS AND MORE VISAS.

A visa is a document or a stamp placed in your passport that acts as an endorsement to enter a country. Many countries require a visa for entrance, and most do for work, study or extended stays. Some you can get at the border (or when you arrive) or others you need to obtain in advance.. NOT FUN, I Know.....

Read carefully all the requirements (They are usually published clearly in the embassys webpages) and please, dont avoid any of them. Its better to have more than less of what they ask. And plan with time... Depending on the embassy is the process time but its usually a couple of weeks. Usually, embassies will ask you for paperwork about your finances, plain and accommodation bookings,  references and job certificates and filling forms. 

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR PASSPORT?

Dont lose it!! Take plenty of precautions. Don't walk around with your passport (unless the country you are in requires you to have it at all times). Instead, carry a copy of your passport and visa (if there is one) in your wallet, stash one in your bag, and give one to a travel buddy. Also, e-mail a copy of your passport and visas to yourself in case you lose all your staff and need to prove your status anywhere in the world or at your own embassy anywhere in the world. 

This is an important and practical issue to take into account. If you happen to need further advise on visa matters, I may be able to help.... Just write!

WHEREVER YOU GO... DISCOVER THE LOCAL TRADITIONS

Thats how you get the most of every place you will visit.... Today, Im writting from FINCA LA ADLAGISA... In Mendoza, Argentina.. Wine Paradise... So, I thought.. Should I find the commun very well located into the city room or drawn myself into the wine country... I chose right! This place is just unbelivable and wanted to share it in my blog... Totally reccommended if you happen to be visiting the área... Not only the great attention, personalised counselling and food but also the amazing experience you get to have here... Don't even think about it!

The traditional familiar winery offers in-house "bodega" where you can have the homemade wine every night before going to bed... And just judge yourself by the pictures:

If you want any further information, contact Gabriela! She is the boss here!. This is a very good option along with many others in the area. Also, you have many activities to do in the area if you get tired of wines (don't think so), extreme sports, trekking, termas and spas... My recommendation- COME!

https://fincaadalgisa.com.ar

TODAY, CLOSER FROM THE STARS

Today, I was in the border between Argentina and Chile. Visiting the Aconcagua:

The Aconcagua Provincial Park is 185 km. of the city of Mendoza, near the Chilean border. Here is the highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua, 6,962 m. It is an icon of world mountaineering visited every year by lovers of trekking, mountain climbing and ecotourists in general.

Trekking is one of the most important activities within the park. There are numerous trails for trekking inside the park

When starting any journey, it is important to consider the height. A quick ascent can cause mountain sickness (nausea, headache that does not go away with aspirin, insomnia, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, dizziness, etc..). The area has some breathtaking views. If you have the opportunity, THIS IS A MUST in SouthAmérica.

FOLLOWING MUSIC

Whatever is your music taste... You never have to settle to what your hometown has to offer.... There are many options in the world to enjoy your favourite music or discover new sounds you may fall in-love with...

Here are some music festival options around the world so you can plan your agenda for this year or next!

1. DONAUINSELFEST (VIENNA, AUSTRIA)

Attendance: 3.2 million

Acts: 2,000+

Stages: 21

2. COACHELLA (CALIFORNIA, USA)

Attendance: 675,000 

Acts: About 190

Stages: 6

3. ROCK IN RIO (RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL)

Attendance: 700,000

Acts: about 75 (500 more on “Rock Street”)

Stages: 4

4. ULTRA (MIAMI, USA)

Attendance: 330,000 

Acts: 300+

Stages: 7

Of course, there are many many more options... Just follow your music spirit and plan your outfit!!!

RACING ABROAD

Running is a sport that has been growing at breathtaking pace during the last 10 years. 

From the 5k to the marathon, Amateur runners are signing up, more and more, to cross the finish line and break what they call their "PB" or "PR"; which stands for personal best or personal record, respectively. And finding a reason for the accelerated growth of this popular sport might be quite easy; in essence, almost everyone can run; you only need a pair of trainers, and that is it, you are ready to hit the road. But is it all you need? How about compression socks, singlets, fueling gels, sun glasses, tights, Vaseline, bands, gps watch, and all the rest of goodies and stuff runners use? Now, just like the consumption of all these, traveling for a race has also been growing, so here are 5 tips if you are willing to race abroad:

- Select your race with enough time in advance; not only to train for the distance, but also to register for the event. Berlin Marathon entries are available almost 11 months before the race and get sold out in a few hours. 

