travelhighlights:My favourites points from Robert Reid:
5. Try to accept all invitations — you really should have time for that cup of tea the silver-haired couple offer you from the balcony in their summer home in Zakopane, or go camping with that Hungarian film crew at a Russian gulag.6. Car passengers see less than bikers, bikers see less than walkers, walkers see less than stoppers — ie those who stop and watch.20. It’s OK to have an opinion of a place, but don’t think you ‘know’ a place after spending two/15/306 days there.27. Always go to visitors centers. Sometimes they give free cookies or popcorn, and the flirty staff sometimes invite you to go out and get drunk (nothing more), as they do in Bogotá.29. Buy a hat. Always buy a locally made hat.32. Russians look mean, but down deep they’re softies that will shame you with their warmth, feed your with their home-grown tomatoes, then intoxicate you with their suddenly produced frosted bottle of vodka. [Editor’s note: :D ]44. Travelling alone is something everyone should do at least once.Via kari-shma
44. Travelling alone is something everyone should do at least once.
This should be number one. It’s amazing the people you meet when you have nobody else to talk to on a bus. You can get halfway to your destination, see something that looks like fun, and completely change your plans without having to consult with anyone else. And you have the opportunity to change and grow, without anyone being able to stop you and ask why you’re acting out of character.
Traveling alone (in Europe) was one of the scariest things that I did last year, especially since it wasn’t by choice. But I would definitely do it over again. I learned so much about myself, and I did what I wanted, when I wanted, without having to listen to anyone else or worry about disrupting someone else’s vacation. Definitely recommend it to all.