This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter.
Spring Break is fast approaching and to get us in the mood, Her Campus Barnard talks travel with Campus Celeb, Maddy Matthews. Warning: major wanderlust ahead!
Name: Maddy Matthews
Year: Junior / Class of 2017
School: Columbia college
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Best breakfast you’ve ever had?
Sarabeth’s on 80th and Amsterdam. The original location. The jam is my jam (sorry).
Brie Larson, Emma Stone, or Jennifer Lawrence?
Jennifer Lawrence? Will people hate me if I say that? Also, I don’t really understand the big difference between them?
You are quite the traveler! Can you tell us of some of your recent travels?
I studied abroad last semester in Copenhagen, Denmark, and I’ve also studied in Nantes, France, and Venice, Italy (with Lily!). All were amazing excuses to get out of the American bubble. Last semester, I traveled almost every weekend. I went to Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Croatia, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, and the UK. (And yes, I am now broke.) I loved each place, but my favorite was Norway. I went on the most beautiful train ride from Oslo (the capital) to Bergen (on the western coast of Norway). I still can’t believe the pictures.
What’s one of the first things you do when you arrive in a new city?
Go to a town square, sit in a cafe and people-watch. Ten minutes of creepily watching people whilst sipping tea really gives one a good feel of the city.
What’s a must-have travel accessory?
A raincoat! I’m from California, so I’m not too familiar with the concept of rain. It’s taken some time to realize that I have to dress for weather that won’t be a constant 75 and sunny.
And what’s something you should just leave at home?
If you’re on a short weekend trip, don’t bring your laptop. Someone will steal it or you’ll always be worrying about someone stealing it. Most importantly, if you’re in an amazing city like Brussels and you care more about your Netflix account than exploring Brussels, just stay home.
Hotels, hostels or Airbnb?
Airbnb! But: do your homework and let a friend know the host’s contact information just in case. It’ll make your mom feel better.
Have you ever traveled alone? What do you think you gain from experiencing a new place alone?
Yes! I love traveling alone and I encourage all to try it. It’s wonderful to travel with friends and experience new places in a group setting, but there’s something about being on your own schedule and terms that are quite freeing.
When you’re not alone, who is/are your preferred travel companion(s)?
My dad, who is THE best travel partner. He gets so incredibly excited about the littlest parts of a city. He’ll stop in random shops, strike up conversations with random locals, and really immerse himself in the city to better understand the culture.
Tips for nervous travelers?
Don’t watch Lost on the plane ride over. Trust me.
Check out some pics from Maddy’s travels!
BRB. Going to go impulsively buy that around-the-world plane ticket now…