So you’re getting ready for a long trip – exciting!! But are you worried about all the details you need to take care of, before you head out? This is often my biggest headache, and one that takes up too much brain space while I should be excited about my trip.

To help with that, I’ve compiled a detailed list of things to do to prepare for your long trip – so that you can quickly finish the work and save your mental energy for dreaming about all the great coffee shops you’ll find on your trip.

Summer begins Thursday, June 21. Coincidentally, that’s also “Día Mundial de la Tapa,” or “World Tapas Day.” In 2016, Spain officially declared the third Thursday of June as the special day to honor its uniquely universal dining concept. 

Since then, about 20 countries, including Great Britain, Hungary, and the Philippines have joined in the celebration. In the United States, New York, Miami, and Portland have also celebrated the annual observance.

Perched atop a steep cliff, nestled in between the town of Sigmaringen and the Danube River, Schloss Sigmaringen (Sigmaringen Castle) is a fairy tale come to life.

The brightly-colored roofs lead the eye past the surrounding mountains to the sky, in the town of Sigmaringen, located in Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany.

For New Yorkers, there is nothing like the South Street Seaport after dark. This after hours hot spot is a favorite among locals as well as curious tourists. Though the seaport has great attractions that are frequented all day, the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down. 

Movies, can be a very expensive addition to your vacation but, luckily, there are many opportunities to see free ones--in in some of the most well-known New York City locations. 

Photo: Socrates Sculpture Park, adapted by snsvs

“Josh Recommends” for the Week of June 15, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

When you’re a teacher, you spend the whole school year in the four corners of your classroom with your students. However, when it’s summer, you get the chance to temporarily leave that classroom and explore a new place. 

“Josh Recommends” for the Week of June 9, 2018 By Josh Garrick 

I will never forget the summer of '94. Working in London as the MSU Summer London Study Abroad Director, I packed as much theatre as I could into my time there. I danced onstage at Five Guys Named Moe, marveled at the chilling and realistic sound effects in Miss Saigon, bought countless tickets to Hot Shoe Shuffle, and went with my students to as many shows as we could pack in around classes and work. It was GLORIOUS.