Traveling with the Jones

Traveler Interview:  Rachel Foxwell

Small-town Iowa born and raised, Rachel Foxwell never thought she would travel much outside of the Midwest, let alone outside of the country.  Rachel is a junior at Iowa State University studying Hospitality Management.  As a student at Iowa State University, she says her love of travel stems mostly from the diverse people in her classes and the curricular focus on global tourism. 

Rachel recently studied abroad for six weeks in Rome, Italy for her first taste of international travel.  During her time abroad, she had opportunities to experience most major cities in Italy as well as take a trip to Ireland.  

Rachel is an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority at Iowa State and is involved in various organizations on campus.  In the future, she plans on working in the travel or lodging industry and then enroll in graduate school to become a professor of business.  Rachel is completing a social media internship with VentureTime Travel. Visit her Rachel’s Realities blog to learn more about her travel adventures or read her tips on 10 Fun (and Cheap) Things to Do in Ames, Iowa. 

We wanted to learn more about Rachel’s insights on travel.

At the Vatican: “Iowa State is an excellent school, but nothing compares to being on-site at some of the biggest historical sites in the world!”   

The Jones: What inspires you to travel?

Rachel:  I’m inspired to travel by my friends and family who are avid travelers and share their experiences with me.  Honestly, if it weren’t for the other small-town Iowans I know who travel, I would not think it would have been a possibility for me.  Their stories and photos from times abroad were unreal.

Have you always enjoyed travel? What contributed to your love of travel?

Rachel: I always enjoyed traveling, but I never had many opportunities to do so when I was young.  Books were the main contribution to my love of travel.  There are so many places in the world and each one offers something beautiful.  When I was younger, traveling was more about spending time with my family.  Now as I grow older and travel independently, travel is about learning about other cultures and about myself as an individual.

Rachel at the The Tempietto di Diana, part of the Villa Borghese gardens in Rome. 

You completed a travel study experience in Europe past summer.  How was travel study different from regular classes at your University campus?

Rachel: My studies abroad in Italy were drastically different from my classes at Iowa State.  Since I was there for such a short period of time, I only took one class.  I was given a wide array of class options, but since I was in Rome, I decided to take a history class.  My professor, a Roman archaeologist, took us to all of the major sites in the city center and described them on-site.  My favorite day of class was when she took us to an excavation she was working on at Palatine Hill, where she just discovered mosaic floors from thousands of years ago.  I was awestruck with the thought that everything I was seeing in Rome was older than America itself.  Iowa State is an excellent school, but nothing compares to being on-site at some of the biggest historical sites in the world!

What is your favorite destination?  Why?  

Rachel: I love the mountains and wilderness, so I would have to say Estes Park, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park.  The atmosphere is so inspiring and fresh.  And nothing feels more satisfying than climbing 14,000 foot mountains!  Not to mention the incredible views!

Rachel exploring the Rocky Mountains with her family.  

What destination has surprised you the most, either good or bad?

Rachel: A couple of years ago, my family decided to take a vacation close-to-home so we ventured up to the Sturgeon Bay area of Wisconsin.  My hometown is right by Wisconsin so I was not excited at all to be vacationing someplace so close.  I was pleasantly surprised at how much Wisconsin had to offer with the Great Lakes, museums, shopping, and many other attractions.  Even though I was born and raised in the Midwest, it is full of surprises!

Why do you consider travel important?

Rachel: Travel is vital for anyone looking to put their knowledge, education, or skills to use.  The worldly perspective gained from travel is incomparable to any other experience.  As a college student, I am not able to spend as much time traveling as I would like, but the amount I have learned while traveling for any length of time has far exceeded everything I have learned from years in the classroom.

From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?

Rachel: I have learned to pack less than I think I need.  It is too much of a hassle to keep repacking an already full bag, and it is less stressful with fewer material things.  And it is lighter to carry, which is always important while sight-seeing.  I also learned to write down everything.  Journaling keeps the memories vivid and allows for me to relive some of the best experiences of my life!

Did you travel as a student? How did the experience impact your life? Please share your thoughts in comments. 

