It took me a LONG time to realize that traveling is not as expensive as I thought it was. Mind you, this is the girl who used to travel to Italy from Los Angeles 3 times a year (at about $1,100 a plane ticket….Eeeeeeek!).
Damn, I’ve learned a lot since then. And most importantly, I had no idea about Skyscanner back then. It has seriously been a GAME CHANGER! If you learn how to how to use Skyscanner for cheap flights, you will probably travel more, just sayin’. ♥
Anyways…recently I entered a contest by the lovely Sabina from Girl vs. Globe she hosted with Skyscanner seeing how many continents and countries you can get to with $1000 from your home airport. I got 4 continents and 10 countries for $1000 to my surprise! I posted it on my IG and had a bunch of people comment and message me how I did it. Soooooo…..
I decided it would be a cool blog post to explain it….but I wanted to go one step further. I wanted to see how much it would cost to get to all 7 continents (my dream)!
Through my research I realized that Antarctica is like the most expensive place in the world to get to and super had to get to as well, so I decided to leave that one out. Because honestly it would kinda defeat the purpose of proving how cheap it is to travel by leaving it in there. Sorry Antarctica, you’ll have to wait.
Without further ado…Here is how to get to 6 CONTINENTS and back from Washington, DC, USA for only $1632. If you wanted to start in Los Angeles, it would actually be $25 cheaper! How crazy is that? The old me who spent $1,1000 just to go to Italy would have never believed this!
How to use Skyscanner for Cheap Flights
Skyscanner “Everywhere” Option (life changing)
If you don’t know what this is, you’re about to find out…and you’ll thank me later :). The everywhere option is what makes Skyscanner a complete life-changing game changer.
USA to South America
Step 1: Basically, you put in your home airport and in the “to” field you type in “Everywhere“; for the departure date select “Cheapest month“. I understand this does take some flexibility. But if you don’t have to travel on certain dates, it will save you a shit ton of money! Trust me on this one. ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
First Step: type in your home airport and in the “to” field type “Everywhere”
Step 2: I searched for the cheapest destination on a different continent, which happened to be in Colombia, South America! So for $116 one-way I can get to Cartegena, Colombia on November 2nd. Who knew it was that cheap?
Washington, DC to “Everywhere”…looks like you can get to South America for only $116!
Rinse & Repeat! I basically did that for each new continent. How simple is that? Got me thinking of the famous Dr. Seuss quote: “oh the places we will go…”♥
South America to Europe
This one-way ticket was a a bit pricier, but hey, these continents are really far away! The cheapest way to get to Europe from Cartegena in November is to fly to London for $346 (I know it says $327 below, but sometimes when you click through to view the flight the prices change a bit…prices and availability are constantly changing so just keep that in mind).
Cartegena, Colombia to “Everywhere”
Europe to Africa
Did you know you can fly from London to Morocco for only freakin $19?!? How in the world?! I don’t even understand, but I’m rollin’ with it!
London to Fez, Morocco for only $19
On that note..look at ALL these European countries you can get to for $13 or less from London! Like, seriously? Come on!
Oh, the endless possibilities…
Africa back to Europe
So I found that it was cheaper to fly back to Europe and then go to Asia from there. I specifically picked Milan from experience. It seems to be one of the cheapest airports in Europe to fly in and out of! BAM $22!
Europe to Asia
This is the result of Milan to “Everywhere”. The cheapest from Milan to Asia is flying to Dubai for $148 on December 2nd.
Asia to Australia
Since I knew the last continent on my list would be Australia, I didn’t use the “Everywhere” option on this one. I simply typed in Dubai to Australia (any). It then displays the cheapest cities on Australia to fly into, which happens to be Sydney for $314.
Australia to USA
So this leg would be the most expensive part by far, getting from Australia back to Washington, DC one-way. When I searched directly, this is what I got: $737 for a one-way ticket. Oh hell nah!
Sydney to Washington, DC one-way costs $737. Ouch.
Instead of flying directly from Sydney, I decided to break it up into 2 legs because most the time it’s cheaper that way on a long route like this one:
SYD-LAX: $580
LAX-WAS: $87
Ok. it’s still expensive as hell, but this way it saved $70 and you get to stop in Los Angeles. Woohoo!
Here’s the Breakdown:
Washington, DC—> Cartegena, Colombia $116
Cartegena, Colombia—> London, England $346
London, England—>Fez, Morocco $19
Fez, Morocco—>Milan, Italy $22
Milan, Italy—>Dubai, UAE $148
Dubai, UAE—> Sydney, Australia $314
Sydney, Australia—>Los Angeles, USA $580
Los Angeles—>Washington, DC $87
Total: $1632 for 6 continents (starting November 2nd and ending January 17th). Hey, you’re gonna need lots of time to see all these countries!
