It’s my opinion, fostered through an international family and a wonderfully travel-filled upbringing, that no year is complete without leaving my country of residence. This Washingtonian did go on a Caribbean cruise in March, which was a great trip, but that’s not something a former Floridian would classify as international travel. Anyway, to close out the year, I have three destinations planned or in progress: Southwest Florida, Stockholm, and London.
I’m writing from the Southwest Florida International Airport after a lovely, family-focused Christmas holiday. A beach outing, Christmas shopping, and going out for drinks and appetizers complemented the “sun and fun” and food at home.
Next stop, via Newark, is Stockholm. I’ll be staying in Norrmalm, which is right in central Stockholm. Within walking distance are classic Stockholm sights such as Stadshuset, Gamla Stan, NK, Kungsträdgården, Nybroviken, Operan, Riksdagen, etc.
While I know some of my relatives reading this (ahem) think it’s crazy to want to go to Stockholm in the winter, I think it will be magical, lit up by city street lamps and Christmas lights in the dark. Not to mention, I am looking forward to the opportunity to explore everything I don’t remember so well both in-depth and at my own pace. Knowing and feeling at home in your home capitals by yourself and without a map is a great feeling. Between DC, Helsinki, and Stockholm, I probably have spent the least time navigating by myself in Stockholm.
I’ll be meeting friends and family in Uppsala and Stockholm, and in London I’ll be with some of my fellow Hoyas. I especially can’t wait to rendezvous with my favorite Kentucky-born, European at heart, Annalee Abell. Her insightful blog is available here: http://annalee-abell.blogspot.com
Since I’m in the midst of traveling, here are a three of my international travel tips:
1. Make use of both the carry-on and personal item. It both divides the weight of your belongings to feel better on your back and shoulders, and also allows you to pack one with all the items you need when you’re in your seat, and one that only needs to be stowed. That way, you won’t be the person the whole plane is staring at as you’re digging for that one thing you remember putting somewhere smart…
2. Get a flight tracking app that can keep track of your entire itinerary, gates, delays, and flight times for you right on your phone. Screenshot your itinerary before leaving your home country to have all the info even without your data plan! I use FlightTrack Pro.
3. Flying is an event, and I highly recommend dressing for it. I’m now seated in the plane, and I’m watching a rather unfortunate runway fashion show as the rest of the passengers board the plane. A blazer and a scarf never fail.
There will be many blog posts and photos to come over the next few days. Thanks for following along!
Ciao for now!
Posted with my phone on the go, please forgive any typos.
anchored & adrift 