Travel, explore, repeat.
I powered up the slope with determination and pumping adrenaline, I reached the summit, thinking that once I was there and could see the mountain recede underneath me I would feel a sense of achievement and awe, instead I was met with the unexpected realization of how small and alone I was, standing on the stop of an snowy mountain watching the mist role around the gullies beneath me, no one in the world knew where I was or what I was doing, that was one of the most exhilarating and terrifying moments of my life”
Anyone who’s travelled knows its one of the most enriching experiences of life, full of new cultures, people, food, landscapes and climates. But you would also know its not always what you expect, social media fill ours minds with glorified photo shopped images of exotic people and places but sometimes when you step of the plane and into the unknown the world can be a damn scary place.
When we start to plan a trip a lot of questions come up:
- Where should I go?
- Who should I go with?
- Should I travel alone, with a partner or with friends?
- How much money will I need?
- Should I plan the trip out from start to finish or wing it as I go?
Monday's getting real session will be on all things travel, from smart tips like how to budget, stay safe and avoid tourist scams, to holiday romance etiquette, partying over seas and avoiding dodgy situations/people and how to nicely tell a creep to leave you the heck alone.
Everyone has their own travel experiences and can have something to share, from horror stories to the best days of our lives we want to know! Maybe you’re planning a trip right now? Are on an adventure that isn’t going exactly to plan, or are suffering from a bout of post travel blues come join us for some chats and story telling times at the getting real session next week.
JOIN US - 8PM AEST MONDAY 10th MARCH
I think the best way to overcome alot of fears about travel is to just get the courage to try it, some of those fears will come up, but when travelling your mindset is different, you think more laterally about situations and often find ways to overcome things that you wouldnt normaly at home!
@SJG definitely - I've surprised myself a few times with creative solutions in the moment! I think sometimes it can be useful to think ahead about some of these things though - like say with dietary requirements/allergies, it could be helpful to do some research in advance about where some places are that cater for those needs, so that when you arrive in a city you know a few places you can eat (even if you don't end up going there - just to have that knowledge if you need it). Same kinds of things for money troubles or anxieties - know what your budget/needs are and have some plans in place (whether or not those plans get used is a different matter!).
There's lots to plan and take into account when you're deciding to travel. Are you a planner, or do you prefer to take things as they come and see what happens? What might be the benefits of taking each approach?
There's lots to plan and take into account when you're deciding to travel. Are you a planner, or do you prefer to take things as they come and see what happens? What might be the benefits of taking each approach?
I'm a bit of both. I like having done some preparation; don't have the guts to go straight into it! With planning, you know where you'd like to go and what you'd like to do. There may be some good chances that things do run smoothly and the trip is the way that you've imagined it. Taking things as it goes, I see it as being as open-minded to whatever you encounter and gives you a great adrenaline rush! To me, wandering around is like making your own adventure and it gives you the opportunity to find little nooks, crannies and gems in the heart of your travels that the guides never tell you about.
@SJG wrote:
There's lots to plan and take into account when you're deciding to travel. Are you a planner, or do you prefer to take things as they come and see what happens? What might be the benefits of taking each approach?
I am 100% a planner. Before I go travelling I print out info about where I'm going, make lists of potential things I want to do in each place, copy all my ID and give to a few people as well as carry copies and have scans in my email in case of stolen passport, etc... That said, I usually arrive somewhere and all my plans go out the window and I end up doing whatever comes up as I go - often wandering in mountains/bushland and playing with stray animals and random children. But having the plans there helps alleviate my anxiety, even if they don't end up getting used 🙂 I think before arriving somewhere, I'm a planner, then when I get there, I take things as they come. Bit of a contradiction!
I plan NOTHING!!!!! It gets me into trouble sometimes, but i usually travel in off season so its not so busy. I think not planning opens you up to a whole bunch of experiences you wouldnt have had if you had planned, but it can be very stressful and exhausting if you are travelling for extended periods of time
Sounds like most you up are up for almost anything! Brave people.
Traveling anywhere - whether it's a weekend trip a few hours away, or months on the other side of the world, involves being willing and ready to change. Changing expectations is just one challenge of travelling. What are some things that you think might get in the way of travelling? (this might be things like daily routines, what they want to eat, etc…)
@SJG wrote:
Changing expectations is just one challenge of travelling. What are some things that you think might get in the way of travelling? (this might be things like daily routines, what they want to eat, etc…)
I think even things like adjusting your expectations in terms of stuff as simple as noise levels while you're trying to sleep (hostel living ftw); being more accomodating for other people than you might normally be; things like allergies that might impact where you can eat; and of course things like anxiety are important in determining what you want to do and what is realistic for you to be able to do without pushing yourself to breaking point.
