Best Travel Shows to Watch

Films to Cure Your Longing to Travel

Into the Wild (2007)

"Into the Wild" is a biography film of adventure and drama. Christopher McCandless abandons his possessions after graduating from Emory University. He donates his savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. He endures such skills on his journey and meets all kinds of people with all different stories along the way.

The Way (2010)

"The Way" is a comedy and drama film. It has an inspiring storyline about family, friends, and challenges in life. Tom, an American doctor, comes to St. Jean Pied de Port in France to collect the remains of his son. After collection, however, Tom decides to stay and embark on a new journey. In honor of his son, he starts his path to the Camino de Santiago, a historical pilgrimage, where the trails took his son. On his journey, the father meets other pilgrims with all kinds of stories and life conditions.

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

This American romantic comedy film is about a divorced writer from San Francisco who finds herself in an unexcepted situation. She then turns to buy a villa in Tuscany, hoping for a new chapter in her life. She struggles to make a new life there and meets lovely characters along the path. 

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is an American film of adventure, comedy, and drama. The film stars Ben Stiller to tell the story of Walter Mitty. Walter Mitty is an introverted guy who works at Life magazine. Spending much time developing photos for publication, he has an active fantasy life. He is continuously daydreaming into a world full of wonders.

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

This biography, comedy, and adventure film is based on the 1998 memoir of Bill Bryson. Bill, a travel writer, embarks on a journey on the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the countryside of Georgia to Maine. And he does this accompanied by his old friend, Stephen Katz. Along the way, the two don't see eye to eye and faces challenges of this new adventure together.

Lost in Translation (2003)

This comedy-drama film stars Bill Murray as Bob Harris, who is a middle-aged American movie star. He has an unsatisfying home life, dealing with multiple challenges which he faces with his friend Charlotte and in Tokyo. This film explores themes of loneliness, insomnia, and culture shock being in Japan.

Wild (2014)

This biography film is an adventure and drama. It documents the life of Cheryl Strayed, starring Reese Witherspoon. After the loss of her mother and the ending of her marriage, Cheryl losses all hope in life. She decides to embark on a new journey and hikes more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail alone. Throughout this wild journey, she faces all fears and failure to only be strengthened and ultimately healed.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Written and directed by Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris" is a fantasy comedy film. The movie is about a screenwriter and aspiring novelist, Gil Pender. It takes you through his thoughts and hardships with his fiancée, Rachel, while being on vacation in Paris. In the midst, he travels back in time each night at midnight. The movie explores themes of nostalgia and modernism.

How to Travel on a Tight Budget

Tips on Saving Money While Traveling

Everyone needs a break from life and enjoy a holiday, but when you can't afford it, a holiday can be hard to plan. You can Google everything, from transportation to accommodation, but there is rarely a bargain. It is possible to travel without breaking the bank, and with these savings tips, you can go without the financial stress.

Be Flexible

When it comes down to booking a flight, you need to be flexible with traveling whenever and at whatever time to get the best deals. You could save hundreds if you are not so picky. You should always look at more than one airline and compare prices to get your money's worth. Skyscanner is a great website and app that allows you to find the cheapest and best deals on flights. They search through hundreds of airlines and compares everything for you.

Travel Off-Season

Every destination has its own off-season travel times, so do your research beforehand. Traveling at these times could help you save time waiting for lines at attractions and other tourist places and save you money as well. Smart travelers know how to avoid those big crowds. They would also know that traveling off-season means cheaper flights, cheaper accommodations, and less expensive foods. You could also enjoy a more authentic experience.

Book Flights in Advance

You will usually get the best deals on your trip months in advance, even a year in advance. Airlines release their flights up to a year in advance; the closer you purchase your tickets to the trip, the pricier your ticket will be. Experts also advise traveling on Tuesdays as it is almost always the cheapest priced day of the week. Midweek travels are less expensive than going on the weekends, as so many other people plan to travel on those days. The money you save on the flights could be spent on food or accommodation.

Travel Light

Typically, checked bags cost extra to bring on flights. Save yourself some pounds by traveling lighter than you usually would. Either that be just one carry-on bag or just a backpack, bring with you only the bare necessities. Packing light can give you more effortless mobility, but it can also be more efficient when going through security, give you more comfort, and be more convenient on the road.

Stay in Hostels

Though hotels, resorts, and Airbnb's can be lovely to stay in, hostels can save you so much more money. You can find the lowest prices and meet other travelers who could become your friend. Hostels give you a unique experience in a foreign place. They are also perfect for people who spend little time in their room and explores more during the time of their stay. Most hostel services will include local activities and opportunities that you can join in on the fun as well.

Take Public Transport

Renting a car can be such a hassle, and calling an Uber or taxi every time you need to go somewhere can be a lot of money. Taking public transportation such as the bus, train, tube, can save you money and is better for the environment. You would not have to worry about paying for petrol or not finding a ride if you take the tube. Before you arrive at your destination, research all the options of transportation provided by the city you are going to. You can find bus and train schedules online or post at the stations.

Walk as Much as Possible

There is no better way to get to know the location than by walking everywhere. Traveling on your own two feet can save you a fortune and give you the best exercise. You could get lost and find yourself at a hidden gem that you would surely miss if you were in a vehicle. You would also enjoy the fresh air.

Treasure Experience Over Materialistic Items

Souvenirs can be overrated, and memories can last forever. Focus on being in the present during your holiday. You will be a lot happier and enjoy the most out of your trip. Purchasing items can result in financial stress that you do not need.

