‘Tis the season of planning backpack tours across Europe, working at a congressional office, or learning a new skill set for the summer. For those of us who cannot afford an extensive vacation away from work, travel options seem limited. But with a car, map and a group of friends, you can escape for a day trip to your local sand dunes.

Sand dunes are an interesting natural phenomenon that form when wind deposits sand from nearby lakes and are stabilized by plants and their root systems. Many states, including California, Michigan and Indiana, boast elaborate sand dunes. These high-rise dunes offer a day’s worth of exciting, free activities.

Sand Sledding
Imagine sledding in the summer, minus the red cheeks and runny nose. According to the Park Service at the Grand Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the best time to sled is when the sand is damp. Grab yourself a sled and race your friends down the largest sand dunes you can find.

Swimming
Sand dunes dot Lake Michigan’s coast in Indiana and Michigan, so pack your favorite bikini! The chilly water delightfully contrasts the hot sand and sun. Bring a frisbee or volleyball to play in the water. Do not forget sunscreen and some cute sunglasses to protect from the sun.

Hiking
More often than not, sand dunes are part of a state park that provides trails and picnic benches for free. Take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding the barren sand dunes by hiking through the trails. If you have more time, stop by the visitor’s center for information about the local wildlife, and have a competition to see who can spot the most animals.

Camping/Star Gazing
Often sand dunes are located near campgrounds. Spend some quality time with Mother Nature. Pitch a tent, and spend the night telling scary stories and roasting marshmallows. Creep out on the sand dunes at night when the sand will be cooler. Since sand dunes are located far away from large cities, light pollution will not obscure the stunning vista of hundreds of stars glowing.

Before getting to the sand dunes don’t forget to fill your tote with the essentials: smartphone with GPS capability, a towel and a water bottle. The best times to climb the sand dunes are in the early morning or late afternoon; avoid visiting the dunes around noon since the sand can potentially reach 150 degrees during the summer.

Being able to travel is an amazing opportunity and adventure in life. With summer in full swing, it’s time to start planning, or just dreaming, of what to pack for a jet-set European vacation. Here are all the essentials to bring when traveling light but still staying beautiful.

Concealer
Bring a long-lasting concealer that will last you throughout the day - from breakfast at a nearby cafe all the way to sightseeing and dinner in the city. Also, mixed with a moisturizer a concealer can easily become a tinted moisturizer, which maximizes your options for foundation.

So you’ve done all your research and paperwork and are officially going abroad! If your study abroad program doesn’t offer housing, or if you’re going it alone, you will need an apartment or flat to call your own. There are so many options, even more rules and a mountain of barriers that make finding an apartment feel almost impossible! That is why I’m here to give you the tips and tricks to finding an apartment that suits your budget, needs and lifestyle while you explore a new and fabulous country.

Because you’re in another country, you should start preparing your paperwork, savings and budgeting at least three months before you go on the hunt for your perfect pad!

Three Months Before

Budget
The most important part of your search is determining how much you can spend monthly (or weekly) on your accommodations. A good rule of thumb is that your rent should only be between 25 to 35 percent of your monthly budget. Create a budget worksheet using Excel or use an online worksheet such as this one!

Deposit and First Month’s Rent
Once you have your budget worked out, you should begin saving (or maybe you already have the funds) for your deposit and first month’s rent. This is very important because in many countries you can’t begin the rental process without paying these to the landlord or letting agency. A good rule of thumb for the deposit is to have half the full month’s rent in cash. So if you have a budget of $800 a month, you should have $400 available for your damage deposit.

References and Credit
In some countries, you can rent an apartment without credit checks or references (lucky you!). In others, you have to have past references and a credit check done to ensure that you are the “type” of tenant they want. If you were a student in the country you plan to find an apartment in, I would recommend getting a reference letter or asking someone that knows you well and works for the university or accommodation company you lodged with for a reference.

Credit checks are another important thing! Many students don’t open bank accounts in their host country so now would be the time to get one. Use this opportunity to open an account and start a credit history with your bank. This will ensure that your letting agency or landlord can do a check on you. Remember to start using this account!

Four Weeks Before

Location, Location, Location
The location of your apartment is a big deal. Consider your lifestyle and what areas of the city, town or village would be best for you. If you want to be close to the trendy side of town, then be prepared to pay more in rent. If you want to be in a small borough, then you may have to pay more in travel costs. Figure out what you want in a location and then go from there. Judge if you want to be a walking distance to the nightlife, or near a bookstore. For some people, not having a park or recreational facility nearby is a real deal breaker.

Must Haves
We all want the perfect apartment, but let’s face it, we all have to compromise on a few things. Take the time to consider what you really need for your apartment to be the perfect home. Take your time and seriously consider this ... you may discover that you don’t need a penthouse loft to be happy!

Starting Your Search
Depending on where you are settling down, you have a few options. You can either go through a letting agency or start your own search via the newspaper, online search engines or taking a walk around of the neighborhoods! Either way, a quick Google search will lead you in the right direction to finding the right option for you!

Danielle Mair is a Canadian student studying abroad in London during the 2012-2013 school year.

By: Danielle Mair | Image: Source

Keeping in contact with friends when they live up the street is hard enough. Now add in an ocean and a plane ride, and you’ve got yourself a mission impossible situation on your hands.

Awkward hellos and moments when you have nothing to say can make it even worst! Keeping in contact sometimes seems daunting or even pointless, but remember your old friends are just as awesome as your new ones.

The best way to stay in contact while abroad is via social media websites that you already use!

Facebook is the easiest way to let someone know that you’re thinking of them. Write a little note on their wall or post a video that made you think of them. Just keep the lines of communication open!

Twitter allows you to passively let your hometown crew know what’s up. Witty one liners and random thoughts let them know what’s going on in your world.

Join the world of Instagram, and let your friends know what you’re up to through pictures. Tag them in pictures and show them what your day-to-day life is like. Do you wake up to a beautiful ocean view every morning? Let that be known!

Staying in contact with friends is hard, but if you make it a priority and use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram then you’ll be sure to have an easier time with keeping up with your girls back home.

By: Danielle Mair | Image: Source