So there you have it, 6 continents from the East Coast of the USA and back for $1632 using Skyscanner.com. Did I mention how much I love this website? It’s my ultimate “go-to” booking site and it’s really one of the main reasons I have been able to travel so much in the last 2 years!
It does take some flexibility and some patience tying to find all the combinations for the best routes, but it can save you a LOT of money and allow you to travel a LOT more. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box!
What are you waiting for? Start checking prices right meow! 🙂
(Disclosure: This little search box contains an affiliate link (my first one ever!), which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using this link, at no extra cost to you).
Did you find this blog post helpful? If so, please let me know in the comments and I will post more articles just like this with more specifics of how to do everything ♥
Tourism in Egypt has dropped staggeringly since the Revolution in 2011. Cairo specifically was considered a war zone, and has suffered a steep decline in visitors since then, due to heavy travel warnings against unnecessary travel to Egypt in the capital and surrounding areas.
Despite the political unrest and turbulent past, Egypt has a mysterious allure that is hard to resist. The fact that Egypt is home to the ONLY remaining standing structure of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World is enough to catapult this country to the top of most bucket lists.
Before traveling to Egypt, please understand the fact that it IS a third world country. Don’t expect the usual modern luxuries you are accustomed to in the Western world. But that’s part of the adventure! Egypt is a place so different than most Westerners are used to, and perhaps that mystery might make it more desirable to most.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Egypt, I HIGHLY recommend going with an organised tour group. I had my reservations about going to Egypt to be honest, but I definitely felt more safe doing it with a tour instead of alone. My friend Carey and I chose to go with TopDeck Travel and it was such a great decision. Not only did we feel more safe going in a group, but we were given a local tour guide who knew the ins and out of his country. This really helped put us at ease and relieved some of the stress we had beforehand, travelling alone as 2 females.
After my unforgettable trip to Egypt, I put together a list of things to expect when traveling to Egypt for the first time, including helpful tips to make you feel more prepared. Here are the top 10 things I wish I knew before travelling to Egypt for the first time:
1. You Cannot Drink the Tap Water
This may seem obvious, but it is very important that travellers are aware that the water standards are extremely below standards here and most often, water is not properly filtered, resulting in insufficient removal of harmful organisms from the treated water. Drinking the water WILL cause diahhrea, so be careful!
It is also not advisable to brush your teeth with tap water in certain areas of Egypt, including Dahab. Buy bottled water and use that to brush your teeth. We were told by our local guide that it was okay to brush our teeth with tap water in Cairo, but not so in Dahab. Depending on the region you’re in, be sure to ask if it’s ok to use tap water for brushing your teeth. You do not want to make that mistake and pay the consequences.
2. The Driving is CRAZY
The one word that comes to mind when trying to explain the traffic situation in Egypt is “clusterfuck”. There is no speed limit and there are no traffic lights in most places. This equates to some potentially dangerous driving conditions. No traffic lights also means lots of HORNS being blown all at once. Before we went, we were told by a fellow traveller who had just been to Cairo to stick our cell phones out of the window and record the noise. It seemed like a weird request, but we soon realized why. The traffic noise is unlike anything we had ever heard. This also made it difficult to get some sleep in our hotel since it was next to a busy road.
Another thing to be aware of is that there are no crosswalks. With the help of our tour guide, we all linked our hands and just made our way across the busy street. It was very frightening, I’m not going to lie. But they will stop for you, they are used to it. So when it comes to crossing the street, you just have to go! Trust me.
3. Carry Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer with You at ALL times
Wait, what? I must reiterate the fact that it is a third world country, so sanitary standards are markedly lower. Most public bathrooms do NOT provide toilet paper (or soap). Be prepared and pack it in your bag, you won’t regret it.
As mentioned above, most public bathrooms do not have soap readily available. In my experience there, there were only a handful of times where there was soap in the bathroom. If available, it was bar soap which everyone else was touching. If you’re a germaphobe like me, I passed on the bar soap and opted for my hand sanitizer.
3. Buy Bug Spray and WEAR it at All Times
A warm environment festers bugs, it’s inevitable. No one warned me about the bugs and I learned the hard way, with “battle scars” to prove it. Hey, I like to call it my Egyptian souvenir.