Read More Traveler Interviews:

• “I live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet “;.” A Travel Chat with an Alaska Insider
• “To travel is to see new things”;sort of like eye candy.” A Travel Chat with an Illustrator
• “What traveler wouldn’t want to come to Homer?” A Travel Chat with an Alaskan Insider.
• “When I travel, my camera is with me all day.” A Travel Chat with an Art Photographer.

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This is a guest post by Danielle Smith, an agricultural communications student at the University of Arkansas who is currently working as a social media intern with VentureTime Travel. 

A native of Stilwell, Kansas, Danielle plans to return to the Kansas City area upon graduation. When she isn’t working or in classes, Danielle enjoys traveling the world with her fiancée Will.  

Five Things You Can’t Miss In Kansas City in the Fall

Kansas City — just KC to locals — is one of the most exciting places you can visit in the fall. With the beautiful cool weather and the changing of the season, KC makes for a great weekend get-a-way. Don’t miss these five famous Kansas City events that take place every fall.

 Photo courtesy of the American Royal Association

1. The American Royal BBQ is one of the nation’s biggest and best barbecue competitions that brings grilling teams from across the globe to Kansas City for weekend of BBQing and fun. Teams fire up their grills on Friday and party while they cook until they race their entries to the judging hall on Saturday. The American Royal is something you don’t want to miss and yes, there are samples!

The BBQ is traditionally held the first weekend in October, but the American Royal offers a full calendar of events September through November.

If you miss the America Royal but still want to eat some of Kansas City’s famous barbecue, ask a local to recommend their favorite joint, or see what the Wall Street Journal says in its Smokin’ BBQ in Kansas City story.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival photo by R’neeO’Bannon

2. The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is a Renaissance fair held each fall in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Each year the fair begins on Labor Day weekend and continues for seven weekends, open on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit the festival grounds to experience live armored jousting and food and drink fit for a King. Find out more about the Renaissance Festival here.

3. Louisburg Cider Mill Ciderfest As soon as the leaves turn red and gold you should head south of KC to the Louisburg Cider Mill. Each year during the last weekend in September and first weekend in October the Cider Mill host Ciderfest. Ciderfest offers something fun for everyone including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, live music, booths and the best part: fresh homemade cider and warm donuts!

4. A Chiefs Game The official color of the fall season in Kansas City is red. Don’t miss the biggest parties in the fall, whether tailgating at Arrowhead, attending pep rallies throughout the city, or watching the action on the big screens at KC Live in the Power and Light District, Chiefs football and the color red dominate weekends in the fall in KC.

Photo by Harry Grange

5. The Plaza Lights End the fall season by attending the famous Plaza Lights Ceremony. The Plaza Lights are one of KC’s most favorite traditions and is a great way to say goodbye to fall and hello to the holiday season. The Ceremony takes place on the Plaza every year on Thanksgiving night.

What’s your favorite fall activity? Please share below in comments. 

Other posts on Kansas City you might enjoy….

• A 10-Year-Old Rates the Rides at Worlds of Fun
• Photo Friday: The Colors of Summer
• The Titanic Exhibit at Kansas City’s Union Station
• Photo Friday: Day’s End in Kansas City, Missouri
• Exploring the Kansas City Zoo With a 6 Year Old
• Photo Friday: Lines

If you are interested in writing a guest post to share your travel discoveries, contact us here.

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This is a guest post by Rachel Foxwell, a student at Iowa State University majoring in Hospitality Management, emphasizing on Travel and Tourism.  

Have you thought about visiting or going to college in Iowa?  You’ll want to be sure to visit Ames, the home of Iowa State University. 

Ames, Iowa is Rachel’s current residence.  Knowing that college students make up over half of the population of Ames, Rachel also is an expert on how to work with the idiosyncrasies  to transform them into fun and cheap weekend activities.   No matter your interests or available time or money, Ames has something to offer every current and prospective students as well as visitors. 

Main Street in downtown Ames, Iowa.                                                                          Photo by Tim Kiser 

8 Fun (and Cheap) Weekend Activities to do in Ames, Iowa

1. Take a stroll down Welch Avenue.  Whether you’re going out to the bars or just hanging out with a group of friends, Welch Avenue is bustling with college students every weekend.  It is a fun party atmosphere as well as an interesting place to simply people watch.  While you’re there, it’s a necessity to grab the ultimate Iowan delicacy – a Superdog.  A hotdog covered with a variety of sauces, bacon, chips, cheese, and pineapple”;it’s every college student’s dream.

