You’ve decided - you’re in! That burning desire to escape for a while (or better, to not let life escape you) has taken hold and you’ve made up your mind – if only you had someone to go with. 

Ah, there it is…another hurdle. 

For this post, and most of my posts, I’ll focus on international travel. Getting someone to commit to spending thousands of dollars on a 10 day adventure is no small feat. Your best bet is to find someone who is already dying to go! Even then, the price tag and commitment can be a little daunting. 

Budgeting is key to building confidence in your friend. If you can start the planning and estimate a rough bottom line cost, you’ll have something to work with – because let’s face it, money is tight for everyone these days. Plus sticking to a budget is the best way to have a great, guilt-free time. And it’s a vital skill to master if you want to go on more than one trip in your lifetime (another post on that later).

Another thing to remember is quality over quantity. You may be considering getting a group together - 4, 5, 6 people. The excitement of navigating the ruins of ancient Greece is something you want to share with all your closest friends – I understand the sentiment, but I do have a word of caution. More is not always merrier, especially when it comes to coordinating what everyone wants to do and when. Unless you’re ok with your group splitting off into mini groups, aim for a group of 3 or less.

Also consider personalities – are you Type A and always on the go? Do you prefer to plan every detail and leave nothing to chance? Or do you like to go with the flow in almost everything you do? Is spontaneity your only guide? A little bit of both? Having a friend who compliments (not matches) your personality is key to an enjoyable experience. Pay attention to how your friends react when planning smaller get-togethers, like dinners out or movie nights. Are they decisive and mindful of other’s ideas? Are they flexible when a glitch pops up? Remember, at the end of your trip, you still want to actually be friends! 

Put the word out well in advance of when you’re planning to dig your toes in those black sand beaches. And don’t forget to consider friends you’re not super close with – you’d be surprised who would end up making a great travel partner.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please share below.

Summer travel season is back and there's nothing like planning a trip to spark my motivation to blog again. 
This year, my big trip will be to the West Coast. Thanks to my friend who's a California local, we will get to experience some hidden gems as well as some quintessential Cali tourist spots.

California has been calling my name for as long as I can remember. One of the big items on my "lifetime to-do list" is to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, in a top-down convertible, the wind in my hair, and a pair of spectacular shades donning my smiling face! I can hardly wait to explore all the beaches along that iconic roadway. I will finally get to do this next month and I couldn't be more excited!

We'll also be exploring 3 major cities in California: San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco (which is another "to do" on my list). In another post, I'll list our intended itinerary that can be used as a starter travel guide if you plan on visiting the Golden State too. 

One thing that I cannot take for granted, and one thing that I highly recommend cultivating for yourself, is acquiring kind and generous friends in far places. Sometimes it happens by chance, other times you can seek people out through online groups or family connections. However these friends come into your life, I recommend pouring into relationships like these, not to earn a "free stay" favor, but because you can expand your opportunities and your world by simply paying a visit to a friend. Many different cultural experiences can be had just by getting out of your neighborhood, much more your state or country. Having good friends in far places opens up your world and theirs to new experiences and once-in-a-lifetime chances. And don't forget to return the favor - invite them to your neighborhood too.

Keep following the blog for travel ideas you can use for your trips this summer. Let me know what tips you like best! You can also follow my actual adventures in California at the end of July-August on Insta (#shebirdielife + #californiabirdie).

• Are you one of our California birdies or have you visited recently?
• What do you recommend for restaurants, activities, or best places to spot a celebrity or two?

Image credit: wallpaperswide.com

Traveling the world is a venture as old as civilization. Human beings are curious wanderers by nature and necessity. Now the advancement of travel technology is moving rapidly that it’s ever easier to plan, book, and communicate our travel needs. Everyone has a super computer in their pocket. The latest travel apps are making it easier to get out and discover the little corners of the world that we’ve always dreamed of experiencing.

Some may say things are getting too digital for the “wanderer’s spirit.” They say point of getting away is to disconnect from technological pressures and crutches - reconnect with nature and rediscover intimate moments with actual people. I agree this idea is true to the free-spirited mindset of a traveler. In fact the apps that once distracted us are being reined in by new tech designed to course-correct our cell phone obsession and allow us to reengage with each other without sacrificing our use of technology altogether. 

But how much tech is too much tech? 

We are constantly updating our circle of friends on what we are doing on a daily basis. Checking-in to restaurants, sharing our Spotify playlist, and recording videos of our weird cats for all of Facebook to see. When we travel, we post our moments to Instagram so everyone can co-experience our vacation with us. It’s the way of life we’ve all become accustomed to. This is so normal now that it’s difficult for us to recall the days when we didn’t know what Cousin Deedee was doing all week unless we called her to find out!

Despite all of our distraction with technology, the wanderlust of raw, unchained adventure is still thriving among those of us who have it in our blood. It’s something that we can try to tame, but if we are true to ourselves, it will always be the catalyst of discovery in our lives – discovery of other worlds, discovery of ourselves. Technology can be used to our benefit, but we must always strive to be present in those moments of discovery. 

Share your thoughts:

• How do you use technology when you travel or make travel plans? 
• Do you unplug when you’re on vacation?