- Now that you know when and where you are running, don't be lacy and book transportation and lodging ASAP. During the last month before Boston Marathon, it was almost impossible to find a room in the city for the race weekend, and if you did, the prices could be 3 times more expensive vs regular prices. 

- Make sure your travel plan is considering to arrive at least 24hrs before the race. Attending to the expo, and picking up you kit is part of these ritual that runners love. 

- If flying to get there, one good thing to do, is to wear compression socks during the flight. You might not feel any difference to regular socks, but keeping a good flow of blood to your muscles will let them recover faster from the pressurized environment of the cabin. 

- Last but not least, don't send your racers (racing shoes) in your registered luggage; keep them in the carry on bag that you are allowed to take. In case your luggage gets misplaced, you will still avoid the not-so-nice experience of running a long distance race with brand new shoes. 

Once a runner sets himself/herself a bigger, or let's call it longer, or faster goal, they will, most of the times, aim for something greater. And they don't mean greater only in terms of record breaking. How about the World's Best 10k (Puerto Rico) in February? NYC or Berlin half in March? A World Marathon Major? Individual greatness is being challenged every weekend on the roads and trails of the world, and behind it, there are thousands of traveling runners ready to do so.

The last weekend I visited Rosario, Argentina for the half marathon (Rosario 21k). Amazing Atmosphere!

SKYING IS NOT THAT HARD

I had never done it. I had always wanted to try If I could do it... First time this January... Just want to tell you.. Its not that hard!! Not easy either but if you take a couple of hours course, you will be fine!

Skiing is an "approachable" sport that anyone who wants to learn the technique in very few days to slide in the snow can do it...  You just need some good humour.

Here, Iam in Navacerrada, near Madrid.... Not the nicest weather but after two hours, I managed to do it on my own. Just find a good academy or instructor and be well equipped and dressed.

THE NIGHT SIDE OF THE CITY

One of the posts of these week was about walking tours. There is one specific walking tour that is not very cultural or historical... Oh well, you can say it has some cultureness about it.. You get to know the local way of drinking! Its the pub crawls, or bar crawls.. Depending on the city and the culture.

Most of the touristic cities would offer them, and its just a way of having a fun night out, even if you are travelling by yourself... Its fun! And its a wonderful chance to meet new people and explore the best of the nightlife of the city. 

How it works is basically, you meet at a set time in the evening. Usually the starting point is a bar, and the fees include some drinks, or even a T-shirt some times. After you get there, it all flows.. So don't worry! Be prepared for a fun night out and don't plan any early morning trips the next day... You may have to sleep longer after visiting more than 5 bars and a club at the end.

Here, its me attending a pub crawl in Prague, with some Australian girls I met there. As you see, people get very friendly!

And Here, pub crawling in Scotland. Specially testing the beer culture there. 

In a nut shell, the pub crawl is a great way to meet people and fellow travellers, from all over the world while experiencing some of the hottest venues of the city´s nightlife has to offer, discovering its particular music and party culture. 

BUDAPEST, SURPRISINGLY BEAUTIFUL

Large, majestic, full of life ... this city of 2 million inhabitants is gothic and is romantic.

Today, I wanted to write about this city that is one of the things that comes to my mind when people ask me what city I have liked the most from all my humble traveling journey.

Honestly, I cannot say I have preferred one place over another of all I have visited... I like to think every single city has its own magic, its uniqueness. 

However, Budapest is the closest I can say about favouritism. I was not expecting much from it, but it truly gave me lots of surprises... And I highly recommend to visit if you have the chance. Will be worth it! Why?...

Its great history boasts its beauty without showing off... Budapest has many buildings and streets that remind immediate past behind the Iron Curtain. With a history of glory and pain, between rebellions and deportations; wars and conspiracies, Hungary has failed to finish in transit to modernity. 

Budapest is admired for its monuments, buildings, towers and domes that combines an atmosphere of architectural beauty. Its called the Paris of the East!