2. Watch a movie at the dollar theater.  This is Iowa, and we are one of the few states fortunate to have things such as dollar theaters.  If you’re willing to wait a few weeks to see a movie, this is the place for you.  Located in North Grand Mall, the theater supplies a comfortable and clean atmosphere, fairly priced concessions, and a wide variety of movies.

Rachel and her friend Rebecca at the Honors Program Fall Ball

3. Discover various activities on campus.  Iowa State sponsors a wide variety of alcohol and drug-free events on campus.  And the bonus is that most of them are for free!  ISU After Dark is one of the biggest events, which takes place one Friday a month.  They have crafts, games, bingo, karaoke, comedians, concerts, bowling, and much, much more, all for free.  Other activities offered through Iowa State include lectures, plays, concerts, dances, cultural festivals, and much more!

4. Eat out at a local restaurant.  Ames offers a plethora of local, privately owned restaurants with each having its own flair and theme.  No matter your cravings, I would suggest getting off the main roads and finding a new restaurant.  I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised.  From Thai to pizza to organic café’s, Ames has it all.

5. Create your own game on campus.  Visitors commonly refer to Iowa State’s campus as a park and I would confirm.  Unlike many campuses, Iowa State has endless areas of grass, trees, and vacant space, making it the perfect place for recreational activities.  On the weekends, it is almost guaranteed you’ll see a group playing Frisbee or soccer, and you can feel free to join!  Students are even known to play capture the flag, hide and seek, or climb trees.  Of course, Iowa does have quite the winter season, but have no fear.  Some of my favorite outdoor activities during winter include snowball fights, snowman building, and sledding on the President’s lawn (his wife occasionally brings out hot chocolate!)

6. Cheer on at an athletic event.  Let’s be honest here.  As much as I love my Cyclones, we have not had the best athletic records for any sports. But throughout the years, Iowa State has stepped it up in almost every sport and is known for causing major upsets.  Whether you’re a football, soccer, basketball, hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, or track fan, you’ll find that sporting events are a fun and cheap way to spend a Friday or Saturday.  Furthermore, the best part of Cyclone athletics is the spirited student section.  Whether you’re a true Iowa Stater or not, you’ll feel a part of the school at athletic events.

Hiking at Ledges State Park

7. Take a trip out of town.  Ames is a relatively small city and, admittedly, sometimes you just need to visit somewhere more exciting.   Fortunately, the area surrounding Ames provides even more options, no matter your hobbies.  The state capitol of Des Moines is a convenient 30 minute drive away and is the perfect place for shopping, theater productions, or a trip to the farmers’ market.  If you’re looking to get away from the city and connect with nature, you must visit the nearby town of Boone houses the infamous Ledges State Park.  The park is an ideal place for camping, hiking, geocaching, repelling, mushroom hunting, and rock climbing.

8. Get creative according to the seasons.  No matter the season, you can find something to do in Ames.  In the summer, a common pastime is tubing down the Skunk River or going to nearby lakes.  For the fall, a trip to the apple orchard, corn maze, or haunted house is always never-fail option.  Ice-skating is a popular choice in the winter as is trips to the parks in the spring.

Have you been to Ames, Iowa? What is your favorite fun and cheap weekend activity? Please share your response in the comments section below. 

Rachel is completing a social media internship for VentureTime Travel. Read more about her travel adventures — including her summer study in Europe — in her Rachel’s Realities blog.

Want to learn more about places to explore in Iowa?  check out these books:
Iowa Off the Beaten Path®: A Guide To Unique Places
A Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn, Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites & More

Oddball Iowa: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places
Campustown: A Brief History of the First West Ames

Other posts on Iowa that you might want to check out:Campustown: A Brief History of the First West Ames

• A Quick Detour Off I-35 to Explore the Bridges of Madison County and John Wayne’s Birthplace
• 5 Must-See Places in Iowa
• Destination Discovery: Kimballton, Iowa is home for this “Little Mermaid”

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