4. Bring a Hat, Wear Sunscreen, and Drink Plenty of Water
Heat stroke is a major concern in Egypt during the summer months. Protecting yourself from the sun and hydrating yourself is essential in order to stay healthy while travelling here. The last thing you want is a trip to the emergency room due to heat stroke. It happened to me while travelling in Spain years ago, believe me it’s not fun!
5. Respect the Culture/Religion
Egypt is a predominately Muslim country with a conservative culture. Be sure to respect the local culture by dressing appropriately. For the ladies, this means covering your arms and legs in public places. It’s not mandatory for tourists, but you’re in their country, please do your best to respect their traditions. It’s your choice, but if you do decide to dress more provocatively, expect to get some unwanted attention. Certain areas are more relaxed as in the Red Sea resort towns, including Dahab, where beachwear is the norm. Our tour guide advised us that it was okay to visit the Great Pyramids in more casual attire. However, on a dinner cruise we were advised to cover up. It all depends where you are, so make sure to stay informed in order to remain respectful.
6. Don’t Expect High Accommodations Standards
Leave all your luxurious standard expectations at the door. A 4-star hotel in Egypt is not the same as a 4-star hotel in the Western world. Going in with high expectations will only leave you disappointed. In Cairo, we had to move hotel rooms a total of 4-5 times. Either the electricity didn’t work at all or the AC was broken. There were ants in some rooms, and in one room there was no shower head at all. This became the norm there, but it was definitely an experience. The good news is that prices are a lot lower than we are used to, so accommodations won’t break the bank.
7. Check for Egypt Visa Requirements
Visas are required for ALL visitors to Egypt. The Egyptian Embassy recommends that all visitors to Egypt obtain a visa in advance of arrival. However, as an American, you are allowed to purchase a 30-day tourist visa at the airport, costing $25 USD. The process was pretty straightforward and quick. Make sure to check your country-specific requirements well in advance to avoid any complications or denial into the country.
8. Alcohol and Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month in the Muslim religion in which a strict fast is observed for a whole month from dawn until sunset. This fast includes no food and NO WATER for 30 days. The month is intended to install self-discipline through refraining from bad behavior, bad thoughts, smoking, and is marked by lots of daily prayers. Observing Ramadan once yearly is one of the “Five Pillars of Islam” an is compulsory in the Muslim religion.
Being in Egypt during Ramadan was such an eye-opening experience to witness first hand. The self-restraint and dedication that the people have to their religion was just so inspiring and honorable. To see these people going about their every day work lives in the intense heat without even thinking to take a drink was just incredible. We even witnessed small 10 and 12 year old boys firmly participating and we were just so impressed at their willpower.
That being said, don’t expect to go to Egypt during Ramadan and get wasted. As mentioned above, it’s a Muslim country, meaning they do not readily serve alcohol in most places during Ramadan, with the exception of some touristy places. Most places, we were told, did not have a license to serve alcohol during the holy month. In Dahab, however, we were informed by our local tour guide that there were 1 or 2 liquor stores where we could purchase wine/beer/liquor and bring it to the restaurant to consume at no extra charge. Make SURE to check with them first, as you do not want to get anyone in trouble and you definitely do not want to disrespect the local customs/traditions.
9. You Might See Some Guns, but Don’t be Afraid
During our journey from Cairo to Dahab, we had to leave at 4am to be escorted by a military convoy. This is standard procedure for tour groups in Egypt to assure our safety. We also witnessed some snipers on the rooftop while we were eating dinner one night. A little alarming I must say. But again, it is for our own protection.
10. Expect to See Some EPIC Stuff
No one prepared me for the epic-ness of the Great Pyramids of Egypt. As I mentioned before, the Great Pyramids of Egypt are the ONLY remaining standing structures of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. How freaking cool is that?
I couldn’t resist. When in Egypt 🙂
Did you know that the Giza pyramid is made of 3 MILLION blocks? Mind blown. You can’t really appreciate the grandeur of these structures until you are standing right in front of them, with your jaw stuck to the floor.
After reviewing this list, it may seem like all negative points, but it was not intended to be. It was just intended to make the traveler aware of what to expect so a complete culture shock is not as overwhelming.
Egypt is like a whole different world, in a good way! People only dream of visiting here, and I was so fortunate to finally get to see it with my own eyes. The ancient history here will blow you away and the hospitable culture will warm your hearts. Egypt has been one of the most unusual places I have ever visited and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will treasure forever.
