I have gotten more and more readers writing me or leaving comments on my blog, saying that it's wonderful to read about what I'm doing, but now they want to know *how* I'm doing it.
So, this week, I'll try my best to put together a list of tips on how to make your travels easier.
So, this week, I'll try my best to put together a list of tips on how to make your travels easier.
If you read my blog for the stories, but have no interest in doing it yourself, I apologize, but you probably want to skip this week. It'll be quite boring for you. Please tune back next week! ^_^ If you read for inspiration and want to travel yourself, then hopefully there are at least a few helpful tips in this post.
Bear with me, I've never tried to put everything into one collection, I'm just learning as I go.
So..."How did you do it?"
How did I do it...
Well...
I realized if I didn't change something, I was going to effectively kill the person I wanted to be and become someone I didn't like. Once I came to this realization, there wasn't much choice. I had to act.
So, I bought a one way ticket, worked multiple jobs (including every side gig I could get my hands on), cut out every expense which wasn't critical, saved as much money as I possibly could in the six months before my departure, got rid of 98% of my things, said my goodbyes...and here I am.
How did I do it...
Well...
I realized if I didn't change something, I was going to effectively kill the person I wanted to be and become someone I didn't like. Once I came to this realization, there wasn't much choice. I had to act.
So, I bought a one way ticket, worked multiple jobs (including every side gig I could get my hands on), cut out every expense which wasn't critical, saved as much money as I possibly could in the six months before my departure, got rid of 98% of my things, said my goodbyes...and here I am.
In The Beginning...
I bought my ticket about 6 months before my departure date. Originally, this was simply to line up with when my mom would be traveling so we could do a week together. However, since it was a one-way ticket, and I suddenly needed to clean up some aspects of my life before taking off, those six months were critical to getting my shit together.
So, if you are thinking you want to travel, my suggestion? Just buy the damn ticket. But buy it with a few months to spare.
What that allowed me to do was set an exact end-date to my saving goals. I knew I had six months to save as much as I possibly could, and on March 20th, no matter how much I had saved, I was going.
If you set a goal and tell yourself you'll buy a ticket once you reach that goal, you'll likely never leave. Excuses and reasons can be found in every corner.
Just buy the ticket.
You've got this.
I bought my ticket about 6 months before my departure date. Originally, this was simply to line up with when my mom would be traveling so we could do a week together. However, since it was a one-way ticket, and I suddenly needed to clean up some aspects of my life before taking off, those six months were critical to getting my shit together.
So, if you are thinking you want to travel, my suggestion? Just buy the damn ticket. But buy it with a few months to spare.
What that allowed me to do was set an exact end-date to my saving goals. I knew I had six months to save as much as I possibly could, and on March 20th, no matter how much I had saved, I was going.
If you set a goal and tell yourself you'll buy a ticket once you reach that goal, you'll likely never leave. Excuses and reasons can be found in every corner.
Just buy the ticket.
You've got this.
Some Outside Resources to Ease Your Way Through Europe...
TRAVEL APPS
There are a ton of apps out there these days to make things easier for us travelers. I have been to many places in Europe now, and obviously many countries have different apps and sites they use, so you'd do well to search for specific countries, but here are some which I use that have saved me incredible amounts of headache, not to mention cash.
There are a ton of apps out there these days to make things easier for us travelers. I have been to many places in Europe now, and obviously many countries have different apps and sites they use, so you'd do well to search for specific countries, but here are some which I use that have saved me incredible amounts of headache, not to mention cash.
GOEURO - for buses, trains, and planes.
With this app, you just put in your starting point and destination and it will collect data from multiple companies and present your options to you. I've never used it for flights, but for buses and trains it's amazing. You can purchase your tickets in the app, and typically use the mobile pass to board, avoiding the headache of printing anything or dealing with emails.
With this app, you just put in your starting point and destination and it will collect data from multiple companies and present your options to you. I've never used it for flights, but for buses and trains it's amazing. You can purchase your tickets in the app, and typically use the mobile pass to board, avoiding the headache of printing anything or dealing with emails.
TRAINLINE - for trains.
I only ever used trainline in France, but it is another good app for train travel. Allowing you to see all your options for times and prices in one convenient place.
I only ever used trainline in France, but it is another good app for train travel. Allowing you to see all your options for times and prices in one convenient place.
FLIXBUS - for buses.
I used Flixbus in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. I'm not sure if they have it in central Europe, but every time I used this app/company I was very pleased. The tickets were always very cheap, or at least reasonably priced (most I ever paid was 25 euros, least was 9 euros for a four hour ride). Most my buses with them had a stewardess on the bus who did drink service, and the buses always had wifi, plugs for your devices, and a toilet. So for long rides, they were very nice.
