Traveling across Europe for six months was an incredible experience, but upon reflection, there are several things I would change to make my next journey even more enjoyable and stress-free.
As an American exploring iconic destinations like France, the UK, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, I quickly realized there were ways to optimize my travel and make the most of my time. Here are five lessons I’ll carry forward for future European adventures.
1. Embrace Voice Notes for Documentation
As a writer, I thought I’d be diligent about journaling, but by the end of my trip, I was too tired to write detailed entries every day. It wasn’t until the last leg of my travels that I discovered the power of voice notes. Rather than forcing myself to sit down and write after a long day, I could easily record a recap while walking back to my hotel. This method would have been especially helpful during major events like attending the Summer Olympics in Paris. Voice notes help capture the essence of a day in real time, making the memories even more vivid.
2. Account for Train Delays
The European rail system is fantastic, but traveling during the summer presented new challenges, primarily delays. Of the 20+ long-distance train journeys I took, nearly all were delayed, often causing significant stress. A journey from Switzerland to Amsterdam, which should’ve been a smooth two-train trip, ended up involving six different trains and a five-hour delay. In the future, I’ll build in at least a 30-minute buffer between connections to avoid such disruptions.
3. Attend More Music Festivals and Concerts
During my stay in England, I missed a golden opportunity to attend a concert by Hozier, one of my favorite artists, simply because I didn’t research local events ahead of time. The British music festival scene is vibrant, and I wish I’d taken more advantage of it. On future trips, I’ll plan ahead and make it a priority to catch live performances, ensuring I don’t miss out on these enriching cultural experiences.
4. Indulge in More Local Treats
I have a sweet tooth, and Europe’s dessert offerings are second to none. From Victoria sponge cakes and scones in the UK to macarons in France, the temptations were endless. However, I often convinced myself to hold back on indulging in local sweets. Now that I’m back in the US, I regret not sampling more. Next time, I’ll be sure to fully embrace the local culinary culture, especially the pastries, which are a delicious and affordable way to experience a country’s traditions.
5. Explore Cities Early in the Morning
Though I’m not naturally an early riser, I discovered that waking up early offers a whole new perspective of a city. One of the most memorable moments of my trip was watching the sunrise on Prague’s Charles Bridge, where I had the entire place to myself. Exploring a city in the quiet of the morning allows you to experience landmarks in a way that’s not possible later in the day, when they’re often crowded with tourists.
These five lessons have shaped my perspective on how to improve my travels. Whether it’s documenting memories more efficiently, accounting for delays, immersing in local culture through music and food, or simply embracing early mornings, my future trips are sure to be even more rewarding.
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