Is Egypt safe? That’s a never-ending question with a revolving answer. My only advice is to do your research, check national travel warnings, speak to those who have recently visited, and make an informed decision based on these factors.Traveling to Egypt was one of the best decisions I have made, and something I will always remember.
Travel Insurance for Egypt
I would definitely recommend travel insurance, especially when traveling somewhere like Egypt. My favorite travel insurance that I have been using for the past 4 years is World Nomads. I have made 3 claims so far and have been fully reimbursed for all 3 without any hassle. I HIGHLY recommend them.
Here is my more detailed review of World Nomads if you’re interesting in their coverage.
Do you have any more advice for traveling to Egypt? Do you think it’s safe to travel to Egypt? I want to hear your thoughts!
After a life-changing sailing trip on the Adriatic coast one year ago, I knew I had to return to this captivating country. What attracts me to Croatia is not just the delectable food, the fascinating history, the laid-back culture, the crystal clear waters, or the people. It’s about the way Croatia makes me feel. And for that very reason, I was extremely eager to get back to one of my favourite countries in the entire world! For my next trip there, I decided to visit the island of Vis.
Why Vis?
While doing research on which Croatian island I should visit next, I remembered a place called Vis that a local had mentioned. After google search upon google search, I didn’t seem to find much information about it besides some basic demographic statistics. Well, how is that going to help me with my decision? But then I stumbled across something very interesting. Tourists were not allowed on the island of Vis prior to 1989, as Vis was the site for the military base for the Yugoslav National Army! I also learned that Vis is the farthest island from the Croatian mainland and the least developed, resulting in even less tourism. That’s all I needed to hear, I was sold!!
After a pleasant 3 hour ferry ride, I had arrived on the island. I noticed a quiet port town displaying traditional old stone buildings, quant narrow streets, and best of all, no tourists! YES. I knew in the first minute that I had made the right decision. I was quickly greeted by my apartment host who picked me up and escorted me to the guest house I would be staying in. After 10-15 minutes of navigating through windy roads, we had arrived. I had hoped for something secluded, but little did I know I would be staying in the middle of nowhere!
I shortly found out that the wifi only worked at the top of the driveway, and that the closest store/ restaurant/attraction was not even within walking distance. My first reaction was, how would I function for 2 days without wifi and without transportation? But then I remembered, wasn’t this what I came here for?
Getting Around the Island
Komiža town
After settling in, the host invited me up to the main house for some delightful fresh fruits, cheese, and salami. She then offered to let me use one of her bikes to explore the island, to which I happily agree. On the top of my agenda was visiting Stiniva Cove. As a captivating picture can often be the sole motivation for my decision to visit a destination, it is safe to say that a picture of Stiniva Cove single-handedly lured me to the island. The only thing standing in my way of seeing it was a mountain bike and 4 kilometres. When asking how to get there, I was given the seemingly typical foreigner response: “go right out of the driveway and when your see a church, turn left, then after 500 meters, turn right”, and so on. So without a map in hand, I was on my way! This should be fun.
A little weary of the fact that I’m a little directionally challenged to say the least, I must admit I was a little hesitant. And by hesitant I mean scared to death I would never make it back to that secluded guest house! As I slowly strolled my bike out of the driveway, the sound of gravel echoing beneath my wheels faintly reminded me of my childhood bike riding through the woods. Suddenly, I started to feel a little at ease. After 30 minutes of traversing steep hills and windy roads, the wooded area finally opened up into never-ending immaculately harvested vineyards. Had I died and gone to wine heaven? This is paradise! My legs were sore and shaking, and my bottom was numb from all the riding, but for a few moments, I didn’t feel a thing, except for the warm, blazing sun reflecting off my body. All I could think of was the taste of crisp white wine on the tip of my tongue. But that would have to wait!
Stiniva Cove
View from the top of Stiniva Cove
After the intense 4 kilometer bike ride, I finally ended up at the top of Stiniva Cove. I heard it was a tough hike, but I wasn’t expecting it to be that rugged! I inched my way down, sliding on the slippery rocks and shifting pebbles. A grueling 40 minutes later, I finally made it to the bottom, drenched in sweat and parched from the heat. My eyes enlarged as I witnessed one of the most beautiful and angelic things I had ever seen. I was standing inside a partially enclosed crescent-shaped cove, with the deep blue sparkling Adriatic Sea peaking though an opening. Forget what I said before, this is paradise! Behind me I was surprised to see a little hut where a local was serving cold drinks. I sat for a bit and drank some pear cider, as I resumed to chat with the local for some time. I then proceeded to bask in the sun and lowered myself into the shallow water.
