Things I'm learning about traveling:
1. Bad shoes and poor clothing choices unsuited for the weather can definitely change a traveling experience entirely. It seems like a given, but how many times have I seen some girl go out, wearing a cute new dress, only to be complaining the whole damn night about it being cold. If you're shivering because you didn't bring a proper jacket or crying inside because you wanted to look cool in your boots or stilettos (why???) while walking ALL DAY through the city, all that you will remember about "that" place will be that it was something slightly miserable.
So I'm going to embrace my inner dork and pack my tennis shoes next time I hit up Prague's Petrin Hill, because holy shit do my feet hurt.
2. Have time.And make sure everyone in your group is on the same page about this, because some people have their tourist sight iteneraries engraved and unmovably stubbornly set in their minds, thinking they can hit up 10 sights & Museums in one day. That kind of plan is "possible." However, that kind of plan is a rapid blur meaningless and exhausting. If you feel yourself having to reread a museum pamphlet 3 times, because you keep zoning out, or find yourself staring at a painting, but have no rememberance of what it was of, then it's time for a break. The best travel days have always been the one's were you fit 2-3 things to do (wander the old city & grab a gelato, see the Dali Museum, take a nap on the beach with a baguette sandwich, hit up the pub at happy hour). Always have time to wander. Always have time completely unplanned.
3. Sit.Yes, I love to lounge. If I were an animal, I'd be a fat lazy house cat, lying in a windowsill all day in sunbeams. But, when you're standing and walking an extensive amount of the day (Prague yesterday=12 hours + dancing at club for 4), you will need to give yourself a break. Go with your instincts, how your body feels, most of the time it will need to rest to be able to take in the next sight. Naps are wonderful or just laying in general. Today in Prague I layed around on the grass lawns of Petrin Hill, with a box of fresh berries, and took a 2 hour rest/nap/lounge session. In Paris, my two friends and I found ourselves just sitting on a sidwalk bench for 2 1/2 hours, talking, zoning out-it was awesome. We then proceeded to find the small park next door to Shakespeare and Company, across the street from the Notre Dame, and have a picnic and then again nap. I say for every standing/walking one hour, there should be 30 minutes-1 hour of resting. Taking the shoes off is also very nice when doing this resting, and helps immensely. This time is also a time to soak in the culture and be less tourist and more local. Have a cup a coffee, a beer, take a picnic, a nap outside, or sit on a park bench with some other old local men. The Italian don't say il dolce far niente for nothing.
4. Oh Money.It is the biggest stress factor for any traveler on a budget. Understand the currency first before you leave! Count your change. Always have a bigger budget than you intend on spending. You will spend more than you intend on spending. Have certain categories-street food fund, beer fund, club cover fund, museum fund, public transportation fund, hostel fund, etc. But then there's souvenir fund...This one makes me sad, but many like myself really end up having no money for souvenirs at the end of a trip. I've bought one thing this entire time (a flying cat statue from Strasbourg). If there's a particular thing with a story behind I'd go for it, but skip the eiffel tower key chains and I heart Prague t-shirts. You will spend money. Get over it. I say this for myself...I haven't learned to not stress so much about it yet. All I know is the next time I'm coming to Europe I'm getting a job here-paid in Euros!
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