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Ending up in Paris with no plan and three free weeks was not on my 2024 bingo card but there I was, with two credit cards and a dream. To explain the situation in more depth I ended up taking 3 weeks off of work for a work exchange program that fell through at the last minute by that time I was already in Paris; So I had two options. Option number one would've been to pay extra to fly back home the following day or option number two, take the opportunity to explore Europe. I'm the title of this post completely gives me away but suprise, I chose option number 2. While I'm incredibly grateful for that experience it was not without its bumps in the road. From missing my flight to London on day two in Europe to ending up in Rome at 11 pm on day three with no hotel booked. I will say that I learned a lot from this trip from the different cultures, languages, and fashion traits, and I also learned a lot about myself in the process.
Ranking Each City I Explored
I will rank each city based on public transportation, walkability, safety, cost, and the duration of my stay in each city to provide additional context to my ratings.
PARIS, FRANCE
Duration Stayed: 1 day and 1 night
Public transportation: 7
Walkability: 8
Safety: 7
Cost: 6
NICE, FRANCE
Duration Stayed: 1 day and 1 night
Public transportation: 6
Walkability: 8
Safety: 7
Cost: 6
ROME, ITALY
Duration Stayed: 2 nights and 1 day
Public Transportation: 6
Walkability: 8
Safety: 7
Cost: 4
POMPEII, ITALY
Duration Stayed: 2 days and 1 night
Public Transportation: 4
Walkability: 4
Safety: 7
Cost: 7
NAPLES, ITALY
Duration Stayed: 1/2 day and 1 night
Public Transportation: 6
Walkability: 6
Safety: 5
Cost: 6
BERLIN, GERMANY
Duration Stayed: 3 days and 3 nights
Public Transportation: 10
Walkability: 9
Safety: 8
Cost: 6
Out of the 6 cities in the 3 different countries I traveled to when I tell people what my favorite city was, it shocks many of them. My favorite city was the one I felt the most at home in, where I could see myself building a life there I fell in love with the simple things about this place like the public transportation and how walkable it was. My favorite destination on my journey through parts of Europe, is Berlin, Germany.
Cost
So, when I finally decided to confront the uncomfortable task of adding up all my expenses from my unplanned 9-day trip, I was completely shocked by the amount my 2 credit cards and a dream had spent. It seems safe to say that I will be banished to my house for a few years while I pay this off. Was the total amount I spent a surprise? Yes. But to be fair I wasn't exactly "roughing it" I only stayed in a Hostel in one city but everywhere else I stayed in hotel rooms to give me a sense of safety. This could've been made more affordable if I had the time to plan, if I had taken more trains, instead of flights, but going back isn't an option so I will have to use my mistakes as a lesson for the next time.
The total of my 9-day unplanned trip to Europe is $5064.42. When I finished crunching all the numbers I was shocked with the total of this trip. But stress not, because there were a lot of variables that led to it being so expensive, which could've been avoided.
The Reality of Solo Traveling
I would be lying if I said everything was great 100% of the time I spent traveling. I would be lying if I said I never got homesick, I always felt safe, or that it was always aesthetically pleasing.
The reality is that most of the time, my solo travel experience was perfect and wonderful, exceeding all expectations. However, there were moments of loneliness, especially when faced with language barriers. I longed for my loved ones to witness what I was experiencing. I experienced occasional anxiety and got sick, adding to the challenge of relying solely on myself. Without anyone to turn to, I had to navigate finding the right medication without being able to read German. It felt like a test of my resilience, requiring immense mental and physical strength to handle all the preparations and adapt to unforeseen changes alone. Despite these difficulties, every obstacle was worth it, as the journey provided a unique and unforgettable experience.
So I don't know what is worse, being sick in a foreign country alone or being sick for the first time after you've moved out of your parent's house. The reality of solo travel is that it's not always pretty and it's a lot more work to travel alone. I loved it though I was running on my own time it was truly freeing.
Conclusion
In 9 days, I embarked on a journey that led me to places I had only dreamt of visiting, places that seemed like a distant fantasy, especially at the young age of 21. These sites unfolded before me like chapters of a novel, each one revealing a new facet of the world and of myself. As I navigated through unfamiliar streets and encountered diverse cultures, I found myself delving into the depths of my being, unraveling layers of my identity that had remained hidden. This trip became a profound exploration of self-discovery, pushing me beyond my limits and challenging me in ways I had never imagined.
Solo travel, with its inherent solitude and freedom, became a transformative experience that tested my resilience and courage. Stepping outside my comfort zone, I confronted fears and uncertainties, embracing the unknown with a newfound sense of curiosity and wonder. It was in these moments of vulnerability and uncertainty that I discovered the true magic of solo travel – the ability to grow, learn, and evolve in ways that are only possible when we dare to venture into the unknown.
Through this journey, I learned that solo travel is not just about exploring new places, but also about exploring the depths of our own souls. It is a journey of self-exploration, self-reflection, and self-empowerment. It is a journey that teaches us resilience, independence, and the beauty of embracing the unexpected. In the end, solo travel is not just a physical journey, but a profound inner voyage that leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, shaping us into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individuals.
Embrace the uncomfortable! I've discovered that when I embark on solo adventures such as camping, hiking, attending concerts, or traveling, I not only feel a sense of pride, but I also feel like I've uncovered a secret that only I know. The memories of those experiences are exclusively mine, which I can cherish or share with those who are willing to listen.
To see more of my Europe adventure visit my YouTube channel; Confessions Of A New Adventurer https://www.youtube.com/@Confessionsofanewadventurer
wan·der·lust
/ˈwändərˌləst/
noun
a strong desire to travel.
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