First Week Impressions

After less than a week of traveling solo for the first time, I’ve had a variety of new experiences and I thought I would pass on things that I do so that it might be useful for others! I’m by no means an expert at all (hell I thought it was called the 16th Chapel in the Vatican only until a couple years ago).

In no particular order here are my tips:

  • Stay optimistic but prepare for the unlikely! Prep in your mind what you’d do if you lost everything including your passport, so you don’t freakout if it happens (I hope I don’t have to experience this!)
  • Use your phone for useful apps, and check out what’s out there in the app store, but I wouldn’t rely on your phone for everything! I have a BlackBerry so it doesn’t have a ton (like 4) of good apps, but the ones I’ve seen on other phones with a mo’ bettah app selection is really cool. Write down addresses, flight/train/bus details, things to see, maps (download maps so they can be used offline) Technology doesn’t cooperate all the time
  • I leave my phone in the locker at the hostel when going out at night. I would be super bummed if I lost it, and I don’t find it worth it for a few blurry night pics 😉
  • Memorize maps or jot down streetnames/directions. Its what I’ve started doing, navigation doesn’t come easy to my ol’ brain so by doing this I think I’m getting better, plus it helps you not look like such a tourist (i.e. a target for pickpockets) by having just a palm-sized notebook in your hand versus a huge map.
  • keep your stuff locked up in the hostel when away or sleeping. Chances are slim of theft but its better to be safe
  • keep everything together when at a hostel, don’t spread out. I like to mark my territory by sprawling out with my things but if I did that here there’s a good chance I’d forget something
  • try to first say hi or excuse me in the local language where you’re going. Although I have absolutely butchered and maimed Czech, I tried
  • be weary of drinking with big germans. Makes for a world of hurt the next morning

On the bus to Budapest now. So far the countryside looks surprisingly canadian.

Daypack on right and regular pack on left

Daypack on right and regular pack on left

Majority of my things on this trip

Majority of my things on this trip

3 thoughts on “First Week Impressions

  1. Len

    Love tip #8. That’s one way to lose a passport! Try taking a photo of your passport for record…….digital back-up passports are coming 🙂

    Reply

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