Priyanka, Author at Champagne Flight

In In My Suitcase

5 Reasons to Travel With a Carry On

April 26, 2017 14 Comments

My best friend when I am traveling is a little, slightly worn out, black Samsonite carry on suitcase. His name is Sammy. I know, I’m so original, right? Although he looks just like any other ordinary luggage item, this precious suitcase of mine is the perfect carry on size. I have taken him on every US airline as well as on budget airlines abroad, such as Ryanair and Easyjet, without a single incident. Sammy has been my travel companion ever since I studied abroad in Spain. He’s hung out with me on the white sands of Barcelona beaches, came with me through the breathtaking sites of Croatia, and he’s held my (somewhat unsteady) hands through my different beer tastings in Belgium. He clearly has my heart. As you can clearly see, the obsession with carry on luggage is real. Here are all the best reasons for you to start obsessing…

In Budget Travel

A Complete Guide to Hostels: How to Find the Best Ones and What to Pack

April 12, 2017 3 Comments

I get it. If you’ve never stayed in a hostel the thought of doing so can be a little nerve wrecking. I am here to tell you that you have nothing to fear. In fact, I have personally converted a few highly skeptical travelers into hostel lovers. They are a fantastic way to save money and meet new people during your travels. Unless I am traveling with a larger group, I mostly choose to stay in hostels. The right hostels are clean, cheap, and full of other young travelers. I have made friends at hostels that I am still in touch with, found people to grab a quick bite with, and do some sightseeing with. But is it safe? Will I have my privacy? Most hostels have a variety of room options depending on your preferred privacy level and they are priced accordingly. You can stay in a room with other people…

In Europe

7 Cities in Spain You Need to Visit Right Now

April 5, 2017 No Comments

If Spain isn’t on your bucket list it needs to be added. Right now. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Spain is an incredibly diverse country with each city boasting it’s own unique charm. If you have the time, just go nuts and visit as many cities in Spain as possible (ugh…I’m so jealous) but if you’re a busy girl, like me, you probably don’t have unlimited time. In that case, it’s important to prioritize your list of cities to visit. Below is the list of my must visit cities in Spain. Seville The list has to begin with Seville as that is where I left a piece of my heart during my study abroad adventures. (Read why you HAVE to study abroad here). During your trip to Seville you will have the opportunity to see the incredibly beautiful islamic influence on architecture, the third largest cathedral in the world, paddleboat down the river, frolic in the…

In Europe

One Day in Barcelona: Top Things to Do for a Perfect Day

March 22, 2017 4 Comments

Barcelona is one of the most unique cities in Spain, if not all of Europe. Boasting an eclectic mix of Spanish and Catalan culture, this city is a must stop on your travels. Only have a short amount of time to visit? Well, one day in Barcelona is better than nothing. Keep reading for the must see sites on your visit La Sagrada Familia For those of you who aren’t familiar with Antonio Gaudi’s pieces, the closest thing I can compare it to is one of Dr. Seuss’s many eccentric worlds. La Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic Church that is an absolute must see. Trust me you will never see a church like it again. The outside is magnificent and grandiose and the inside is hauntingly beautiful with many geometric patterns and a whirlwind of beautiful colors. I had to practically be dragged out as I was content to…

In Europe

How to Visit the Romantic Road in One Week

March 15, 2017 No Comments

The romantic road is a path less traveled than the typical big cities of Germany but it’s definitely one that you should add to the bucket list. The good news is that it is possible to see the romantic road in one week or even less! The route stretches from Fussen to Wurzburg and there are plenty of tiny, enchanting towns and sights to see along the way. Below is my guide to recommendations on which towns to see and how much time to allot for them during your week or less trip. Keep in mind, each time noted is the minimum time I would recommend but it’s easy to spend double if not triple the time in each town. The best way to do it? Rent a car. Trust me. You can spend as little or as much time in a town as you want or even add a few to…

In Europe

One Day in Munich – The Perfect Itinerary

March 8, 2017 No Comments

Ideally, you have copious amounts of time to spend in each city that you visit. Trust me, I am definitely one of those people who looks at my vacation days and tries to see how I can squeeze just one more day out. The reality is that there will be times where we have just one day in a beautiful city whether it be due to a layover, short work trip, or just limited time to travel. Keep reading to find out how to make the most out of one day in Munich. First things first, eat a hearty breakfast so that you are fueled for the day. In Bavaria, Germany it is not uncommon to have a glass of beer with your breakfast. Go ahead, you’re on vacation..I won’t say a word. Next, head to the beautiful Marienplatz, the central square of Munich. Check out the Glockenspiel, the famous clock…

In Budget Travel

How to Find Cheap Flights for Your Next Trip

March 1, 2017 7 Comments

Without a doubt, one of the most inhibitive parts of traveling is the cost of the flight. As a lover of travel but also a lover of staying on a budget, I have figured out some great ways to find cheap flights. Plus, who doesn’t love a good deal? Follow the below tips to find a budget friendly flight Fly off season Google is your best friend when it comes to budget traveling and cheap flights. Search the peak season dates for the country/city you are traveling to and avoid them. Search for weather and as long as the monthly average/rainfall suits your taste then you are good to go and for much cheaper. Success story I wanted to visit Dublin from London and the ticket prices were outrageous due to St. Patrick’s day so I booked my flight for the day after for 20 bucks Be flexible with your…

In Inspiration

10 Reasons Why You Need to Study Abroad

February 22, 2017 14 Comments

My little sister is studying abroad this semester and it has made me extremely nostalgic for my study abroad days. I know you didn’t ask for my advice and you probably don’t want it either. It’s like when my dad would sit down and be like here’s some free advice kiddo and I would just roll my eyes and stare at the ceiling (I should have been nicer…oops sorry, Dad!). But I’m channeling my father and telling you the best advice that I could possibly give and that is you need to study abroad in college. Here’s why: Once in a lifetime opportunity You will never again get the opportunity to spend a semester abroad for basically what it costs you to go to school already. For the more expensive programs, there are plenty of scholarships that are out there. They want you to study abroad and they make it very…

In Budget Travel

How to Take Advantage of a Long Layover

February 15, 2017 5 Comments

Even if you’re not on a budget, it’s hard to resist a good flight deal. Nothing makes my day better than a good deal…and a cup of coffee (okay and some cookies…but lets not get distracted). Great flight deals sometimes mean a long layover. But what if I told you that not only is it possible to get a cheap flight but it is also possible to get a free mini vacation out of it? Now, I have your attention. How are airlines able to offer great flight deals? Here’s a few of the many different factors: It’s off season for that particular destination. Perhaps the weather isn’t ideal or it’s right before or after a major holiday/event It’s a last minute flight and there are still seats available The arrival and departure times are crazy…really late at night or early in the morning There are ridiculously long layovers Read more…

In Brazil

6 of the Best Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

February 8, 2017 2 Comments

Lets be real, one of the most important aspects of traveling is food. Sometimes I plan my entire trip around food and which restaurants I’m going to try. When I travel, I view the amount of meals I have as limited opportunities to try some great food and I don’t want to waste a single one (some people call this an obsession…I call this being smart). I’ll save you some of the research right now. Here are some of the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro that you should put on your list for your next trip. Brazilian steakhouse Okay, so maybe you’ll have to do a little research on this one. That’ s because there’s plenty in varying price ranges so it really depends on you. If you have a bottomless pit for a stomach and enjoy eating your weight in meat, this is a must do and is well worth…