I never knew traveling could be exhausting, stressful, and sometimes even a little scary until I had to do it by myself. A month ago I arrived at my first flight nervous and anxious. I had never traveled anywhere alone. My sister had always gone out of the country with me. Her type A personality made it easy for me to sit back and never worry about getting where we needed to. I solely depended on others to get me from point A to point B. Planning itineraries without the permission from directors or parents. This is what total freedom and total freak out looks like.
I will be in Europe a full 90 days till December, as long as the European Union will have me. Since I am so close to other countries in Europe I wanted to be certain that I got to see as many countries while I am here. On the days I don't have school, I have planned trips to Spain, Switzerland, and Germany.
But nothing was easy.
Nothing.
I have fantasized about travel since I was young. I partially blame my parents. We traveled all over America when I was growing up. For most of my rearing, all I ever knew is that I loved road-trips. Now I have found myself with the opportunity to travel. Except for this time, I am the one in charge of the results.
But flight prices change every minute. Baggage policies fluctuate from week to week. My bank account is drained from each hostel I book. Airports are further away from the hotel than I anticipated.
This the phrase: Anything that can go wrong...does.
With travel, there is no guarantee. It is always a gamble. Sometimes we get lucky and happen to meet the right people, and sometimes we have to sleep in our cars outside a closed hotel.
The biggest thing I am learning about travel is that it isn't always about planning, but embracing the moment. As much as I crave to have every little detail measured and calculated in order to have the best trip I know that the craziest screw-ups are the most memorable parts of my journey.
With traveling, I have learned how to be truly independent. When I don't know what to do I can't call my parents. More than likely I can't call anyone with the American I-phone I only use for Facetime and Instagram. However, I have found that figuring about these things is all a part of the growing process. Adapting to any and every circumstance has been the key to falling in love with travel.
Traveling has allowed me to find paradises all over this gorgeous planet. Hidden beaches none of my friends or family back home will ever know.
The choice to come to Italy for three months is the best decision I ever made. The first sunset I saw overlooking the Tuscan valleys makes every step I had to check off my to-do list worthwhile.
If you never feel a little uncomfortable or terrified life gets boring. I like it here, outside of my comfort zone. Even though I know trepidation will cease my mind when I accidentally get off at the wrong train stop, I know that traveling is always worth the risk.
