Learning How to Prepare for My First European Escapade 😣

When I began planning my European adventure back in April of this year, I embarked on a journey of discovery that went beyond simply booking flights and accommodations. Little did I know at the time just how much there was to navigate and learn. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to receive valuable guidance from seasoned travellers who have treaded the same path before me. Their insights and advice have been invaluable in shaping my preparations and ensuring a smooth journey ahead.

• Accommodation dilemmas –

  Accommodation dilemmas turned out to be the least of my worries. Thankfully, we had a fail-safe strategy in place: Airbnb. This trusted platform had been our go-to for lodging during our travels, and it rarely let us down.

  Our primary concern was avoiding a repeat of the Washington DC bus disaster, where getting around became an unexpected challenge. To ensure seamless transitions between our long flights and accommodations, or when navigating public transportation, we relied on the dependable guidance of Google Maps. This trusty app became our travel companion, making sure we could reach our destinations without unnecessary stress.

  Moreover, the hosts we encountered through Airbnb added a reassuring layer to our travel experience. Their local knowledge and willingness to assist always came in handy. Whether it was offering tips on nearby restaurants or helping us decipher public transportation routes, their insights were invaluable.

  In the end, our accommodation choices, guided by Airbnb and aided by modern technology, transformed potential dilemmas into straightforward solutions. It was a reminder that thorough planning and the right tools can go a long way in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey.

• Transportation trials –

  Transportation trials awaited me as I embarked on the task of figuring out the best ways to move seamlessly from one European city to another. The vast array of options, including trains, buses, and flights, presented a labyrinth of considerations and logistics to untangle.

  Each mode of transportation had its own unique set of advantages and challenges. Trains offered scenic views and a comfortable way to connect cities, while buses often provided budget-friendly options. Flights, on the other hand, saved time but came with airport hassles. Deciding which to choose for each leg of the journey required careful planning and consideration of schedules, costs, and distances. 

  Mr. P’s son proved to be a true lifesaver during our travels. The decision-making process for choosing between buses and trains from Amsterdam to Auxerre had left me in a state of uncertainty for over three days. Despite my best efforts, I found myself wringing my hands, feeling no closer to understanding the best course of action.

  Enter Mr. P’s son, whose guidance and expertise transformed my dilemma into a straightforward choice. His invaluable insights and recommendations not only saved me from further anxiety but also instilled a newfound sense of confidence in navigating the intricate world of European transportation.

  Sometimes, all it takes is a helping hand and the wisdom of a local expert to turn a daunting decision into a simple and well-informed one. In that moment, Mr. P’s son was my guiding light, making our journey that much smoother and enjoyable.

•  Vissa Hassles –

  Traveling through Europe without the need for visas is a relief, given my USA passport and Mr. P’s EU passport. However, an unexpected twist turned my visa jitters into a full-blown butterfly dance when I realized my South African visa had become invalid. I had diligently applied for its renewal back in May, confident that it would arrive before our departure.

  Days turned into weeks, and with each passing moment, my anxiety grew. Finally, we decided to pay a visit to Home Affairs, seeking answers and reassurance. While they assured me that returning to the country should not be an issue with the specified paperwork, the unknowns still lingered, keeping my mind restless.

  Despite the unease, I took solace in the fact that the appropriate authorities were notified of the situation. Sometimes, in the world of travel, unexpected challenges arise, and all we can do is trust in the process and the measures in place to ensure our safe return. The journey, after all, is often as much about navigating the unforeseen as it is about experiencing the planned adventures.

•  Health and Safety-Investing in comprehensive travellers’ insurance, which includes coverage for unexpected health issues, trip cancellations, and emergency medical evacuations, offers a significant sense of security, especially for more mature travellers like us. With our daily medication regimen, I’ve learned the importance of ensuring we have an ample supply, keeping them neatly stored in their original containers, and carrying copies of our prescriptions or a letter from our doctor listing the medications. This newfound diligence is vital, as navigating foreign pharmacies can pose challenges. We’ve also added a general antibiotic, medication for travellers’ diarrhea, and remedies for stomach upsets to our travel essentials. These precautions, once overlooked, now play a crucial role in our travel preparations, ensuring we stay healthy and comfortable on our journeys.

• Currency Conundrums-

  Absolutely, managing money while traveling is crucial, and it’s essential to find a safe and convenient way to do so. Europe’s prevalence of pickpockets adds an extra layer of concern, making it even more important to minimize risks.

  Using credit or debit cards at ATMs or point-of-sale places often comes with hefty fees and less favorable exchange rates. That’s why we decided to obtain a currency cash passport, a savvy choice. With this card, there are no fees when swiping, and it’s pre-loaded with euros, saving us money on transaction costs. Plus, international ATM fees were significantly reduced.

  Traveling indeed introduces a host of considerations that aren’t part of our everyday concerns. From currency management to health precautions, each aspect requires thoughtful planning to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.

• Packing Panic-

  Packing for a month-long trip into a single carry-on bag can indeed be a challenging endeavor, especially for a woman. It’s a lesson in prioritizing essentials and realizing that we often don’t wear everything we bring. The goal was clear: to travel as light as possible, allowing us to navigate trains, buses, and connections with ease.

  It’s been quite the learning curve for me, as Mr. P’s knack for packing light inspired a shift in my own packing habits. Selecting versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched, packing only what’s truly essential, and being mindful of laundry options along the way have become my new packing principles.

  It’s a process of discovery, realizing that we can do more with less and that the freedom of mobility and spontaneity that comes with packing light is well worth the initial challenges. So, here’s to embracing minimalism in our travel wardrobe and savouring the simplicity it brings to our adventures.