European Adventure

The Next Adventure Before the Next Adventure

May 2017

I'm finally a graduate. A graduate of the University of South Carolina. It's hard to believe it's already over, but at the same time, I know my 4 years were absolutely spectacular.

I know I'm ready to move on to the next chapter of my life, the "young professional chapter," which is sure to be a period of incredible growth with untold adventures. But first, it's time for a global adventure- another trip across the big pond- but this time I'm flying in the other direction. 

Passport to Paris... & beyond

Back in November, my sister Lindsey and I went to Mizzou to visit one of our best friends, Mary Pat. Unfortunately, that visit also came with a heartbreaking loss for the Razorbacks, 28-24.

However, that weekend also spurred an exciting plan to visit Europe once we all graduated that upcoming May.

This plan took shape starting with our $400 roundtrip flight deals on StudentUniverse and our Disney Channel Movie-inspired dreams of strutting through the Barcelona streets & tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain.

 

 

When we booked those flights 5 months ago, We couldn't imagine how amazing this trip would be... now we're HERE, and it sure came up quick. We just landed in Madrid, and we hope to make the most of every minute. Truly, what better way is there to celebrate our graduations from 3 separate schools than being together & exploring the great continent of Europe?

For those of you asking yourselves, "Wait, what about the third triplet? He graduated too!" ... Don't worry. He's celebrating just as much, and he'll be meeting up with us in Italy. With our mom. Gotta love mi familigia!!! ❤️💚🇮🇹 (especially Luke, Dad, Izzy & Max- we wish you were all coming! Hmm, maybe the next trip.)

 




3 girls. 3 weeks. 3 European countries.
(Plus Morocco, but we'll get to that later)

Alright, so you've heard me saying all semester "I'm going to Europe this summer" or you just heard about it on this post. But the big question is WHERE in Europe are you going? Contrary to popular belief, my opinion is that you should plan ahead when going to Europe, at least for flights & accommodation. I'll talk more about that as we go along, but this concept formed our planning but also lets us be flexible as we go.

We decided 3 weeks would be the perfect amount of time to visit a new city every 2-3 days so we could see a handful of popular tourist attractions, explore a bit off the beaten path & of course eat a lot of good food. This part of early summer was also the best time to make sure we all would be able to go on a trip in-between graduation & starting full-time jobs. 

We're visiting Spain, Italy, France & Morocco, & you'll hear all about it over this month. 

As of now, we've been in Madrid for less than a day but it's felt like 2 or 3 because of a bit of sleep deprivation and jet lag. It's alright though- we're so excited to be in Europe & explore this fun city. Now that we've gotten our bearings, we're ready to catch up on sleep and continue adventuring.

 
 
 

A Glance into Our Trip

Every few days (hopefully twice per week) I'll write a post with pictures & stories about the place we just visited. The writing in each post will include three elements:
  • Our favorite attraction or view
  • Our favorite food/drink/restaurant
  • A tip for travelers visiting the same city
You can also check out my Instagram @jo_jo_winks as I will post a few photos each week.

As I collect more memories, photos & tips from each part of our trip, I'll also save that information to be used my study abroad guidebook. When that book is completed (hopefully by the beginning of this fall semester) there will be lots of information, personal stories with opportunities to contact those students who have lived through those experiences, & links to other resources. My goal, with USC's Study Abroad Office, is to help students (specifically USC students) & other young travelers feel prepared for their trips abroad & have the best experience possible. If you're a current USC student or grad & would like to help with the project, please email 13winkem@gmail.com.

Thank you so much to every friend from USC who has already contributed, & thanks in advance to those who will be contributing their opinions & advice this summer & in the future.

Thank you to every international friend I've ever had who has encouraged me to visit them, to the world & experience other cultures, & to be increasingly adventurous & a little spontaneous when I can be.

And of course... MUCHAS GRACIAS to my parents for being the biggest supporters of this trip of a lifetime. And of course thank you to Linds & Mary Pat for being the best travel partners & tolerating my endless texts & Google docs. 

¡Vamos a Madrid!
StudentUniverse  

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