AMERICA

I know that this blog is all about travel, but just hear me out for a minute.

Today in one of my classes, we watched a documentary on a family of refugees from Syria. It broke my little heart. A family that gave up everything for each other, and for their country. A family that put their lives in danger in hopes for a better one. I am happy and thankful that we live in a country full of freedom and safety. Despite the current election, believe it or not, there is still good in this country.

There is nothing like coming back to America and not having to pay to use the restroom, or being able to eat at your favorite restaurant. It's a great feeling to come to America and know that our Skittles taste better than Europe's. It's convenient to be able to go to the grocery store and know what the cashier is saying/asking you. It's nice to be able to ALWAYS know what you are eating. Or for hell's sake, being able to read the signs and understand what people are saying to you.

It's a blessing to think that we do not live in a country where we have to seek refuge from and flee to another place. While there are scary things that happen everyday, we are not being bombed and having out homes destroyed on a daily basis.

America is great. It is good. It is pretty. It is fun. It is home. It is nice. It is happy. It is.

This photo was taken in Vienna, Austria.

October 2015.

TSA + Customs// PART TWO

Hi guys!

Here's the second part of my series. I hope you enjoy!

xx,
Annie

TSA + Customs// PART ONE

Hi guys!!

I decided to make a couple podcasts with some tips and tricks that I have found helpful during the TSA and Customs process of traveling. I hope you find these helpful!

xx,

Annie

PLANE STUFF

Let's be honest, after a long plane trip overseas, you're basically dead. You've been wearing the same clothes for 24+ hours, your hair has been in the same top knot and all you want to do is sleep for nine hours. I've been there and done that plenty of times. There have been times where I felt like the long flight isn't worth it. But trust me, it sure as hell is. I hope some of these tips help make the flight worth it for you.

MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE
You've been sitting on a plane for 8+ hours with the AC on full blast and your skin is completely dehydrated. It pays to have a carry-on size moisturizer to use mid-flight as a little pick me up.

REHYDRATE
You may not feel thirsty, but you need to be sure to keep drinking water while you're on the plane. I promise it will help once you're off the plane. You will feel so much more energized! Even though the airlines offer water bottles, it never seems to be enough for me. Be sure to pack a stainless steel water bottle with you to keep your water cold, and be sure to refill it before boarding the plane.

UNWIND
Try your absolute hardest to sleep on the plane during your normal sleep hours. If you sleep the whole flight, your body clock will be hella mad at you and it will be hard to adjust. If you're headed to the EU, red-eye flights are super common and they automatically mess up your sleep schedule and make it pretty hard to adjust, but sometimes there's no way around them. Be smart about your rest. It will make it much easier to function once you get to your destination.

REFRESH
I know that if I've been traveling for 24+ hours, all I want to do is wash my face and brush my teeth. These are my main things. In my carry on, I be sure to pack my toothbrush, toothpaste and my fav face wipes. I've noticed such a big difference whether I have these or not. They automatically make me feel more refreshed and energized.

CHANGE
Be sure to pack an extra change of clothes in your carry on. You start to feel gross after being in the same pair of yoga pants after so long. Whether you pack an outfit you slay, or just another pair of your favorite yoga pants, just be sure to PACK SOMETHING. I promise you won't regret this. It's an instant pick me up.