50 Things I Learnt in 1 Month of Travelling

Are you going to spend one month traveling in Europe?

Every journey is an adventure, and the journey itself is one very valuable experience. It teaches you things which you otherwise had no idea you could do or not. I’ve made a list of the small and significant things I learnt in 1 month of travelling.

I shall call this a month of researching the world because travelling is about exploring and shifting perspectives. It is about the unplanned and unforeseeable. For some, the idea that something might go wrong is the ultimate failure. But for others, it is a chance to grow and evolve on a personal level. I call this personal growth.

And with that being said, I have some findings to share with you. Take it as you will; I find it hilarious but also mind-opening. It gives you a glimpse into what might happen and what to expect. But of course, each trip is unique, and we are all unique in our travel style. So if this isn’t you, then feel free to amuse yourself.

One month of travelling looks like a lot of things, but most importantly, here’s what I found.

Lessons learnt from solo travelling in Europe

1. A backpack is enough
2. Don’t value things based on their price
3. Never judge people before you get to talk to them
4. Food is cheap and easy to find
5. Send the postcard yourself (and buy the postcard and a stamp as soon as you get there)
6. Amazing mornings are those ones with coffee to go and some bakery stuff you enjoy in a park.
7. Don’t try to ride a bike and hold a coffee at the same time
8. Water is expensive; drink tap water (in Europe, it should be safe)
9. Keep a notebook with you at all times, and write things down
10. Don’t say no to new things
11. Rain is just water (and also a free shower)
12. Taking an overnight train/bus is cheap and will save a night in a hostel
13. Money has the value we set for it in our minds
14. You don’t have to be rich to travel
15. Meeting new people can only lead to amazing adventures (but respect no. 10)
16. Rest when you need it
17. Don’t take things personally
18. Take pics of the things you like (take loads of photos!)
19. Ask people to take pics of you
20. Don’t be afraid to talk to people. If you feel like talking, just do it
21. Buy internet roaming (or a sim card from that country)
22. Google is your best friend (trust Google before trusting a stranger you just met)
23. Don’t commit to things which don’t serve you
24. Choose comfort over fashion
25. Wear good walking shoes
26. Wash your clothes when you have the chance
27. If it’s not written somewhere that something is forbidden, then it’s ok to do it
28. Always be aware of your surroundings, people, places
29. The best things are free
30. Galleries with sales are free museums
31. Ask for things; most people will be happy to help you.
32. Always have 10 EUR in cash (some trains can drop you off in the middle of nowhere)
33. Pack your swimming suit
34. Do it now, don’t say you have time to do something later (a pic, a walk, buy that postcard)
35. Someone will always judge you.
36. Have your favourite music on your phone, a photo of your family and the address of the next stop.
37. Beer is the cheapest drink, anywhere
38. Don’t buy crap; photos are the most valuable memories.
39. Be nice; it’s important.
40. Check the schedule before going someplace.
41. Try not to get your shoes wet
42. Travelling when you’re younger is cheaper.
43. Have a student card with you, or something similar
44. Don’t pack more than you can carry by yourself
45. Dealing with people requires patience
46. But always be ready to act fast
47. It is possible to take the wrong bus/metro twice on the same night.
48. Asking people for directions is generally a useful thing
49. But getting lost in a new city is a wonderful way to explore if it’s daylight
50. Travelling alone is the best way to discover the world and, more important, to discover oneself.

Enjoy the journey; If you’re able to pull off one month of traveling, you’re already one of the lucky ones. Also, remember that nothing bad can come out of it!

And if you want or simply like this kind of adventure, make sure to check out the 3-week itinerary for your first trip to Europe. It’s packed with all my best tips on how to make your trip unforgettable.