Big news! I am going back to Europe! I visited Italy and Hungary back in 2009, on a big group tour with my high school choir. Then, on my way home from Nepal in 2013, I set foot back in Europe for a whopping two days. There is such a huge variety of places to see and things to do throughout the continent of Europe and I have only explored itty bitty pieces of it. I figured, in 2017, it was time to visit again.
So for three weeks in April, I will be gallivanting through Europe, exploring some big cities and some small towns I’d never heard of. I have created a list of travel goals that I’d like to accomplish on this trip, and I wanted to share them with you!
Pack Carry-On Only
There are just so many perks to having less stuff to worry about when traveling. When I traveled to Central America in 2016, I only brought my carry-on sized backpack. But even then, that puppy was STUFFED to the brim. After that experience, I feel confident that I can pack even lighter for my trip to Europe.
Learn New Languages
My Spanish is okay, and I can say “Hello” in lots of different languages, but that’s as far as my language skills stretch right now. Visiting Europe means I’m going to be exposed to may different languages. For this trip, I’m going to need to know enough of 4 different languages to get by. I’ve already fired up my Duolingo app and have checked out some lessons on Memrise. I’m getting pretty darn good at saying “please” and “thank you” in Romanian…
Eat ALL The Food
The vast range of diversity in Europe means SO much amazing food. I’m going to eat waffles every day in Belgium and stuff my face with Italian food. I’m also excited to have the opportunity to try many different new cuisines and street foods.
Learn The Truth About Ryanair
I have heard really mixed things about Europe’s famous low-cost airline. Ryanair is notorious for nickel-and diming their passengers- similar to the reputations of low-cost airlines in the US like Spirit or Allegiant Air. However, I know that if you familiarize yourself with all their policies, Ryanair can be a budget travelers best friend. I bought my flight from Belgium to Romania for less than $6. Yup.
Try Out Couchsurfing
There are also some mixed reviews about couchsurfing. What exactly is it? Well, it’s people across the world opening their homes for travelers to stay in. It does not always mean crashing on couches- often people have whole guest rooms available. I haven’t couchsurfed before, but I know it’s a great way to keep costs low!
Despise Museums Less
It’s a little known fact that I’m really not a huge fan of museums. But with all the art, history, and incredible artifacts on display throughout Europe, I’m going to have to get over my issues with museums. I probably won’t be hitting up any art museums, because…just…bleh. But I have found some others that sound like they won’t bore me to tears!
Make Friends
I will be flying solo on this trip, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be all alone! I’ve found that traveling by myself opens up lots of opportunity to meet new people. I have met some of the coolest people while traveling abroad and I can’t wait to meet more!
Manage to Not Get Sick
I….tend to struggle with this goal. Last year, I came home from Central America with Zika virus. I managed to completely lose my voice for a whole week in Australia. And I won’t even go into the mountain of fun tummy troubles I always run into abroad. So, it is my goal to go through this trip and return home as a healthy, normally functioning human being. Can it even be done? We’ll find out…
Want to follow along on my Europe trip? I’ll be regularly posting on Facebook and Instagram, so feel free to join!
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20 Comments
I love your new year goals!! if you learn the truth about Ryanair please tell me 🙂
I’m also trying to go carryon only! It’s a big step for me but I think it’s manageable. Also, eat all the food is one of my life goals! We have similar goals, lol.
Your trip sounds so exciting! I’ve flown Ryanair many times, it’s not that bad. Just make sure you buy any food or drink before you get on the plane, and be prepared to spend the entire flight listening to the cabin crew trying to sell you food/duty-free/scratch cards over the PA system…
I absolutely adore Europe so I’m glad to hear you will be paying us a visit! Also, Ryanair has gotten much better over the last couple of years – they don’t even tend to enforce the cabin bag size limits any more, which used to be a real pain. They will try to charge you an arm and a leg for the tiniest of things, so do follow whatever they say. Also, it doesn’t look like you will be crossing over to England, but happy to help with the planning if you decide to! Best of luck!
You are going to have so much fun in Europe! Yes, Ryanair does tend to nickel and dime, even charging for water but look at the amazing rate you received with them. More than makes up for the €2 charge! And, yes you may not have much leg room but really, what carriers do anymore these days? Sounds like an amazing trip, have fun!
How exciting. Europe is my “go to” place. If there’s ever a place to have my heart, Europe is it. How you can ever contemplate going with only carry on though is out of my world 🙂 something I never even try to do!! You will have an absolute blast and yes, definitely try all the food. Some of the most amazing (and different) cuisine in the world.
Great goals! I like the Ryanair one 🙂 I do a lot of CouchSurfing, I highly recommend it! Just make sure your hosts have a LOT of good reviews. And make sure there are some females in the reviews. By doing that, I’ve ONLY ever had good experiences 😀 😀
Sounds like an incredible trip you have planned! Good luck with the carry one travelling (we’re going to attempt this with our trips to Italy and Iceland this year). Hats off to you for all your language learning – 4 is pretty good going!
this looks like a very exciting trip! a pity you are not coming to Paris though. Good luck with Ryan Air, I am not very fan of it 😉
What an awesome plan! I look forward to reading about your adventures and also about finding out the truth of Ryanair!
Good travel plan, best of luck to you! If you don’t like museums as much, why not visit some that are less popular and less crowded? Also, the most interesting items are usually found in smaller museums and the guides tend to offer a lot more information.
I love this list! My life changed when I discovered RyanAir, so I feel you on that. Museums are also hit and miss for me so I try to go on free days if they have them. Thanks for an enjoyable read and good luck fitting everything in that carry-on 🙂
Glad to hear you enjoyed RyanAir!
Looks like it’s going to be an exciting year of travels for you! Great goals, btw. I’d love to read about your future museum adventures. Safe travels x
Thanks! I can’t wait to write about my trip!
We’ve travelled with Ryanair recently for the first time and can recommend it. Before, we always used Wizzair but their policy change for carry-on isn’t great. You can only bring one small back-pack with you; Ryanair allows a big and small one.
If you want to travel to Romania, check out the Airports Brussels and Weeze, they’re insanely cheap and easy to get to (Flixbus for example).
If you come to Romania, drop us a message. We’re hill until Fall.
Cheerio
I’m glad to hear some positive feedback on Ryanair! So far, my experience hasn’t been bad. We’ll just see what they make of my backpack…
I am going to travel with Ryanair at the end of this month from Romania to Milano to enjoy some Italian museums. I totally agree with your perspective about museums.
P.S. Nice article – Keep up the good work
Thank you! Check out my article on RyanAir for some tips! 🙂
Great itinerary. Europe is still one of the best tourist destinations in the world and being there is like a dream come true for you. Keep up your goals Brianna. Good job.