Note to self: Need to make journal about my upcoming trip to Europe. I love traveling, and writing it down keeps the memories alive. It'll be interesting to read this blog 10 years from now! I worked my butt off the past 9 months in college and I really need a break! So where to start?

I found a travel company that focuses on 18-35 year olds (That's me!). I researched a lot and the company I chose is Contiki Holidays. Their itineraries and excursions look fun and I especially like the idea of meeting new people my age. I didn't want to spend 2 weeks going to museums and just doing everything a normal tourist would do, I wanted to have experiences that will stick with me for a lifetime. I'll do my part and hope they deliver.

Monday, July 24^th, 2006
THE DAY BEFORE MY CONTIKI EUROPE TRIP

I had high expectations for this trip after talking to other people who have gone on Contiki trips before who said they had a great time and recommended I go.

Looking at my itinerary for the trip, I get excited when I see the places we will be going. All the way from London to Rome! Eiffel tower and Moulin Rouge in Paris …white-water rafting in Austria …gondola ride in Venice! I rolled up my clothes and stuff as much as I could into my little green suitcase.

This will be my third trip to Europe. I went on a 10-day tour of Italy and Greece in 2004 and went to Spain with my dad and sister about a week ago. I knew I needed to pack light because it will pay off for all of the times I’ll be carrying my suitcase upstairs and lugging it around.

I consulted Contiki’s site on what to pack, which was very helpful. After packing, my suitcase weighed about 25 pounds (I'm not a high maintenance girl ;) and the limit is 44 pounds so I’m all set and pumped to go! I can’t wait to meet the 44 strangers all looking foward to having as good a time as I am! Stay tuned...