How do we get there?

Instead of doing my reading this afternoon, I was clicking through the TSA's Prohibited items list, and it looks like I'm going to be buying a lot of 3 oz containers and filling them with water. I get thirsty all the time in real life, never mind when I'm on a dehydrating plane. And they don't give out snacks and drinks nearly as often as I'd like them to. Maybe I could get my doctor to tell them I have some kind of medical problem?

So anyway, I was thinking about what to pack- do I bring all of my own toiletries, or buy it there? That would be more expensive, but it would mean more room for various accouterments of my own. Also, if I'm taking a Shakespeare class, should I bring my own Shakespeare books? That would be cheaper, but compromise a lot of space (and weight) in my bag.

Clicking through the internet, I found this website, Flight 001. Apparently they have a store right in NYC. It seems that most of their carry-on items aren't up to the new TSA standards, but I could always use some entertaining organizational knick knacks (I love organizational objects!). I don't really think I need luggage tags or a colored pencil set, but who doesn't love eyemasks and earplugs, or a universal plug adapter?

The lovely + talented Sarah Vohn of Yes and Yes has written a two-part travel guide, and while it's not super-relative for me, it's got a lot of great ideas.

Gala Darling of iCiNG and "Things I Love Thursday" fame is one of the few people I know of who could actually be described as jet-setting, and as such she has written several articles on the topic. One of my favorites is Loving a New City Alone, which isn't the vacation-type travel guide, but really more of what I am looking for. I have it bookmarked, + I have read it several times.

What about the rest of you? What is your advice for the process of travel?

The Itinerary (as it stands)

Map of Europe, originally uploaded by Samuel Rönnqvist.

The number one thing people talk to me about when I mention studying abroad is not the city I'm going to, but traveling. Everybody pesters me about where I plan on going. I find that a little strange, since I plan on first + foremost enjoying what it's like living in a burgeoning metropolis (on the other side of the world!), but here are my plans anyway:

Paris!
The city of lights. I've never been there, and it seems like the kind of place I ought to go. It's referenced in so much culture that I find it difficult to imagine staying away. Do I speak any French at all? Nope. But I'll grab a phrase book + hope I can muddle my way through it for the weekend.

Barcelona!
I took Spanish for five years in grade school, my current boyfriend speaks Spanish at home, + I've never been to a country where the dominant language is Spanish. I find that shameful. Why Barcelona? I'm really excited to look at all of the lovely old buildings.

Ireland!
I hear it's beautiful. Plus I am Irish.

Scotland!
Because I know plenty of people who live there, and that will make it easier to get around. Plus (like Ireland) I hear it's beautiful. I may as well, you know?

Prague!
Because I was there once for two days, + it was so rainy + I was so jet-lagged that I barely remember it, so I feel like I ought to go back. Plus, a girl I know from school, Arianna Feckett is going to be studying there, which will make it easier to get around and see things.

Florence!
I was in Rome once, and it was beautiful. I love Italy, and growing up in a largely Italian neighborhood, I love the Culture. And the food, my God, the Food! This city was tacked on to my plans much the same was Prague was, as my friend Maggie Venti will be studying there next semester, making it easier for me to get around.

"Only six trips?" I hear you clucking to yourself in you head... why yes! That will be practically every other weekend. I need time to explore the city, don't I?

And as for traveling after the program ends? Well, some of these may get done then. Additionally, my department is sponsoring a two-week tour of China starting next may 25, which I have been dying to go on ever since I got to Binghamton. So I may tour the continent for a month and make my way over to China. Sounds expensive, yes, but also like tons o' fun!