I thought to myself, how is somewhere so perfect and etherial so empty? Then I remembered, I’m on Vis, the raw, authentic, underdeveloped island. And then it all made sense! Vis is a slice of heaven!It is here where I really came to appreciate the lesser-known, unique places, with a true sense of the local culture. Vis left an impact on me. I sat there in the serenity and quietness, and just let myself soak in my surroundings.
Komiža
Komiza town
Komiža is a small fishing town on the west coast of Vis island, framed by the Hum Mountain in the backdrop, some 600 meters high. Historically, the fishing industry was developed in Komiža in the 16th century, and this is the site of the first fish cannery on the Mediterranean.
From afar, this town looked a bit ritzy, giving off a French Riviera type vibe with all the beautiful boats lining the port. However, from the minute I stepped foot onto the marina, I fell in love with this place! There was something just so charming and genuine about this town. Beautiful stone buildings, narrow alleys, alfresco cafes, and orange rooftops is what caught my eye. It was so old and ancient, yet so alive. And as if for the first time, I witnessed the Croatian people in their natural habitat going about their everyday lives. I learned a lot about their culture. I learned that they are very simple people, and don’t require much to be happy.
In the late evening, I was fortunate enough to watch the Croatian soccer team in the World Cup with a bunch of locals. That in and of itself is a whole new experience! The passion that they have about this sport, and about their country, was incredible to watch, and the energy was quite contagious!
Final Thoughts on Vis
Vis embodies everything I love about Croatia, and so much more. It’s quiet and quaint, it’s genuine and authentic, it’s isolated and peaceful, it’s simple yet extraordinary, it’s filled with jaw-dropping nature, and it’s absolutely gorgeous!
There is something about Croatia that will always have a hold on me. Croatia is a special place. It leaves an impression on you that is everlasting. And for that, I am always destined to return.
Komiža port from afar
Vis Tips
Make sure to visit Stiniva Cove by car or bike and hike down from the top (the boat tours only take you inside the little cove from the sea just briefly and you will not get the spectacular view from the top).
Dress appropriately for the hike, the rocks can be slippery (no sandals please!).
Don’t miss a visit to the Blue Caves at nearby Biševo (which unfortunately I didn’t have time for and am still kicking myself for missing).
Eat Seafood! This is the birthplace of the fishing industry after all, they must be doing something right!
Talk to the locals, they’re always there to help and give good insider tips!
Take a ride through the countryside and marvel at the wineries. And stop at one or two if you’re feeling keen.
Bring cash, as most places do not accept credit cards.
* A special thanks to Total Croatia for publishing my article on their awesome website!
Have you been to Vis island and had a similar experience? Do you have any other tips to share? I would love to hear them!
Throughout all of my travels, smaller towns have really seemed to capture my heart. That is not to say that Rome, Paris, and Istanbul are not amazing cities. There is just something so special about these tiny, quaint little cities that are so charming and unique that they really leave an everlasting impact on you.
Fun fact: the one thing all 4 of these towns have in common? They are all car-less!
1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a car-free town located in the South Bohemian Region. The Old Town, surrounded by the Vltava River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture is what makes this tiny city so unique, and can be described as a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Medieval, and Gothic. You will instantly feel as if you’re stepping back in time.
Must-See: Cesky Krumlov Castle will give you an amazing view of the town and the surrounding land. Not to mention, it’s one of the well-preserved castles I’ve ever been to.
How to Get There: A 3-hour bus ride from Prague and costs about $18 roundtrip on Student Agency Bus. Busses run every 2 hours.
Time Needed for Visit: You can do the trip in one day. It’s a small city so a day trip from Prague is all you need.
Bonus: In the summer, you can raft/tube down the river running through the city 🙂
2. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is the quintessential fairytale town. Nestled between the salt-topped mountains and a beautiful lake, it is so unbelievable picture-perfect that it looks like it’s photoshopped. Unsurprisingly, there has even been a real-life replica of the town built in Luoyang, China. Fairly unknown to most, this makes this town refreshingly untouched by mass tourism (at least in the winter).
Must-See: Everything!!! Just walk around the village for numerous photo-ops, you really can’t go wrong.
How to Get There: A little tricky to get to, but it’s well-worth it. It takes about 3 hours total by bus from Salzburg, and you must switch busses twice. The total cost is about $18 each way. (Bus 150 from Salsburg Hbf, then switch to Bus 542, then 543). It’s a lot smoother than it sounds. Don’t let it overwhelm you! Another option is to take a ferry across the lake.