Changing expectations is just one challenge of travelling. What are some things that you think might get in the way of travelling?
Stuff like money (money exchanges and rates as well as carrying it around + accessing it in public places like banks), getting around the town/city, keeping up to date with current affairs and language. I think language is a big one as well as the non-verbal mannerisms that you display towards locals. What you say or do may seem normal to you but it could be fairly offensive to others 😕
@gail Whoooaaaaaa~that's pretty scary 😧 Although, were the roasted chestnuts tasty?
Have you done much travel? Where have you been? Where is number one on your 'places I want to go' list?
I've been to quite a few places, but I really want to explore the mountains in new zealand and maybe head to Ireland sometime in the near future. I think I want to hang out on some mountains and maybe roll down a grassy knoll or two 🙂
Hey Hayden!!!
Thats is so cool!! i was just in Copenhagen/Kobenhavn 😉 I loved it there so much it is my dream city, totally agree with the falling in love with the culture and the people. How are you finding the cold? And yes the terrifying part is so true, just the fact that you know you are on the other side of the world to everyone from home is pretty overwhelming, i bet youre having the time of your life though!!
Hey Sophia,
It really is amazing! What did you get to see when you were there? And what were your favourite experiences backpacking through Europe?
The cold is all-pervasive, but as someone who loves cold weather, it only took me a while to get used to it! It's different, though, because in København it is so cold that most people just stay indoors 😛 However, it gives you an excuse to study instead of going out too much!
Another thing I want to say is: If you are in a country for more than 3 months, I strongly encourage you to learn the language. The feeling of being able to interact with another culture in their home is not only rewarding, but instantly warms them to you, because you are showing genuine interest and putting effort into experiencing their culture and lifestyle. 🙂
@Scyther I was actually writing a huge assesment for a short term exchange i did in Holland in January when i was in Copenhagen, so i was a bit of a hermit! But i saw the little mermaid and took a killer selfie with her, i also have red hair so i thought it was fitting! haha But i found the most amazing cafe called Paeleo Pilstreade, you must go there and get the pulled pork wrap.
Wow thats so amazing that you are learning the language, i can imagine it would help a lot, i know alot of Scandinavians can come across as being a bit cold, but once you get to know them theyre awesome people. What are you studying over there? Have you got a bike? They are pretty crazy on those things arent they!
That's exactly how they are. But I think people overemphasise the coldness, such as when I had classes with some Americans and they were making dramatically unrealistic horror stories about how mean Scandinavians are. They're not mean, they just act a little shy, I think.
Of course I have a bike! You won't survive in the city of cycling without one 😉
@Scyther yep youve got it! Holland was fantastic, and Amsterdam is such a fun city and so beautiful, but Copenhagen is much more user friendly, you made a good choice! I totally agree, they just have a different way of relating to strangers than Aussies do! I have a lot of Scandinavian friends and they are fantastic! Have you been up to Sweden or Norway yet? And yes the bikes are awesome, i had one for the months i was in Holland and it was my new best friend!
@Scyther Yeah i have been to Oslo! I have friends who live there and they showed me around and took me out so i had a completely different experience!! I really liked it! But i prefer Copenhagen 🙂
Planning is definitely important in most cases. If you are well-planned you can avoid all of the abundant things that can go very wrong! I've learned from experience.
Some things are way more expensive when planned last minute, but things like hostels I find are actually cheaper! Probably because they expect not to sell out last minute so they lower prices.
There's lots to plan and take into account when you're deciding to travel. Are you a planner, or do you prefer to take things as they come and see what happens? What might be the benefits of taking each approach?
I'm totally a planner, and I think that is advantageous because it means that you might already have some strategies in place that you can use if things don't go according to plan and have a bit more knowledge of the place you are travelling to. I do think it is equally important to be flexible though, so you don't get stressed out if plans change. Taking things as they come would probably allow you to be more open to things, and I think that is important too.
Sounds like there's benefits to both sides!
So, as our final question for the night... Whether you're an experienced traveller or not, what are your top three essential travel tips?
So, as our final question for the night... Whether you're an experienced traveller or not, what are your top three essential travel tips?
Mine would be:
1) Don't underestimate what you can deal with until you're faced with the most ridiculous situations imagineable
2) Keep spare undies, toothpaste/toothbrush, medications and phone charger in your little backpack/bag if you're leaving your large bag in a hostel (or flying). You never know when your large bag will disappear.
3) Earplugs! If you're staying in hostels, make sure you have some. You will inevitably be grateful for them in shared rooms.