I used Flixbus in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. I'm not sure if they have it in central Europe, but every time I used this app/company I was very pleased. The tickets were always very cheap, or at least reasonably priced (most I ever paid was 25 euros, least was 9 euros for a four hour ride). Most my buses with them had a stewardess on the bus who did drink service, and the buses always had wifi, plugs for your devices, and a toilet. So for long rides, they were very nice.
UBER - for ride sharing.
Uber isn't everywhere, but it does work in some countries, such as England and Austria, so I would keep it in mind, especially if you'll travel like me (without data or a sim card), and won't be able to easily call a taxi for situations where a bus or train won't do.
Uber isn't everywhere, but it does work in some countries, such as England and Austria, so I would keep it in mind, especially if you'll travel like me (without data or a sim card), and won't be able to easily call a taxi for situations where a bus or train won't do.
BLABLA CAR - for long-distance ride sharing.
How does it work? If someone plans to drive from one city to another and they have excess room in their car, they might put their plan on BlaBla car, inviting riders along. If you also need to go to that place and you live in the same city as they are starting (or near by or along the route) you can reach out and coordinate a ride with them. This is how we went from Fano to Rome while I was in Italy. It can often be cheaper than a train, faster, and more comfortable. Plus the driver gets help with their gas, and you could meet some really cool locals. Win, win, win.
How does it work? If someone plans to drive from one city to another and they have excess room in their car, they might put their plan on BlaBla car, inviting riders along. If you also need to go to that place and you live in the same city as they are starting (or near by or along the route) you can reach out and coordinate a ride with them. This is how we went from Fano to Rome while I was in Italy. It can often be cheaper than a train, faster, and more comfortable. Plus the driver gets help with their gas, and you could meet some really cool locals. Win, win, win.
SKYSCANNER - for flights.
Holy crap. My friend in France told me about SkyScanner and it has saved me an incredible amount of headache and money. It's incredibly easy to browse flights and dates and places on this app. You don't even have to know where or when you want to go. You can just put where you are and browse cheap flights to other places. It's perfect. One day I started to wonder how much extra they tack on to the price, and after going directly to the airline site, I realized the prices matched exactly. It's really been the most helpful transportation app I've downloaded. There have been multiple times where flying has come out cheaper than trains or buses, thanks to SkyScanner. 10 out of 10, would recommend.
Holy crap. My friend in France told me about SkyScanner and it has saved me an incredible amount of headache and money. It's incredibly easy to browse flights and dates and places on this app. You don't even have to know where or when you want to go. You can just put where you are and browse cheap flights to other places. It's perfect. One day I started to wonder how much extra they tack on to the price, and after going directly to the airline site, I realized the prices matched exactly. It's really been the most helpful transportation app I've downloaded. There have been multiple times where flying has come out cheaper than trains or buses, thanks to SkyScanner. 10 out of 10, would recommend.
ACCOMMODATION
Obviously the type of accommodation you would like during your travels is very personal. Since I don't have a lot of money and I'm by myself, hostels are always my go-to. It's easy to meet people in most hostels, since they'll hang out in the common areas, and most people sleeping in hostels are pretty receptive to conversation. As I've said before in my blog, I seem only ever to be alone when I truly want to be.
HOSTELWORLD - for hostels.
Hostelworld has worked in almost every place I've gone. It's quick and easy to find and book hostels. You can book some private rooms in hostels on here, but I've always used it for dorms. Most places have a ton of reviews you can check out before booking, and they pinpoint the hostel on a map so you can easily see where you'll be staying in relation to everything else.
Obviously the type of accommodation you would like during your travels is very personal. Since I don't have a lot of money and I'm by myself, hostels are always my go-to. It's easy to meet people in most hostels, since they'll hang out in the common areas, and most people sleeping in hostels are pretty receptive to conversation. As I've said before in my blog, I seem only ever to be alone when I truly want to be.
HOSTELWORLD - for hostels.
Hostelworld has worked in almost every place I've gone. It's quick and easy to find and book hostels. You can book some private rooms in hostels on here, but I've always used it for dorms. Most places have a ton of reviews you can check out before booking, and they pinpoint the hostel on a map so you can easily see where you'll be staying in relation to everything else.
BOOKING.COM - for dorms and private rooms.
If hostelworld seems like it isn't showing many places, I head over to the booking.com app. A lot of smaller towns use booking.com, it really just depends where you are. I suggest downloading and using both of them. This app has a wider range of places shown, with both dorms and private rooms available in most places.
If you decide to use booking.com, you can help us both by using my personalized link - https://www.booking.com/s/18_6/maia0d09
If you follow this link to book, you will earn $25!
