I spent an extensive six months traversing the diverse landscapes and cultures of Europe. This journey was truly remarkable, yet there were several aspects that, with a few tweaks, could have enhanced the overall experience. Uncovering the Secrets to a Better European Trip
Waking Up Early for a Quieter Exploration
I'm not one to naturally rise with the dawn. Usually, I need a compelling reason to start my day early. But on that fateful morning in Prague, I found myself waking up before the sun even peeked over the horizon. The Charles Bridge, usually bustling with tourists, was all mine at 7 a.m. It was a revelation. Getting out on the streets while the city is still in its slumber offers a unique perspective that one can't experience during the bustling daytime. It's as if you have the city all to yourself, and the tranquility is truly enchanting. This early morning exploration allowed me to soak in the city's essence in a way that I never would have otherwise.
Another instance was in a small town in Italy. Waking up early gave me the chance to witness the local markets come to life. The vendors were setting up their stalls, and the air was filled with the aroma of fresh produce. It was a sight and a smell that I'll never forget. These early morning adventures made me realize the beauty that lies in starting the day off right.
Documenting the Trip with Voice Notes
As a writer, I thought I'd be good at journaling during my travels. But alas, that wasn't always the case. I'd often start journaling at the beginning of a trip, but as the exhaustion set in, my journaling would taper off. However, near the end of my European odyssey, I stumbled upon the magic of voice notes. Instead of struggling to write in my room after a long day, I could simply pull out my phone and record a recap as I walked back to my hotel.
This method was a game-changer, especially on those particularly eventful days. For example, when I was in Paris attending the Summer Olympics, the details I captured in those voice notes brought back the memories vividly. It's the little things that make memories last, and voice notes allowed me to preserve those details with ease. On my next trip, I'm excited to document my travels even more precisely using this method.
Accounting for Train Delays
As an American, I was in awe of the European rail system. The convenience of paying a relatively small amount and being able to travel to different countries in a matter of hours is truly remarkable. But my previous experiences were mostly during the offseason. Summer travel in Europe was a whole different ball game.
Out of the 20+ long-distance trains I took during the summer, almost all of them were delayed to some extent. It was a headache waiting for those trains and trying to adjust my plans on the go. Take my travel day from Switzerland to Amsterdam, for instance. It was supposed to be a simple two-train excursion, but due to a 25-minute delay in one train and a tight 20-minute connection, it turned into a nightmarish six-train journey, adding a whopping five hours to an already long travel day.
Next time, I'll definitely make it a point to give myself at least half an hour between trains to avoid such delays and make my travel days more seamless.
Seeking Out More Concerts and Musical Festivals
When I was in England, it was prime music-festival time, and the Brits know how to put on a show. But it wasn't until some locals started sharing the festivals they were attending that I even began to look into the details. I missed out on seeing Hozier perform down the street from where I was staying because my travel arrangements weren't flexible.
Next time I head across the pond, I'll make sure to do my research in advance and keep an eye out for local concerts and musical festivals. It's a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture and enjoy some amazing music. Who knows, I might even discover a new favorite artist.
Indulging in Local Treats
Having a sweet tooth, I knew I was in for a treat when I arrived in England and France. The variety of pastries and desserts was overwhelming. From Victoria sponge cake and scones to macarons and eclairs, every corner seemed to have a new temptation.
And the other countries I visited didn't disappoint either. The kolaches in the Czech Republic were a delight. Although I did treat myself to a few sweet treats here and there, I often convinced myself that I didn't need to splurge too often. But now that I'm back in the States, I regret not sampling more of the local desserts. Food is an integral part of a country's culture, and indulging in local treats is a wonderful way to experience that culture.