The Things I Wish I'd Known Before Going Travelling

May 28

May 28 The Things I Wish I'd Known Before Going Travelling

When I graduated from university, my thoughts didn't go straight to jobs, the future or what I was going to do with my (kinda pointless) degree. Nope, all I knew was that I wanted to get away for a bit. Four years of hard slog an learning had taken its toll and I was ready to let loose. So a friend and I began planning our epic trip around Europe. Here are the 10 things I wish I'd known before I left home for five weeks:

It always costs more than you'd think. We saved and saved, and managed to round up enough money for a 'budget' trip, but phone calls home to Mum and Dad were bound to happen the minute a white water rafting trip was dangled in front of our faces.
Flexibility is key. There is no point in going about things with a set idea in mind of what you're going to do/where you're going to go. Sometimes it's more fun to go with the flow. After all, it's the best way to meet new people and try out new things!
Check the weather! I'm a little obsessed with doing this now, only thanks to the fact that we were caught out in a storm with the total opposite of appropriate clothes. And we stayed out...like drowned rats. Hunger is a great motivator.
You won't always get along. 24 hours a day every day for goodness knows how long can take its toll on anyone. We managed pretty well because we both like 'quiet time'. Thank God I have a friend I can say nothing to for four hours and not feel uncomfortable!
The best people are usually travelling on their own too! We met so many great people, and had some amazing times with them on our little adventure.
You don't actually need a backpack. Seriously. We actually thought that 'backpacking' meant backpacking. Our backs were broken lugging around huge packs when we could've been rolling around a suitcase. Hindsight, eh?

I have some fantastic memories from my trip around Europe. I go as often as I can, and one day hope to go on an epic trip again. And I'll be wheeling a suitcase next time!