The Neighbourhood of the Royal Palace and the Danube together with Andrássy Avenue, have received the title of World Heritage Site of UNESCO. 

Its just breathtaking!! Look at the view.

ME, Amazed! 2011

LETS GET THOSE LEGS MOVING!!!

When travelling. I have found that the tours I have enjoyed the most are the ones I have done walking. Its the way I get to know a city in its deepest and authentic way...Most of the cities nowadays have these kind of organised guided free walking tours... Wherever you go, Just Google it. The nicest part... Most of them are for free! or tip-based...
Besides that great advantage.. "you give the value that you consider it had", it is also very healthy! And you get to meet people from all around the world 

There are many companies that provide this kind of tours and are usually done every day of the week, with different languages options and are usually about 3 hours long. 

Some recommendations to take into account when participating on a free walking tour are:

- Be prepared for any type of weather. Bring umbrella, sunglasses and use sunblock cream.
- Use comfortable shoes 
- Bring some water with you


And ENJOY!!!

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Ok.. This is the last post about "What to take into account when studying abroad".. You are almost set! After you made all those difficult decisions, now it is a fact... You are going to start your course abroad... How do you get there? Of course, depending where you are situated and how far it is from your destination, but  you would usually have to buy flight tickets. Here are some tips that will help you buy the best deal possible:

1. The key, as I have pointed out before is to plan everything with time... This way you would have some room for flexibility, which is the most important factor if you want to get a cheap ticket!

2. You have several options about where you should buy them. It could be online multi-brand browsers (such as lastminute.com, expedia.com, kayak.com, skyscanner.com). I would encourage you to first of all, use them all! or at least 3 of them. This way you can actually see everything that the market has to offer in terms of airlines, schedules, number of stops and prices for the trip you are looking for. 

3. Going directly to the airline site sometime works better, so after you find the itinerary you liked using the option above, you may try directly with the airline, which sometimes turns out to be even cheaper, specially for non stop flights

4. Try tricking the system by changing currencies, dates, or airports within the same city or cities closeby. 

5. Be creative! Sometimes combining transportation means might result in big savings. So you may mix airplain tickets+train+bus.

6. Subscribe to newsletters! I know... It can be annoying and Personally, I try to avoid it as much as I can, but in this case, its worth it!! You  may be having privileged, last minute information that can make your journey end up being much cheaper!

7. Forget about the weekend!! Definitely flying on  a tuesday or Wednesday will be much cheaper than doing it the weekend days. Also, take into account the holidays and seasons, for example christmas, new year or Easter are dates in which usually plain tickets are more expensive.

Now, we have finished every aspect to take into account when traveling abroad for academic purposes. Still there are many elements we were not able to explain better but if you want further information, please never hesitate to contact me!!

SECOND HOME

You have chosen your course, the country, the institution where you will be studying. Now it comes the time to find where you will live. Once again, it is all about setting priorities regarding money an time. Each case is different and you will choose an accommodation regarding your needs, your budget and your lifestyle. Anyways,  I thought it would be useful for you to consider them all and understand the differences in order to make an adequate decision…

Basically you have 3 options with some varieties… Student residences, host families and private accommodation (student houses or flats)… You also can choose if you want to share or enjoy a single room (for which the price varies of course) and in the case of residences and flats, you will have to pay extra money if you ware not willing to share a toilet, a shower or the kitchen. 

Factors:

The following are the things you should think about before booking a room:

Ø  Location: How long does it take you to get to the city enter, to your school? Is there good access to public transportation? Will have a supermarket in a walking distance?

Ø  Bills: Are bills included in the rent? IF not, what is the actual monthly average price for these ones? (Sometimes it could double the price)

Ø  The place structure and layout: How many toilets there are? Is there furniture included? Does it have a modern or antique arquitecture?

Ø  Rent payment: Is it monthly, trimonthly? Or weekly? Will you have to pay a deposit? What are the terms and conditions?

Ø  The people: How many of them will I be sharing with?, Where are they from? Will they speak my own language? How old are they?

Ø  Rules: Will I be able to bring guests? Will I have a carefew?

My experience:

Personally, I have lived in a native host family and in a student residence and have experienced both, sharing and single room. Each one of these options comes with its pros and cons, as everything in life I guess… For me, it was a matter of priorities according to my age and budget at the moment.

