6 Things I Have Learned while Traveling in Europe this summer

1. Design your own trip. 
 I was planning a summer break for 45 days in Europe with a base in London. (I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family.) It was tempting to take an all-inclusive 12 day trip with Cosmos Tours to a few countries in Europe. The convenience of escorted travel and security appealed to me. However, I changed my mind in the very last minute and set out to create our own tour! Although a lot of planning went into making our own Lonely Planet, I wouldn’t do it any other way. 

Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea - 2013

 2. Plan, but not too much.  
 When you are traveling, it is nice to have peace of mind knowing that you will have a place to spend that night. I am a prep-aholic so I explored various options for hotels in Paris, B&B in Amsterdam and Brussels. Loved our b&b in Amsterdam http://www.park9.nl/en/guesthouse-garden It was easy to plan our train journeys on Eurostar/Thalys. 

On the other hand, spontaneity is the most exciting. Samah & I decided to spend time doing things we really wanted to do.  We made some pleasant discoveries, got lost along the way, saw Paris through the eyes of a Parisian - everyday was a new adventure.

Arundel Castle, Sussex, England 2013

 

3. Don’t be afraid. 
 This is what prevents most people from traveling in the first place. For me, life is like Adidas & Nike. “Nothing is impossible” so “Just do it” So that was a good starting point for this vacation.

As our trip got closer, everyone at home was anxious that we were too fearless and looked very naïve and we would make the perfect targets for pickpockets! So we learnt the art of outsmarting and avoiding this on our time alone in Europe. These fears are not baseless as we interacted with many on the trip who had some bitter experience to share. I had a very close shave in the Paris metro – would have returned minus my ipad and other valuables. Plain lucky! 

Our timing in Amsterdam couldn’t have been better. We were there for the coronation of their King and ended up partying with the whole city of Amsterdam.

4. Take photos, but ….  
 There were so many unique things that we saw during our trip. We wanted to capture many memories but soon realized that it is important to soak in the experience and truly “enjoy” the time, rather than document every second. Some things are better enjoyed without your camera. (And if your camera decides to vibrate, then you have no choice!!!)

 
5. Go with your teenager!  
 Although people say the best way to travel is to go alone, I discovered a completely different experience with Samah. Never did I imagine my daughter to be such an amazing travel partner & guide who made vacationing a lot more fun.   She blew me away with her flexibility, her sense of direction and above all her caring nature. We grew incredibly closer after the trip and have created long lasting memories together! It will be hard to travel without her.  No tips and tricks on choosing your travel companion. 

Hampton Court Castle Gardens.. 2013

6. The world is a big place. 
 Although I have done a fair share of traveling when I was in the airline industry and presently with my training, I realize that I have barely seen anything at all. This trip has been significantly unique. And it has changed me in subtle ways –my thinking, the way I view the world, and a fresh perspective to life. I am viewing the world with different colored lens. I am pretty sure Samah is touched by this trip in many ways as well.

Drive through Stowe School - Buckingham