A lot of people are looking for their chance to travel the world and experience the things they’ve only read about in books. I am fortunate enough to have been able to study here In Prague for three and a half months while also traveling around different places in Europe and soaking in all that is the world as we know it.
During my stay, I’ve made a lot of good friends, had a lot of laughs, a few tears, a lot of memorable nights, nights I can’t remember, trips to places I loved and trips to places I thought were okay and wiped out my entire bank account. Throughout all of this, I learned something that cannot be taught, purchased or traveled to. I learned that there is no trip that you can go on that makes you forget about the ones who have been there for you even when you’re thousands of miles away.
I’m lucky to have a little dysfunctional family here that can momentarily distract me from the nagging feeling of sadness that comes along with missing birthdays, holidays and moments when friends and family needed me the most, but the feeling is still there. At the same time, I am so happy to have the kind of people in my life who are worth missing.
Countless times I found myself picking up my phone to call my mom about something I deemed important or wanting to text my friends or siblings to see what they’re doing later. It’s times like these when I look back and think of the things I take for granted. Hugs from mom and dad are so readily available at home; grandma and grandpa live 10 minutes away and my aunts and uncle are always more than willing to let me come over.
This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life so far. I will cherish the friendships and the memories I’ve made and also appreciate the friends, family and memories I already had.
I would like to thank you all for traveling around with me via my blog. It’s been a pleasure.
Europe has my money, but home has my heart.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Europe on a budget?
After a semester of chipping teeth, losing iPods, getting tickets, volcanoes erupting, breaking phones, traveling every weekend and eating like a horse, it only makes sense that I give you future and/or current travelers some pointers on how to make your trip a success without breaking the bank.
As I approach the end of my trip there are several things going through my mind. One of the things I'm thinking about is my lack of funds. I am going to Barcelona for the last five days of my trip and I'm trying to figure out ways I can afford to eat while I'm there. With this thought, I am taken back to my first month here in Europe and I wonder what I could have done differently to save some pennies or Benjamin's...
Here is my advice in no particular order:
Unlike me, you should actually set a budget before you leave. I decided to leave with enough money in my account to last me for what I thought would be forever and not check it for almost a month after I got here. Bad move. It’s better to actually check your bank statements online about once a week so you don’t literally shit your pants when you see $1,000 gone. There went another $26 for laundry….
It might be helpful to research online how much money (on average) people spend in the country or town you’ll be traveling in and try to stick to that as best as you can. Any money left over can be used for souvenirs or another trip!
Don’t be stupid. A mistake I am all too familiar with over here (and back home). Ice is slippery (broken tooth $250), cheap phones aren’t very durable ($25), validate your tram tickets ($40 violation if you don’t), random strangers are not trustworthy so don’t leave your valuables in your coat pockets (RIPiPod $200), weekend excursions are expensive and they add up, when your stomach tells your brain that it’s hungry, stop and think if two snicker bars before dinner is REALLY worth it or if you can wait.
Never trust the weather man. Sunny skies and 65 degrees? Sounds great! The chances of that actually happening are not 100% so keep that in mind. It’s always a good idea to bring an umbrella with you and don’t go on trips if you don’t have extra money for unpredictable problems (i.e. volcanoes erupting).
It’s a good idea to plan your trip on a budget so you don’t come home broke but don’t be unrealistic. Try to give yourself enough money to be comfortable. It’s no fun to be pinching pennies when you’re in a foreign country while you’re trying to make the most of it.
Most importantly, soak it in. Don’t’ try to pack too many things into your trip because you’ll be rushed and annoyed. Fun stories can come out of losing things, getting your plans changed by a natural disaster or wandering around with your friends.
School: $3,300
Trips: $2,500
Lost/stolen/damaged/fined: $600
Souvenirs: $500
Making friends and having a time you’ll never forget: Priceless
As I approach the end of my trip there are several things going through my mind. One of the things I'm thinking about is my lack of funds. I am going to Barcelona for the last five days of my trip and I'm trying to figure out ways I can afford to eat while I'm there. With this thought, I am taken back to my first month here in Europe and I wonder what I could have done differently to save some pennies or Benjamin's...
Here is my advice in no particular order:
Unlike me, you should actually set a budget before you leave. I decided to leave with enough money in my account to last me for what I thought would be forever and not check it for almost a month after I got here. Bad move. It’s better to actually check your bank statements online about once a week so you don’t literally shit your pants when you see $1,000 gone. There went another $26 for laundry….
It might be helpful to research online how much money (on average) people spend in the country or town you’ll be traveling in and try to stick to that as best as you can. Any money left over can be used for souvenirs or another trip!
Don’t be stupid. A mistake I am all too familiar with over here (and back home). Ice is slippery (broken tooth $250), cheap phones aren’t very durable ($25), validate your tram tickets ($40 violation if you don’t), random strangers are not trustworthy so don’t leave your valuables in your coat pockets (RIPiPod $200), weekend excursions are expensive and they add up, when your stomach tells your brain that it’s hungry, stop and think if two snicker bars before dinner is REALLY worth it or if you can wait.
Never trust the weather man. Sunny skies and 65 degrees? Sounds great! The chances of that actually happening are not 100% so keep that in mind. It’s always a good idea to bring an umbrella with you and don’t go on trips if you don’t have extra money for unpredictable problems (i.e. volcanoes erupting).
It’s a good idea to plan your trip on a budget so you don’t come home broke but don’t be unrealistic. Try to give yourself enough money to be comfortable. It’s no fun to be pinching pennies when you’re in a foreign country while you’re trying to make the most of it.
Most importantly, soak it in. Don’t’ try to pack too many things into your trip because you’ll be rushed and annoyed. Fun stories can come out of losing things, getting your plans changed by a natural disaster or wandering around with your friends.
School: $3,300
Trips: $2,500
Lost/stolen/damaged/fined: $600
Souvenirs: $500
Making friends and having a time you’ll never forget: Priceless
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