Living in a host family gives you great atmosphere when first facing a new language; you will be forced to practice and therefore, you will improve easily day by day! It will also help you to understand from a close perspective the new culture you are entering to and to be tolerant and respectful about it. Also, you will have people who you can share your day anecdotes with during dinner, someone to take care of you when you are feeling sick or just need to be heard when feeling upset about anything.

Now that I live in Cambridge, Iam living in a student residence without sharing room nor bathroom and kitchen; Amazing experience as well… Different for me, coming from a conservative culture and very family oriented country, it has been the first time living on my own. I am not going to lye, it has not been easy to arrive home to no one, but it has also its bright side: I have gotten to experience that privacy I had never had, the myself time we all need to get to know ourselves better, the independence of looking after myself and the greatness of playing the music as loud as I want until the time I feel like!

Well, when choosing your accommodation, chose what is the most convenient the most for that moment of your life and your interests. I can guarantee that nothing will feel as good as home and most of the cases there will be things you will be complaining about but as I have constantly said, everything you experience when travelling abroad is a learning experience from any point of view and it will just help you grow into a better person.

This is my lovely little second home in England. Quite small but big enough to have fancy guests for breakfast!

THE INSITUTION

Lets get more serious. When traveling abroad for studying purposes, this decision could be the most important one. Your whole learning experience will depend on the quality of your teachers, your classes, your modules and the greatness of your title!...So, be careful with the institution you choose to enrol. 

My tip? Get professional or reliable advice

Find advise: If you are a very self-taught person, you may think that you can find the perfect place to invest your course money, which can be true, or not... Let me tell you from my personal experience working on the field, there are many nice looking webpages with photoshopped images and disguised information. Worldwide, education is business! And the companies in the industry are usually very good at marketing themselves online. Get informed from neutral sources and get in touch with previous experiencers of the institutions you are analysing.

Using an agency: There are many myths about this, and even as it is hard to believe, let me tell you that it is not more expensive to use the professional advise of an agent. Most of the time, they work by a  commission percentages and if you skip this 3rd party, the only thing you are doing is saving the institution to give away this commission fee, but your course wont become any cheaper because of this. 

So, if you are willing, find a well recognised local agency in your country that can give you some specific information about institution rankings,  previous experience with other clients/students, international mixes within the institutions, visa requirements and they can even share contacts with you of people who have previously studied the same you want in the institution you are feeling attracted by...., it can save you lots of time while you focus on the important things prior your trip.

Factors you have to take into account when choosing the institution you will be spending most of your time are locations within the city, facilities on campus, number of students per class, international mix, reputation within the country and worldwide and expertise on the subject you will be learning about. 

WHERE TO GO IF WANTING TO PUMP UP YOUR ADRENALINE

Are you an Adventurer and a Extreme sports passionate?

Continuing with the topic of Where will you live your dream, Today´s post will help you feed all that adrenaline you have going on even its hidden somewhere very deep inside your soul....  Today we will speak of Australia, not only because It is a destination with a great offer of extreme activities set up for you, but also because of the diversity of things to do they offer... So, Australia will be the destination I would recommend for this kind of trip... Start preparing  to go and see the dramatic landscape of the world:

AUSTRALIA 

Why? Only because of the Great Barrier Reef, you will already have a huge load of guaranteed adventure. To get there you will have to take a boat ride from Cairns and once you are there, the world of possibilities regarding adventure is endless. Scuba, skydiving and even feeding sharks! . Also in many other Australian cities you can always book trips to go Skydiving, Bungee jumping, hang gilding, windsurfing, kite-boarding, hot air ballooning, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, or just take an afternoon to learn how to surf in Bondi beach!

This country is just the paradise for a bit of danger freaks!

Im not the biggest one (as you can see my face on the video) but it seemed for me kind of an obligation to jump off a plain and get into the waves with surfing classes when being in Australia... Totally worth it!!! So, even if you are not the biggest risk taker... Give it a try! Perhaps you become one.

Other places that will be worth taking a look if you have already been to Aussie Land are SouthAfrica, New Zeland, Canada, Scottland and Perú.

Laura Skydiving in Sydney, Australia.
Cant wait to do it again!!!

Sorry for the language the ones who understand what Iam screaming