One Weekend Away

Hello from Danville, Pennsylvania!  As I’m writing this my empty suitcases are sitting in front of me and my packing list is half-completed.  I may or may not be using this blog as a way to stall the inevitable destruction of my closet. 

But first, I think an introduction is in order. 

My name is Jill, and I just finished my freshman year as an English and creative writing major on the publishing track at the University of Iowa. I love to read (I’m currently in the middle of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt), write, bake, travel, and eat bagels.  In less than a week I’ll board my flight to Dublin, Ireland which will mark the sixth country I’ve visited.  I’m so excited to experience Ireland’s wildlife, delve into the culinary scene, and spend far too much money visiting as many bookstores as possible. 

I’m a relatively seasoned traveler, so I know that I have a tendency to overthink and over-plan my trips.  My biggest goal for this summer is to relax and embrace spontaneity as much as possible.  I’ve decided to write out a bucket list of experiences I would love to have during my eight weeks in Dublin.  The items are vague so that I can have the satisfaction of striking items off a list, while avoiding any unnecessary planning-induced stress.

Jill’s Dublin Bucket List

• Visit one new place every week.
• Plan at least one weekend getaway outside of Dublin.
• Go on a nature hike.
• Purchase at least one souvenir.
• Make a new friend. 

If you think you might be prone to overthinking while you travel, making a bucket list might be a good way for you to maintain an appropriate amount of control over your time abroad.  With luck, I’ll be able to reflect on each successful goal at the end of the summer!

Now, I need to return my focus to my packing to-do list (can you tell that I’m a big fan of lists?).  If you’ve never traveled abroad before, here are some of the categories I think about when I have a flight looming in the future. 

1. Make a list of physical items to pack 

Make sure you double check the list.  While you can always purchase forgotten toothpaste or socks at your destination, your driver's license, passport, and phone charger (with the appropriate adaptor!) are far more critical. 

2. Leave room for non-essentials 

Take out that fifth sweater or second pair of formal shoes to make space for your favorite board game or a sleeve of family photos.  Remember, if you’re doing a summer internship, you’re living abroad for eight weeks.  That’s half a semester!  If you’re anything like me, you’ll want a few comforts from home in your room with you.  If nothing else, leave some room for the souvenirs you’ll acquire. 

3. Double check the weather

Dublin is incredibly rainy and I forgot to bring my umbrella home with me from college. I’m going to have to stop at my local CVS to pick up a spare. 

4. Documenting your time abroad. 

Take a moment before you leave to reflect on how you will intentionally document your study abroad journey.  I hope this blog will keep me accountable.  Even if you’re not blogging for IES Abroad, you could pack an extra notebook or keep a google doc full of thoughts and stories from your adventures abroad.  I also use the app One Second Everyday to document my life. 

5. Travel Entertainment

How long is your journey?  Mine is seven hours, and, in a perfect world, I would be asleep for most of it.  However, I know that probably won’t happen, so I’m downloading books onto my kindle and tv shows onto my phone.  I usually give myself more than enough options in various genres, because I never know what I’ll be in the mood for.  I highly recommend downloading Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix.  It is my favorite TV show for long travel days, hands-down. 

I need to follow my own advice and begin to pack.  I can’t believe it’s almost time to drive to the airport!  It feels like only yesterday that I decided to study abroad in the first place.  It’s a good reminder that I’ll be at the end of my time in Dublin before I know it.  Now is the time for living in the moment.  I’m going to embrace these last few days with my hometown family and friends, and head off into this new adventure with an open mind. 

The next time you hear from me I’ll be in Dublin!