I’ve never really understood the immense emotion that comes with travelling solo for the first time until of course I did it myself.
At the time of writing it has been 80 days since my first European summer adventure began and 24 days since I have arrived home. Upon arrival back to Sydney I have
- A deflated bank account
- Countless photos which are STILL yet to be posted on Instagram
- Been liking every story my new international friends have posted
On the 6th of July 2023 I took a leap into the unknown. My first solo international trip. I had spent every spare moment I had between work, uni, athletics training, coaching and competing, it was finally time to step foot on the plane and explore European countries for the first time.
As much as I had planned and prepared every little bit of my trip, nothing could have prepared me for the emotions I had never felt before, unforgettable moments and unexplained joys in life.
I did all the clique things one does on their first European adventures but it would be quite rude not to mention them. I met the most lovely people from all over the world (and even my own country). Sometimes it’s not until you travel abroad that you realise how big Australia actually is. For example, my Conitki group which consisted of a total of 50 people (47 girls might I add) had only 15 people in total who WEREN’T AUSSIE! Crazy when you think about it from an outsiders perspective but actually Contiki seems to be the most popular group tour company amongst Commonwealth countries. I say Commonwealth because there were a few girls from New Zealand and one lovely girl from South Africa (Probably would’ve made more sense to say Commonwealth countries if it were more than just 3 of the 56 but you get the gist).
After being out and about travelling for 2 months I have compiled the most uniquely exquisite list of me favourite cities
- Ibiza, Spain
- Paros, Greece
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
The order actually isn’t too important here, but these places I know will leave the most outstanding memories in my wee little mind. I was lucky enough to visit 8 different countries! Those being, England, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, The Netherlands and Hungary.
I could go on and on about my trip… which I still do, but to be a sense of wisdom to the younger people in my life ya know 🙂 Spreading the do’s & don’ts. I’m not here to deny the fact that yes, travelling can be expensive but trust me it will all be worth it. The breath of fresh air in a new city, the sounds of sirens that are just a little distinctive from the ones you know back home, the road signs that are look so similar yet so different.
Life your best life FOR YOU. Happiness is just around the corner and LET THAT BUG BITE.
RakOnTour 