I’m going to Europe for a month! And it’s going to be as smooth as sandpaper.

I’ve been pretty busy for the last few weeks. I finished my internship in Boston. I packed up my apartment and moved home. And now, I’m getting ready for a month-long journey in Europe.

Wait, what?

You see, my sister just graduated from her MBA program. She’s starting her first big-girl job in September, where she’s expecting to work long hours and have little vacation time. This summer break is going to be her last for a while.

Also, we share a love for one of the dumbest comedies of all time.

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So, last year, she proposed:

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I agreed, of course. I’m always up for a little travel!

I wasn’t sure how serious she was, though, until I started looking for internships. Internships (or, more specifically, co-ops) at Northeastern last for the entire semester and part of summer. My sister called me in protest.

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Thus, for the past several months, we’ve been booking hostels, buying train tickets, and planning out our European journey.

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As you can imagine, planning a trip of this extent takes a lot of effort. Since my sister’s been out of school, she’s done a lot of the work.

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I was able to plan London and Paris myself, though.

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Even the most detailed plans can’t ensure a smooth trip, though. Take my New Zealand trip, for example. Yeah. My sister and I have  many concerns about our trip to Europe, including…

Pickpockets.

Do you know how many horror stories I’ve heard about thieves in Europe?

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lot. 

I’ve heard about pickpockets…

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…scams…

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…and straight up destruction of property.

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Yeah. I’ll be the girl with the hidden money belt, luggage locks, and anti-theft purse clutched tightly to her chest. No worries, mate.

The language barrier.

Everyone says that you can get around Europe just fine with only English.

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That doesn’t mean that we’re not worried, though.

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To help us along our way, my sister has compiled a small phrasebook.

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At least we have Italian down.

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Navigation.

I get lost in my own hometown. Navigating a new city every few days is going to be even harder, especially when everything’s in a different language.

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Carrying a giant paper map around is like screaming, “I’m a tourist! Please rob me!” In this day and age, there has to be a better solution.

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Luckily, I have an unlocked smartphone that is able to use any carrier I choose. After doing some research, I decided to try and get the T-mobile Simple Choice plan.

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After a good hour at the T-mobile store…

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I have the plan on my phone now.

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I’ll let you know how that goes.

Driving.

My parents are actually joining my sister and I for part of the trip. They’re flying into Germany, renting a car, and meeting us in Salzburg.

My dad actually asked for my opinion before deciding on our transportation.

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Based off my previous experiences in Australia and New Zealand, I did not think this was ok.

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After considering my opinion, and many other opinions, my dad made his decision.

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This brings us back to our previous problem.

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Our trip is going to be smooth as silk. I can already feel it.

Either way, my sister and I are departing the States on July 8th– less than a week to departure! Despite all my misgivings, I’m also very, very excited. Some of the things on our itinerary are things I’ve only dreamed of seeing.

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And I’m sure that, no matter what bumps and mishaps come our way, it’ll be a trip to remember.

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Starting July 8th, I’m going to be without a computer until August! Add me on Instagram to follow me and my sister on our journey through Europe!

7 thoughts on “I’m going to Europe for a month! And it’s going to be as smooth as sandpaper.

  1. hahaha I absolutely loved your post!
    I am so excited to hear about your travels. I am also flying to Europe soon (July 22nd) and I cannot wait. Have fun!

      • I wrote a post of my plans on my most recent blog post. But I’m not quite sure the exact countries but it will be wherever our rental car will take us (:
        I know for sure, we are stopping by Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany.
        This will be my first time in Europe (not including the fact I was born in Ukraine and moved when I was 2, so I don’t remember anything).

  2. Oh my goodness, that’s awesome!! I hope you all have an absolutely blast! All your concerns are definitely valid, but it’s all a part of the experience 😉
    Something else to remember: when you’re at the Colosseum, do not take a picture with the men dressed as gladiators…they will tell you afterwards how much you need to pay…
    Best wishes!

    • Haha ain’t that the truth! I remember learning about all the Greek and Roman gods in school. Same stories… different names. The Roman Empire was great at a lot of things, but originality in their mythology isn’t one of them.

      Rome was great, by the way! Expect posts on it soon 😀

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