Time Needed for Visit: The village is extremely small so a day trip is all you need.
3. Positano, Italy
Probably the most well-known on this list, but it doesn’t take away from the beauty and magic of this place. The colourful houses nudged into the mountainside, the breeze from the ocean, and the heir of romance make this place so magical and unforgettable. Positano is far from cheap, but it’s one of those places you must visit once in your lifetime.
What to do: Take a private boat tour to the island of Capri for the day, explore the tiny streets and many steep steps of the city, sunbathe on the beach with a breathtaking backdrop of the city behind you, enjoy the fabulous food in one of the seaside restaurants, admire the artists painting live images of the town right in front of your eyes.
Where to eat: Chez Black Restaurant for authentic homemade pasta, seafood, and wine.
Splurge on: Reserve a spot on the balcony of La Sirenuse Hotel restaurant for a spectacular view of the city and a magnificent sunset. Cocktails run about $18, but the view is well worth it.
How to Get There: A 2.5-hour bus or train ride from Naples will run you about $20.
4. Zermatt, Switzerland
I had never heard about Zermatt until my travel partner suggested we visit there on our trip to Switzerland, and man was I blown away! Think of the most beautiful, cozy, make-believe ski town you could ever imagine, and there you will find Zermatt! Home to the infamous Matterhorn Mountain, you will not be disappointed at the endless picture-perfect viewpoints at each and every corner. On top of the shear beauty of this place, everyone is extremely nice, helpful, and happy, something very refreshing to see in a place that is so ritzy and glamorous.
Must-See: To say Switzerland is expensive is an understatement, so if you would like to splurge on the cable car to the top of the mountain (about $85) or paragliding over the alps ($200+), go for it! However, I chose to forgo these expenses and just enjoyed strolling around this visually stunning city while snapping pictures along the way.
How to Get There: Located in the far Southeast of Switzerland, a train ride from Geneva, Zurich, or Basel will take you anywhere from 3.5 to 4 hours.
Time Needed for Visit: Due to the extremely high prices, this city can be done in one entire day.
What are some other small fairytale towns you recommend? I’d love to add some more to my list!
I think a lot of people avoid traveling due to common fears associated with going to a different, unfamiliar place. Here are some of the most common concerns I have encountered when talking to people about traveling:
What if Nobody Speaks English and I Can’t Communicate?
Believe it or not, most locals in the big tourist cities (Rome, Paris, Phuket, etc.) speak some English. It is imperative for them to do business, so fear not. Whenever I plan on going to a new city, I usually like to look up a few key words or phrases beforehand (please, thank you, how much is it, etc.) and write them down. Then I will look them over on the long plane ride over or in the hotel room so that I can put them to use when I get there.
What if I get Sick and Need to Go to the Hospital?
This is one of the biggest fears people face when thinking about going abroad. I once got heat stroke while running around Barcelona, Spain trying to find my cruise ship (yes, I missed getting back on the ship). I was horrified when I knew I had to get myself to the hospital. The thought of being treated in a foreign country where nobody spoke the language was frightening. But honestly, unless you’re in a third world country, you really have nothing to worry about. The hospital in Barcelona was pretty modern and they spoke just enough English there to figure out how to treat me. Everything worked out fine in the end and it wasn’t as bad as I imagined.
What If my Wallet/Bag/Passport gets Stolen?
Unfortunately, I have experience in this department first hand. On a train ride from Prague to Vienna, my purse, along with my camera, passport, phone, and some cash, was swiped right from under my nose. Hey it happens. The next day I had a flight to Athens at noon, so I had to go to the local US Embassy in Vienna early that morning to try to get a temporary passport in order to be able to continue my travel. I was amazed at how fast and easy it was to get another passport. They really are efficient there. Tip: always make a photocopy of your passport and email it to yourself so that if something like this happens, you can go online and print it out so that they can easily look up your information. Also, make sure to buy travel insurance before you leave home so that things like this may be reimbursed (unfortunately, I learned the hard way). Lastly, keep an extra credit card or cash in a different location so that if one gets stolen, you have a backup. I was lucky I had another credit card in my backpack!
Being a well-versed traveler, I have experienced a few hiccups on the road. It’s inevitable if you travel a lotandit’s bound to happen at some point. The key is to be prepared and know what to do in certain situations. Prepare before you go and you will feel more at ease if something bad does come up. In the end, you will find that it is well worth it to step out of your comfort zone and open yourself up to experience something new. Don’t let fear prevent you from living your life to the fullest!
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