Written by Nhi Nguyen

Top 10 Study Abroad Countries In The World

Studying abroad can be one of the most beneficial experiences for college students. You would have the opportunity of a lifetime to study and live in a foreign country and be able to emerge yourself in the culture as well. Seeing the world in a new aspect can be so eye-opening. You could make lifelong friends, find new interests, and create unique networking opportunities. Traveling can shape you into incredible ways, and studying abroad would be an experience unlike any other. Many universities offer a wide range of abroad locations, but here is some destination you could consider.

1.    Spain

Spain is filled with so much geographical diversity, offering a wide variety of courses. Students from all over the world want to study the lively and vibrant cultures of Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. It is also one of the more affordable destinations than many other European countries. Whether you are studying history, the arts, business, architecture, or language, Spain has it all. And while you're there, enjoy some traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and gazpacho. You could even pick up a few Spanish words as well.

2.    Italy

Italy could be one of the most popular international choices for a student. The country has some of the most prestigious institutions from Western culture to traditional European educational systems where you could choose to study from Rome to Tuscania, Florence, or Milan. Besides having terrific universities, it is also a country full of wonders. You could find a pizza, pasta, or gelato shop in every corner but also so much art, architecture, and fashion. Italy is the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Italians are known for their elegant and refined fashion senses with several fashion brands and houses established there. Also, the country is located in great proximity, easy for traveling. You could jump on a bus or a train and find yourself in another beautiful city for just a few euros.

3.    Germany

Similar to the other European countries, Germany is filled with unique culture and beauty. Germany has a flourishing economy with some of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is also one of the European countries that do not require a tuition fee for bachelor's or master's degrees, so you would only have to pay for other expenses, which tends to be lower than the tuition fees rate. There is so much intellectual history stored in the streets and buildings of Germany. In addition to emerging yourself in German culture, you will also find yourself learning about other surrounding nationalities. Germany is so diverse in its population. You are bound to meet people from Poland, Greece, Romania, China, and Hungary.

4.    France

France is more than a vacation site. It is rich in culture, gastronomy, and architecture. You could gain perspective on more than the average knowledge of Paris. Though Paris is one of the top study abroad locations, you could consider other college cities such as Dijon, Lyon, Strasbourg, or Tours. From international business, engineering, and the arts, France offers a wide variety of academic options for students to choose from. While you are in the country, you could quickly learn basic greetings and phrases in French as well. The benefits of studying in France are endless. You can be immersed in a world-dominating culture and language while enjoying some exquisite French cuisines and lovely pastries.

5.    Australia

Students are choosing Australia to study abroad because of its friendly nature, excellent educational system, and a high standard of living. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes creating your study experience more appealing. Between a wide range of universities in Australia, there are hundreds of different study subjects for students to dive into. Anything you want to study, they are sure to have a university for you to be at. In another sense, there is no language barrier when choosing Australia. More than not, when there is a language barrier present, it can be quite hard to get around and understand when having to live there for months.

6.    Ireland

Embark on an exciting adventure in Ireland with rich city life and beautiful nature scenes. The country offers some of the top universities, vibrant Irish culture, and a great lifestyle. There is always something to do, either that be in the urban cities or the great outdoors. The least to say, you won't be bored studying here. Like many others, Ireland has a program fitting for any degree across the country. English and literature are the two top areas of study in Ireland, but there are also the arts, science, and business programs. It also doesn't have a language barrier, which is nice. But one of the reasons why it is an incredible place to study abroad is because of the safe and peaceful environment. Ireland has one of the lowest violent crime rates, which can be a comforting thought. The country is filled with welcoming and hospitable people; it will feel just like home. 

7.    United Kingdom

Students usually experience a higher degree of culture shock when they study in the UK because of the false expectations that they might have had. The United Kingdom is diverse in their languages, cultures, and foods. The country has been a favorite for many students when deciding to study abroad, and the student population is only growing. There is such a wide range of universities, from Oxford to Cambridge to London and Edinburgh. Besides, it is less expensive than other English-speaking destinations, in terms of education. The UK is beautiful in its history, art, and lifestyle. No student can go wrong with choosing to study here.

8.    United States of America

The States could also be one of the more well-known study abroad locations. From 50 states to choose from, you could end up in New York, California, Florida, or even Texas. It is said that America is the 'melting pot' of the world. It has so much diversity in its people and language. It also offers every degree you could think of. American universities invest in their classrooms and student experiences. The American culture recognizes campus life, so you would also be finding activities and events to do around the campus. They have some of the top universities in the world. US degrees are recognized and accepted around the world as well.

9.    Canada

This enormous country is filled with beautiful coastlines, vast wilderness, and world-class cities. Campuses in Canada are brilliant, giving high-quality education at an affordable cost. Canadians take their knowledge seriously, offering degree programs from engineering and science, business and finance, healthcare, to communications. The country is also a friendly and safe place to stay. They value the quality of life, having a well-developed public, academic system as well as a well-developed public health care system. The people are very welcoming, and you will feel safe as soon as you get there.

10. Taiwan 

Taiwan has an exceptional higher education system that offers a wide variety of programs to choose from. Students are offered to study Chinese language, history, agriculture, engineering, and business. Their culture holds academics very high. You will receive a high quality of academics studying in this country. Taiwan is also rich in its colorful culture and history. You could find yourself exploring the unique islands, ancient artifacts, and traditional Chinese culture. Taiwan has something for every student.