Pretty Lynne Writes

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Europe, the first vacation I’ve taken alone in many years.

I noticed some things on this trip. Some of these observations may be obvious to you, but some you may find helpful. 

1. People are so annoying. We all know this, but I repeatedly encountered a particular family of people who clearly believe they don’t need to be on time, pay attention to instructions, or even consider the presence of other people. I’d say more, but my blood pressure can’t take writing about it. It took some concerted effort to let go of how annoyed I was. 
2. Always bring a travel knife, fork and spoon kit with you. Europe is amazing at ready-to-eat food, but it can be hard to find utensils. 
3. Take half of your initial selection of clothing. You’re not going to wear it all, and you’re the one dragging around the suitcase. 
4. When you eat alone in restaurants, notice if you hunch your shoulders and make yourself small. Sit up straight instead. You have every right to be there. Order what you want and take your time.
5. You actually have every right to be everywhere you go. Don’t feel bad about snagging the seat you want on the bus. When you go into a restaurant to ask for a table, don’t be shy or feel like you don’t belong there. You do. Take up your space. 
6. Don’t worry about making all of the right decisions. If you’re like me, you’ve mostly travelled with other people and decisions are made as a group. On my own, I found that I was second-guessing myself about train times and restaurants I chose. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s going to work out. Trust yourself. 
7. You will get lonely at times, likely. I found even making small talk with people was hard. I’ll get better at this with practice. But I’m lucky enough to have a friend or two that I could chat with while I was away. Even just a few words with them made me feel less alone. 
8. Revel in your own competence. My friends were mortified at my lack of preparation for this trip. I didn’t have hotels booked or even any definite plans. But I’m smart. I can figure things out. And I did. You will too. We are, in the words of a friend who encouraged me when I felt doubtful, badasses. 
9. Take time to sit in a park and drink a very good coffee and eat a pain au chocolat. Every second of your trip doesn’t have to be doing something or seeing the sights. The world is so beautiful when you slow down to look at it. 
10. Man buns are still happening in some parts of Europe, and god help me, I still find them hot.

Happy travels, you badass.