If hostelworld seems like it isn't showing many places, I head over to the booking.com app. A lot of smaller towns use booking.com, it really just depends where you are. I suggest downloading and using both of them. This app has a wider range of places shown, with both dorms and private rooms available in most places.
If you decide to use booking.com, you can help us both by using my personalized link - https://www.booking.com/s/18_6/maia0d09
If you follow this link to book, you will earn $25!
AIRBNB - for rooms.
Most of you probably know about Airbnb. It's alive and well in Europe. As I'm traveling on a budget, I tend to stick to dorms, but when I wanted to hole up for a week in a private apartment, I used Airbnb and it was amazing. In some countries, like Ireland, you may even find private rooms on Airbnb to be cheaper than hostels.
Depending on your desired trip and budget, Airbnb could be the answer for you. The difference is how much communication you want with your hosts. If you just want to book a room and be done, use one of the above apps. If you want someone available to answer questions for you before/during your stay, and help you out a bit more, Airbnb.
Most of you probably know about Airbnb. It's alive and well in Europe. As I'm traveling on a budget, I tend to stick to dorms, but when I wanted to hole up for a week in a private apartment, I used Airbnb and it was amazing. In some countries, like Ireland, you may even find private rooms on Airbnb to be cheaper than hostels.
Depending on your desired trip and budget, Airbnb could be the answer for you. The difference is how much communication you want with your hosts. If you just want to book a room and be done, use one of the above apps. If you want someone available to answer questions for you before/during your stay, and help you out a bit more, Airbnb.
WORKING ABROAD
Here is where a lot of people's questions are coming from. It probably seems like I've been referring to work an awful lot, considering I'm constantly moving, and I'll tell you how. Workway!
Here is where a lot of people's questions are coming from. It probably seems like I've been referring to work an awful lot, considering I'm constantly moving, and I'll tell you how. Workway!
WORKAWAY - work exchange for room and board.
Workaway is a work exchange site, where hosts post job descriptions and time frames for when they need help, and if it sounds like something you can do, or are interested in learning to do, you can reach out to them. Now, many hosts want a commitment of at least a month, because having workers come and go faster than that is a bit useless, so if you're a short term traveler, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you're wanting to take a long trip, and wondering how to truly experience a culture, and save money, you should definitely look into this site.
Because of workaway, I've been able to work on a farm in England, be a gardener in Sherwood Forest, nanny for a family in Italy, work in a hostel in Croatia, and now do various jobs in Ireland. You'll meet, work beside, and live with people from all over the world, depending on the kind of work you opt for.
It's up to you to fine tune the terms of your stay, and every host is different, but I've had some really positive experiences with some really open, welcoming people thanks to this site, so if you want to travel long-term and don't have a lot of money, this is a great way to do it.
You can browse job opportunities on workaway.info without signing up, to get an idea of what's out there. If you like it, I believe a year subscription is $35. For me it's been absolutely worth it.
Other similar sites would be helpx and wwoofing. I haven't looked into either of these, but have heard about them for years. It's a similar set up. Work for room and board.
Workaway is a work exchange site, where hosts post job descriptions and time frames for when they need help, and if it sounds like something you can do, or are interested in learning to do, you can reach out to them. Now, many hosts want a commitment of at least a month, because having workers come and go faster than that is a bit useless, so if you're a short term traveler, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you're wanting to take a long trip, and wondering how to truly experience a culture, and save money, you should definitely look into this site.
Because of workaway, I've been able to work on a farm in England, be a gardener in Sherwood Forest, nanny for a family in Italy, work in a hostel in Croatia, and now do various jobs in Ireland. You'll meet, work beside, and live with people from all over the world, depending on the kind of work you opt for.
It's up to you to fine tune the terms of your stay, and every host is different, but I've had some really positive experiences with some really open, welcoming people thanks to this site, so if you want to travel long-term and don't have a lot of money, this is a great way to do it.
You can browse job opportunities on workaway.info without signing up, to get an idea of what's out there. If you like it, I believe a year subscription is $35. For me it's been absolutely worth it.
Other similar sites would be helpx and wwoofing. I haven't looked into either of these, but have heard about them for years. It's a similar set up. Work for room and board.
MISC.
Random things which have eased my travels and mind.
GOOGLE MAPS
You can download offline maps of cities on googlemaps. This allows you to navigate while you don't have wifi or signal, and has been an incredibly useful tool for me. I suggest downloading maps of the cities you plan to visit. Then go to your accommodation address and heart it, so no matter where you are, you can find home.
You can download offline maps of cities on googlemaps. This allows you to navigate while you don't have wifi or signal, and has been an incredibly useful tool for me. I suggest downloading maps of the cities you plan to visit. Then go to your accommodation address and heart it, so no matter where you are, you can find home.
