We must take advetures.

We must take advetures.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

101 Things I learned While Living in Europe for a Year

1. Don't worry if you miss your bus, train, or plane. There will always be another one...even if it costs you $400.
2. Learn to go with the flow.
3. Keep your travel plans flexible. If someone tells you to visit a city, it is usually for a good reason.
4. Try CouchSurfing, even if it's just one time, you will always meet interesting people.
5. It is possible to fall in love with a city, or multiple.
6. You will also meet many "loves of your life".
7. Keep in touch with the friends you make along the way, you never know if you’ll be in their hometown in the future or vice versa.
8. Pictures are nice, but remember to put the camera down see the world throw your own eyes.
9. Sometimes it is nice to not be connected to WIFI.
10. It's okay if you don't visit the essential sites in a city; it is an excuse to go back.
11. Eastern European is very underrated.
12. Eat Cevapi in Bosnia.
13. Stay in a 14 person dorm in a hostel....you will always meet cool people.
14. Traveling with friends is awesome, but nothing beats traveling solo.
15. Instead of visiting 7 cities in 10 days, visit 3 and truly experience them rather than checking them off your list.
16. We are very fortunate to have English as our first language.
17. Pay a little extra for a train reservation to get a bed on an overnight train.
18. If you have a funny feeling about a place or situation you are usually right and it is time to leave.
19. Listen to your peers when they tell you not to visit a city, especially if it’s Podgorica.
20. Wait to go to Paris with your lover.
21. Cinque Terre is incredible.
22. If there is a beach nearby, go to it.
23. The media always over-exaggerates things.
24. You might think you’re invincible, but try to remember you're not.
25. There is so much more to Amsterdam than sex, drugs, and alcohol.
26. Sometimes it's okay to be a tourist, but it's usually better to be a traveler.
27. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable; it usually ends up being an interesting experience.
28. Live for the stories.
29. Neck pillows are lifesavers.
30. Watch as many sunsets as possible.
31. It is always helpful to learn military time.
32. Drink with the locals.
33. Go to a city none of your friends have heard about.
34. DO NOT FILL OUT ANY PAPERS FROM THE GYPSIES IN PARIS BY THE EIFFEL TOWER, also do not allow them to put a bracelet on your wrist.
35. If your friend is snoring in the hostel or on the train, wake them up or plug their nose. Everyone will thank you.
36. Cliff jumping is always fun, just remember to point your toes.
37. Go for a bike ride, even if it ends up being 30 miles long to an abandon rice field.
38. The most fun I've had has been with a group of people who do not speak English.
39. If you go to Istanbul, buy your visa online before you arrive. You will thank me.
40. Live your life and don't worry about what you are missing at home. Life at home continues whether you're there or not.
41. Always smile at people walking by you, even if they think it is weird.
42. Invite a stranger to eat lunch with you, even if they have a bunch of tattoos, colorful hair, and face piercings.
43. Europe is full of beautiful churches; spend your time seeing other things.
44. Croatia is truly amazing.
45. When traveling alone, do not be afraid to invite yourself places. If someone doesn't want you coming they will tell you, but chances are your presence is always welcome.
46. Sometimes it’s okay to spend a day being lazy with your new friends.
47. It's never too early to start drinking, especially in Munich.
48. Hike up a mountain, even if it means you have to create your own path. Just watch out for falling rocks.
49. Asian tourists are everywhere. They are also some of the friendliest tourists you'll meet.
50. If you want to feel at home, visit London.
51. Ham and Sangria are the perfect hangover cure, so are churros.
52. Forget everything you thought you knew about a country. Chances are after you visit you will have a completely new perception.
53. Get used to having to pay for the bathroom, if you don't like it then go to Eastern Europe.
54. RyanAir isn't that bad, just buy the 5 euro pre-boarding pass and maybe you'll even get the cute flight attendants phone number.
55. Sometimes it is nice not being able to understand the people's conversation sitting next to you.
56. Allow yourself to get lost in a city.
57. 3 wine isn't that bad, neither is a 2L bottle of $4 beer.
58. A tight budget isn't a good excuse to not travel. You can live off cheese and bread and find cheap hostels.
59. The more places the visit; the more you realize there is so much more to see.
60. A travel journal is always a good investment.
61. You will never be as young as you are today.
62. Scandinavia is completely worth a visit!
63. Always adapt to the current situation, even if it means you have to check into a 4-star hotel at 3AM.
64. The more you travel the longer you can hold a conversation.
65. Send postcards to your friends and family back home. Everyone loves receiving mail and it is one of the cheapest and most cherished gifts you can send.
66. You should always carry a deck of cards.
67. You will meet Australians everywhere you go and yes they do live up to their reputation.
68. You should try to become comfortable being alone. There is a difference from loneliness and being alone.
69. Just because you are best friends, does not mean you are best travel companions.
70. Always say thank you. Most people will truly appreciate it.
71. You don't usually need to tip, but if you decide to you might make someone's day.
72. It's not the end of the world if you have to resort to Mac Donald’s.
73. Never eat fried mussels off the street. It will not end well for you or anyone around you.
74. Don’t worry if you get chased down the street in Florence…at least it made for a good story.
75. YOLO has become a universal phrase.
76. Don’t worry if you gain some weight; at least you are eating delicious food.
77. Always exchange books with fellow followers, except if you’re reading 50 Shades of Grey, then be careful who you exchange that with.
78. Sometimes you need a rainy day.
79. Get used to not having dishwasher disposals and dryers.
80. Open-minded, optimistic people are some of the best travelers.
81. You can make a drinking game out of just about anything.
82. People watching is one of the most entertaining ways to spend your day.
83. Google maps works without WIFI (well you have to open it in WIFI, but you can still use it when you leave). So does Trip Advisor Cities.
84. Travel light. It is okay to re-wear clothes, no one will even notice.
85. Traveling will change you like little else can.
86. When walking through a new city remember to look up once in a while. You never know what you're going to see.
87. Skinny dipping is always a great idea….if it is cold make sure you have a couple drinks before hand.
88. Do not wear heels if the roads are made of cobblestone.
89. Always carry Chap Stick.
90. Becoming a good storyteller is essential to sharing your experience.
91. People will respect you more if you attempt to speak their language, even if it is just “hello” or “thank you.”
92. Foreign accents will always be sexy.
93. The Greeks are the friendliest and have the best food.
94. The world is a small, yet very large place.
95. Even though you ask everyone the same questions when traveling, each person has their own interesting story to share, so listen to them.
96. Volunteering in a hostel is a great way stay abroad, save money, and meet awesome people.
97. No matter what city you’re in, you will most likely always find an Irish pub.
98. It is important to try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what's right in front of you.
99. The friends you make abroad will inspire you in a way no one else will.
100. It's much better to get bit by the travel bug, rather than a bed bug.
101. The world is a beautiful place and we should explore as much of it as we can!

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