How to travel

How to travel

Travel broadens the mind (Reisen bildet). After hearing this sentence like 1000 times from my dad, I think I partially get it by now. It gives you new perspectives and shows you other ways of living, which often makes you appreciate what you have, something I could indeed do more. You learn many things about foreign cultures ranging from food to music or religion. Even if you do not travel far, maybe just a few hours by train, you can still see another world, if you look closely. But most of all, you learn more about yourself, which might be the most enriching experience. But how can we mentally get there to see the world with another pair of eyes? I'd like to state in advance that I certainly do not have the answers. I can only give you my opinion and learnings so far as a 23-year-old student, who still has and wants to see most parts of the world. So, let's get into it.

I think the most important part is expectation management. The way you approach a new adventure or journey significantly defines its outcome. If you base your expectations on amazing stories you have heard from your buddies or epic reels from Instagram or TikTok, your trip is most likely going to flop. Every travel is unique and everyone perceives it differently. Do not try to compare your experiences with the experiences of other ones. One might for instance recommend this spectacular safari tour that he has done, but when you follow the advice, you do not see any wild animals. These things happen unfortunately (even when the guide promises faithfully these animals) and we can do nothing about it. Instead of complaining or spending the rest of the day mad in your bed, you should brush it off and get to the next quest. Or, which would be even better, you try to make the most out of what you have and keep an eye out for special birds or try to connect with other guys from the tour - who knows, maybe you make new friends. The same goes for weather or other uncontrollable circumstances. The trip is probably way too short to waste it on regrets. As this advice might sound rather trivial, the tricky part is of course the successful implementation.

That's why you should always keep in mind, as already said, that each trip is unique. I say this for the second time, because I really believe that this is the secret sauce to a good travel. That does not mean you should not listen to tips or recommendations from other travellers. Very often, the ones who have already been to where you are going know the best parts. I usually prefer to listen to actual people I know rather than online blogs, though following this advice makes my article obsolete. But at the end of the day, it's all about making your own experience.

Hence, I believe it is desirable to try out new things to make the trip as unique as possible. Being alone (or with friends) in an unknown city, maybe even in a new country, might be overwhelming. That feeling is normal and sometimes a bit frightening. But that's also where the adventure starts. In my opinion it is hard to really experience something utterly new when you are not leaving your comfort zone. Don't strictly follow your itinerary that you have prepped in advance. Try out new routes, new cafes and new bars now and then. Change the expected for the unexpected. Approach strangers and ask them about their favourite restaurant, maybe they'll start a conversation with you, and you get to know a whole other worldview. That's why I love hostels so much, but I understand everyone who prefers some peace at night. The only thing I would encourage you to do is to at least try it out. If it's not your thing, that's totally fine and, to make that clear, should not stress you any longer just because someone else told you it's awesome. But if you have not tried it out, you will never know that. So, give it a shot and embrace the unknown.

Though you want to bring home as many cool photos and videos as possible, I'd keep it calm. Of course it is great to have some nice memories recorded, but that always comes at the price of the moment. Focusing on the perfect angle for the sunrise might let you not fully appreciate it with your own eyes. What I prefer rather is bringing home some uncommon and interesting souvenirs. Maybe some local spices, a dress or a coffee mug.

But that (as with everything else) is just my humble opinion. At the end of the day, it's up to you to make the most out of your time. I hope this article gave you some useful or fresh advice and can maybe even improve your next travelling experience a little bit. Thanks for reading!