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
I highly, highly recommend learning some phrases in the language of the country you're going to. People will be more receptive and kind to you if you at least try to speak to them, even if you can't get much past a greeting, or the words please and thank you. If you try, they will be more willing to try. Seriously.
But after that, when you both hit a hangup and you're not sure how to precede, having their language downloaded onto your phone for offline translating via google translate is also a helpful tool.
I highly, highly recommend learning some phrases in the language of the country you're going to. People will be more receptive and kind to you if you at least try to speak to them, even if you can't get much past a greeting, or the words please and thank you. If you try, they will be more willing to try. Seriously.
But after that, when you both hit a hangup and you're not sure how to precede, having their language downloaded onto your phone for offline translating via google translate is also a helpful tool.
Some Inner Resources To Help Ease Your Way Through Europe...
SMILE. BE KIND.
For real.
For real.
Be kind.
If you're stressed out because traveling is stressful, and this is the attitude you project, I promise, it will become nothing but more stressful. However, if you approach the world with a smile, even when you're lost or confused or stressed, people will often come to your aid.
A smile has gotten me offers of food, rides, couches to sleep on, and has made me new friends.
If you're stressed out because traveling is stressful, and this is the attitude you project, I promise, it will become nothing but more stressful. However, if you approach the world with a smile, even when you're lost or confused or stressed, people will often come to your aid.
A smile has gotten me offers of food, rides, couches to sleep on, and has made me new friends.
BE RESPECTFUL
I have witnessed countless tourists being total dicks to locals because they are having a bad day. Shouting at them, speaking in very loud voices when the person doesn't understand English (because we all know raising our voice helps with language barriers, right?), acting like they are stupid for not understanding, blaming them for cultural things, and on and on. Unfortunately, this is normal and not surprising to the locals. So surprise them with your kindness. Don't be the stereotypical tourist coming into their land and demanding they cater to you. Be respectful of their home, ways, language, and customs. It will get you far. Locals on your side is one of the most powerful tools you could have while abroad.
I have witnessed countless tourists being total dicks to locals because they are having a bad day. Shouting at them, speaking in very loud voices when the person doesn't understand English (because we all know raising our voice helps with language barriers, right?), acting like they are stupid for not understanding, blaming them for cultural things, and on and on. Unfortunately, this is normal and not surprising to the locals. So surprise them with your kindness. Don't be the stereotypical tourist coming into their land and demanding they cater to you. Be respectful of their home, ways, language, and customs. It will get you far. Locals on your side is one of the most powerful tools you could have while abroad.
Really, my biggest tip for traveling is...relax. Things are going to be new and weird and confusing quite often. Whether you're in a country where you don't speak the language, or they drive on the opposite side of the road, so you're almost run over 5 different times, or you simply don't understand the train schedule, everything is a little disorienting when you first arrive in a new country. It can be stressful, and quite easy to get stressed.
The most helpful attitude I have taken on is just to trust that I will get where I need to be, when I need to be there. Obviously, give yourself enough time to catch that bus, learn a few phrases in the language of whatever country you're in, download a map onto your phone, ask for help when you need it. But if you do everything in your power to be on time and you still miss that bus, don't stress. They'll be another one.
Traveling is all about the journey.
Let go.
Have fun.
Don't plan too far ahead.
Leave yourself room for spontaneity.
If you're getting stressed, get an ice cream.
If you're lost, sit down and enjoy the view.
You can always find your way back.
The most useful thing I could suggest for you on your trip, is just to breathe.
Maybe getting lost is exactly what you needed.
The most helpful attitude I have taken on is just to trust that I will get where I need to be, when I need to be there. Obviously, give yourself enough time to catch that bus, learn a few phrases in the language of whatever country you're in, download a map onto your phone, ask for help when you need it. But if you do everything in your power to be on time and you still miss that bus, don't stress. They'll be another one.
Traveling is all about the journey.
Let go.
Have fun.
Don't plan too far ahead.
Leave yourself room for spontaneity.
If you're getting stressed, get an ice cream.
If you're lost, sit down and enjoy the view.
You can always find your way back.
The most useful thing I could suggest for you on your trip, is just to breathe.
Maybe getting lost is exactly what you needed.
If you're planning on setting out anytime soon, on your own course, then I hope you found a few helpful tips in this weeks post.
To all you trail blazers out there, have amazing adventures! ^_^
To all you trail blazers out there, have amazing adventures! ^_^
So that's how to do it! Ive always wondered.😎
ReplyDeleteThanks for the app review. Timesavers.
XOXO sunshine
hahaha hey, I warned in the beginning of this one it wasn't entertaining! You didn't have to read it ;P
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