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Gabby created Packs Light as an all-inclusive travel resource to empower young people to seek risk, seize opportunity, and see the world.
Have Friends All Over the World But Very Small Birthday Parties? I Feel You.
Group chat that has a minimum of 50 new messages at all times. An assumed invite to every dinner date, movie, mall-trip, and hangout session. Being intuitively associated with 8 other people when one of your names are said aloud. You and your friends receiving, “Hey, where’s (insert one of CONTINUE READING
How to Get a Last-Minute Bump to A Better Seat on Your Next Flight (Do NOT Ask the Flight Attendant!)
As an avid traveler and travel blogger, I am always in the air. This year alone I've been on 22 flights—2 international, the rest domestic. Out of those 22 flights, I was upgraded on 7. That's almost 1/3! Not bad. Extended leg room, window seats, empty rows to myself, exit CONTINUE READING
7 Reasons Why You Should NOT Study Abroad in a Western Country
Let me preface this by saying I have nothing against Western countries—I'm a U.S. citizen and I am very aware of the privilege that gives me to travel, let alone to have preferences on where I want to go. However, I said what I said. I've never had a burning CONTINUE READING
Debunking 8 Common Travel Grant & Scholarship Myths (You CAN Win!)
I remember volunteering at my university's Scholarship Office booth during the annual Study Abroad Fair, and adamantly trying to convince people to apply for international grants scholarships. The keyword here being convince. The dominating thought in my mind was, why would anyone not want free money? And second of all, CONTINUE READING
The Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Living in Washington, D.C.
I've lived in the DMV for the past 8 years, but only recently moved to Washington D.C. And I love it! Having visited more than 29 countries and countless cities, D.C. is still one of my favorites—and here are my top 5 reasons why. 1. The interesting (often free!) weekly events. CONTINUE READING
Analyzing “Blackness” Around the World: Black Travel & Culture, Shermee (23) – YTN Interview
The Young Travelers Network Series showcases candid interviews of young people worldwide and the inspiring stories of how they navigate their lives and travels. From high school trips abroad to becoming an expat in some of the most remote corners of the world, these young travelers share their stories to CONTINUE READING
Tips For Your First TEDx Application and Audition (Extra: Tips for Young TEDx Applicants!)
Yesterday I auditioned to be a TEDx speaker. I'm only 23-years-old, and I was the youngest speaker auditioning by about 20 years. My ultimate goal is to encourage other young people to seek risk and seize opportunities like this, but these tips will be general enough for anyone to use CONTINUE READING
Airbnb Questions to Ask Your Host Before Booking Your Stay
If you have questions about anything that isn't clearly listed in the Airbnb description, you have good reason to ask your Airbnb about before you reserve it, and definitely before you arrive at the destination. A slightly vague description is not necessarily a sign of a bad Airbnb—factors such as CONTINUE READING