When I turned 25 I made a promise to myself. This would be my year. And girrrrrl, was it?!
I took 18 flights to over 10 cities in 6 countries and captured an infinite number of pictures. (Aside from travelling I also worked my a** off in my job, bought a house and renovated it. But those are stories for a different post!)
In honor of entering year 26, here are
25 things I learned while travelling when I was 25.
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Back up your memory cards. I never want to spend weeks trying to recover 500+ images of Portugal from a corrupt Micro SD card again.
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It’s possible to make an entire meal with the ‘free food’ box at your hostel.
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Ryan air flights to ‘London’ cost less than the transfer from the Stansted airport to actual London.
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Alternate universes exist. (Lake Como is too beautiful to be part of earth.)
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Vlogging is hard. I tried, and failed. Perhaps 26 will be the year of video? (please leave your tips in the comments!)
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Don’t pack a different outfit for every day. Inevitably you will wear the same shorts 90% of the trip and carry around a bunch of unnecessary items ‘just in case’. Leave it at home.
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Take the jump shot. The funny stares you may get while you leap about are worth it for the memories you capture.
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Plan a trip with your best friend. I’m a die-hard solo traveler, but travelling with your BFF is a joy everyone should have at least once.
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It’s possible to exist on a diet of only pizza and gelato. And it’s marvelous.
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-18oC hurts your face and shuts down your camera.
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Don’t pay for seat selection, it’s always free at check-in, no matter how many times they try to trick you before-hand.
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You can travel without going abroad. I road-tripped across Scotland four times this year and fell even more in love it’s beauty.
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Don’t pre-order the vegetarian option on flights. 9/10 there’s a veggie choice in the main menu and if you pre-order you get the gluten-free, dairy free, kosher & every other dietary requirement in one meal (I was once served plain steamed broccoli & white rice).
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Malta is underrated. I wrote a whole other blog on it, but really… go to Malta!
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When visiting the London Harry Potter Studios, take snacks. The café is 2+ hours in.
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In Pisa you must take a picture holding up the leaning tower, it’s tourist law.
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When boarding a flight, there is no rush, you’re all getting on the same plane.
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Unless you’re boarding a budget airline flight. Then rush, because they let a limited number of cabin bags on board.
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Scottish beaches are pristine. (Probably because it’s never warm enough for a picnic.)
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Snapchat Maps is creepy, but a great way to preview where you’re headed for an accurate weather status.
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Bike rental is the best way to explore. Its affordable, you see more than walking & you stay fit too.
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Instagram is not the reason to travel, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying taking pictures & posing a little. (I will openly admit I have walked further and done more to get great pics, it’s a win-win).
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Yoga on the hostel roof in Portugal makes for the best start to a day.
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Walking 12 miles in Scotland and walking 12 miles in southern Portugal is not the same thing. One requires significantly more water & energy.
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When you get the opportunity to go somewhere or see something, TAKE IT.
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