Feeling incredibly lucky to explore so many places this year. From San Francisco to Barcelona, then New York before finally returning to San Diego; on my next adventure, Joselyne is joining me. @statravel #thankfulfortravel A post shared by A N D R E W G A R C I A (@drewcr3w) on Nov 26, 2017 at 11:09am PST
During STA Travel's recent #ThankfulForTravel campaign (which generated more than $10,000 for our charity partners at Teen Cancer America!) we also entered every participant into a raffle for a chance to score a $500 STA Travel voucher!
Andrew Garcia, a student at UC Santa Cruz, turned out to be our fortunate recipient, and we sat down with him to chat about his wanderlust goals and what being #ThankfulForTravel really means to him.
1. Share a little about who you are!
I'm Andrew Garcia, currently a third-year Human Biology student at the University of California Santa Cruz. I grew up in gorgeous, sun-soaked San Diego, and that environment fuels my vision for putting my degree to work. My plan is to attend medical school and become a general practitioner so I can give back to my community.
2. What inspired you to enter the #ThankfulForTravel giveaway?
Before starting college, I had never really had the chance to travel. My mom journeyed across the globe when she was my age, which motivated me to follow in her footsteps. This year, I've been fortunate enough to visit some of the biggest cities in the U.S. — New York, Chicago, Washington DC — and I even spent a study abroad semester in Barcelona, Spain. I'm grateful for these experiences and want to motivate others to explore the world too.
3. Of all the places you've visited, which one tops your list?
Barcelona, Spain takes the top spot. I speak Spanish, and I've been studying Spanish culture for most of my life. The study abroad program let me really dive into Catalonia. Honestly, the nightlife and beaches in Spain are unbeatable.
4. How are you planning to spend your $500 travel voucher? Got a specific place or journey in mind?
The travel bug has definitely bitten me! I'm eager to head out again and keep exploring. Spain was a fantastic launch pad since I'm fluent in Spanish. While there, I didn't get the chance to see more of Europe, but Rome is next on my list. I've only heard amazing things, and the $500 will definitely help cover the flight.
5. What's the single best travel advice you can offer?
Just walk. During my time in Spain, I averaged around 9 km of walking per day. That allowed me to experience the city in a way most travelers never do. Venture past the typical tourist hotspots and head where the locals hang out — they're often super welcoming and will pull you into experiences you couldn't possibly script.
6. Hotel or hostel?
Honestly, hotel all the way. Plenty of other students studying abroad opt for hostels, but I prefer a hotel. It's private, and you can fully enjoy the bed for exactly what you paid for — sleep.
7. Going solo or traveling with a group?
I had the best time in a group, especially when we were out enjoying the nightlife. That said, don't shy away from exploring on your own — that can be a blast too.
8. What's your go-to travel keepsake?
I love picking up sports jerseys, particularly soccer kits from the cities I visit. They make awesome conversation starters when you wear them around town.
9. What's the one item you absolutely can't travel without? (In other words, it never leaves your bag)
My headphones are non-negotiable. Whether it's surviving a long flight, calling home, or just craving a bit of peace and quiet, I need them. If I had to pick a backup, it'd be my DSLR camera.
10. How can people follow along with you?
I'm a California college student diving into biology, baseball, and everything the world has to offer. If you'd like to follow my journey, you can find me on Instagram @drewcr3w and on Snapchat awesomeandrew7.
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