Unpack Your Heart In Austria- Travel Blog Introduction

My name is Emma Baugher, I am 19 years old, and I am studying abroad in Gaming, Austria with Franciscan University of Steubenville. I have been in Austria for 28 days and counting and it has been one whirlwind of an adventure. The most important fact you should know about me is that I am a little person. I have a form of dwarfism that effects my size, my mobility, and my life on a daily basis. However, against all odds I have made it to Europe and have experienced joys, struggles, wonders, and adventures for 28 unforgettable days.

            I had not planned to write a blog during my time in Austria. I intended to use my many photographs as my journal and travel log throughout the semester (I always take way too many pictures), but a broken scooter, a convincing professor, and two weeks of travel later, I have decided to create a blog. The purpose of this blog is not only to record my many adventures throughout these upcoming weeks, but to take time to reflect on the fact that traveling as a little person is difficult, however, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to take this space to show others that traveling with a disability is challenging, but possible, and definitely worth it. I want to inspire them to never give up on their dreams of one-day traveling to far off lands of culture and exploration. Each blog post will consist of an important travel tip that is applicable to both little and average sized travelers alike, but with a focus on the fact that although sometimes difficult and very stressful, traveling with a disability can be a successful time of learning, growing, maturing, adventuring, and making memories of a lifetime.