Mistakes

Mistakes happen when you travel. In fact, they happen a lot. They are 100% unavoidable in life whether you are going down the street or around the world. Human nature is forgetful. We miss things. We make mistakes. 

I know I’ve made quite a few, so to help you avoid some basic ones, heres what I’ve learned: 

#1, When you book a hostel, look at a map. (also, know how to read a map, it’s a life skill).

It was the summer of 2016 and my best friend and I were about to backpack Europe for a few weeks. Stop number one was Fort Williams, Scotland. My friend was really into Scottish culture and couldn’t miss the chance to see this beautiful part of the world.

Going along with it, I agreed we should fly into Glasgow and take a bus to Fort Williams, a two hour journey away. (Piece of advice: after you travel 14 hours on two planes and sleep in an airport, you are very very tired. Book a hostel in whatever town you land in and enjoy a day of rest).  

Two hours and two days later from when we left San Francisco, we arrived to Fort Williams, the last stop on the bus route. We were starving, tired and ready for nap time. Unfortunately for us, our hostel was not in the city center. In fact, it was five miles away. Strapping our packs on our backs, we began to walk through the rain to end up at our hostel.

Once we did, we realized quickly that we were very underdressed and underprepared. This was a true mountaineers backpacking retreat. Everyone there had walked, I repeat, walked, from Glasgow. They were mountaineers through and through and were not only prepared for the weather, but did not believe in technology and already had their meals prepped and precooked to be heated over a fire. We stuck out like two sore thumbs. 

We were not quite so prepared. We had planned on having dinner in the city center but dreading the five mile walk back to town. We had no choice but to hitchhike in the rain if we wanted to eat that day. So we did. A very nice couple had picked us up and took us to a simple chain restaurant that served terrible food. From there we called a taxi back to the hostel, ready to walk the five miles the next day to catch a train out of there. 

So to sum it up, check where exactly on a map the hostel is. Five miles away from the heart of San Francisco is still accessible by bus, train, or taxi service. Five miles from the heart of Fort Williams is not quite the same. Use a map.

#2, If you leave a purse open and are inattentive, you will be pick pocketed. 

I have traveled dozens of countries and knock on wood have been pick pocketed just once in my life. I ended up losing fifty euros simply because I didn’t zip up my purse while out dancing and drinking in Malta. I stood at a crowded bar with my purse on my hip, wide open for anyone with quick fingers to reach in and snag some easy cash. So to all my lovely ladies, zip up your bags, use those little hidden pockets inside, pay attention. I lost money, which can be replaced. Passports, keys and other valuables aren’t so easy to recover once gone. There will be pickpockets everywhere you go. They are sly, so be smart. 

#3, Your health is the number one priority when traveling. And sleep is the best way to stay healthy. 

You will get tired. There’s no way not to with all the sights to see, new foods to try and inevitable lag from buses, planes and trains. However, you need to find a way to get good sleep. It will take a while but figure out what works for you and have no shame in it. 

For some people, light is an issue so invest in an eye mask or a hat. For others its the heat or cold, so know when to wear layers and have things easily accessible in your pack. For others still its noise. Headphones or ear plugs will be a great solution for this. For me, its space. I’m 5’10” so I like to stretch out. Sometimes this means sleeping on the floor of stations, trains and busses. People will stare, people will judge, but it is worth it to be well rested. Do what it takes to get a good night’s sleep. Your happiness and health will thank you. 

#4 The EuroRail is a bad idea. Trust me. You can save money and time without it. 

Everyone likes the idea of the EuroRail. Its a classic way to travel Europe and for many first timers, it seems like a savvy way to spend money. But it is a mistake. Not only will there be restrictions and does it have a hefty price tag, but you will also still pay cash for tickets. Not included in the $700 price packet is reservations, which are needed on most trains in France, Italy and Spain. So even with the EuroRail pass, you will be spending more cash to get on the train. My advice is to take buses, planes or single day tickets when you are traveling on trains. You’ll save money and time this way. 

#5 Not spending money when you want to

I get it, traveling is expensive. But what’s more expensive is having to buy a plane ticket back to a place because you didn’t get to do what you really wanted to do. Money comes and goes, so spend it on things you want to do. 

When I first started traveling I often balked at prices for museums and activities. Did I really want to spend $15 on the Shakespeare globe theater? (I chose not to and regret it to this day. I’ll end up going back to London soon to see it). The worst feeling is missing out on something and then ending the trip with enough coins in your pocket to have entered anyway. Money comes and goes. This doesn’t mean buy and do everything (unless you can afford it, then by all means do it), but if it is important to you, please please go. You don’t want to regret it.