Okay, so I officially leave for my 3 month backpacking trip in T-21 days. Everyday, however, I can't help, but feel like I am forgetting to do something!
I have my backpack, all the clothes I plan on bringing, toiletries, my passports lined up, I have all of my first stop accommodation and plans booked and good to go.
Is it normal to feel this anxious? I'm only 18 and I've never left home alone for this long!
Someone lend some wisdom.
Of course it is natural to feel anxious. Once you get going and you start seeing the sights you will be fine. If you are staying in backpackers or youth hostels you will meet lots of other young people doing the same as you.
I read frequent posts on this forum about parents taking adult children to Europe. When I was 19 I went to the UK and Europe by myself for a year (had an under 27 work permit for the UK). Although it was scary to begin with it was so much more rewarding in terms of my growth as a person than tagging along on a trip with parents.
Nice to see someone with the spirit and attitude to go it alone!
Of course, it was decades ago, but I did a similar trip at age 19. While I was on trip, it was wonderful and the memories of it are fantastic. My only cautions are to remind you to use common sense with respect to securing your person and your belongings and to tell you to make sure that there are no visa requirements or restrictions applicable to your stay. Have a great time. It will be wonderful. A little anxiety when embarking on something like this is normal, but this is something great that you are doing.
Okay, you are about to embark on a learning curve you will never forget. Everything is will be fine.
My wife and I have done over a dozen Europe tips since we were married in 1999. I still get anxious before we depart, in fact more so now than on our earlier trips. It's completely normal to get nervous about stepping outside of your comfort zone, especially at your age. You will probably find, as I do, that you will become more daring of necessity during your trip. That can be a very liberating feeling, stepping up to meet the travel challenge of the moment. Use your good sense, and follow any advice that your parents have given you. You will be fine! My best advice is to put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the journey. Happy travels!
And you can check in here while you are on the road!
Try visualizing a day in Europe to see if you have forgotten anything. Let your stuff work for you (a wifi-only tablet can be your journal, alarm clock, magnifier, mirror, flashlight, camera, etc.), buy a cheap phone in Europe or check Technology Tips to be sure you won't rack up thousands of dollars in roaming charges.
Make sure you don't violate Schengen regulations.
Relax and have a great time!
I am a seasoned traveller and i get that feeling everytime i go somewhere, it usually goes away once i get on the road. It's a learning experience and once you get home again, you will think back and wonder what you where so anxious about. As long as you have your passport, tickets and money you will be fine, all the other stuff you think you have forgotten or might need can be bought in Europe. Rather pack a little less clothes and buy something on the way, than drag to much clothes around.
Perfectly normal. In fact, like Morten I still get anxious about going away, even for a couple of nights, even with in the same country. As long as you have your passport and tickets and access to money, everything else can be got this side of the Atlantic, and sometimes seeing how other countries shop is part of the holiday experience.
Congratulations: you're perfectly normal. We NEVER leave home without wondering if we've forgotten something!
A couple of things for your checklist?
1. Have you taken copies - front and back - of your credit/ATM cards, driver's license, health insurance card and front pages of your passport to use for replacement should the originals be lost of stolen? Clear photos can be used as well: the information needs to be readable. Copies can also be left with a family member at home. Just keep whatever form of copies you take separate from the originals.
Have you alerted your bank and credit card companies of the dates of your trip and where you're going?
Unusual activity on your cards can cause them to be frozen unless the companies have been informed in advance so give them a call if you haven't already.
Have you left an itinerary, even a rough one, with a family member? Like all young people these day, I'm assuming you're bringing a mobile device for keeping in touch but it's never a bad idea for someone to have an idea where you intend to be. If nothing else, drop a quick note or call every time you move to a new location.
Adaptor plugs: do you have several of them tucked away for charging mobile devices/camera? A spare or two is nice as they don't take up any room, and we've occasionally managed to lose one along the way. Those can also be replaced abroad but more easily in larger centers versus out-out-the-way locations.
Don't worry about toiletries: anything you've forgotten can be very easily purchased when you get there. Same for just about anything else.
Relax: you're going to have a wonderful time!
I will just add another yes to the "Is this normal" question! I get anxious, wonder if I should cancel and am fine once I get to the airport and hit the waiting room after security. THEN it feels like I am embarking on an adventure!
Have a wonderful time!
Hi,
Anxiety, the travel willis, whatever you call it, it is all normal. You'll do fine. Hey, you are going for 3 months solo...fantastic, so did I on my first trip over but I was 21. I wasn't ready at 18 or even 19 as regards to maturity, education, linguisitcs, emotionally, not to mention finances. Since I couldn't fine any friends to go even part of the trip with me, I was glad to go alone, almost as long as your trip (12 weeks).
You can make a check list, put your passport in your inside pocket of the jacket you intend to wear or in a neckpouch. Figure out a system of whatever works for you as to how to secure your "stuff." I use the same system whether traveling along for 12 days or 12 weeks, alone or with others.
Any more reading and research that you have time to do will just make you feel that much more organized and confident. Remember that when you're there, you only have to take one day and one street at a time. There will be lots of choices to make and details to complete as you go, but not all at once. It's OK to change your plans or make little mistakes. You will love the freedom.
P.S. One of the worse mistakes that young people sometimes make is to blow through their whole budget at the start of the trip, necessitating a bail out from Mom and Dad, or really reducing what they're able to accomplish later in the trip. Watch your budget, and prioritize real sightseeing costs over "treating yourself" every night with fancier dining options (my temptation) or shopping. See also http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/cheap-eats.
It might be worth familiarising yourself with the notes and coins of where you are going, how much they are worth and what they will buy. And also potentially what the police are called. And then how to order you favourite drink in a cafe etc. And relax.
Assuming you'll be taking photos, do you have a camera set to go - maybe with a spare battery & charger, or will you be using a phone?
A small notebook for making notes or logging journal entries, or will you be using an electronic device?
A reusable water bottle? Make sure it's empty before you pass thru airport security, but then fill it up at every opportunity. You could get disposable bottles of water over there, or bring a disposable one from home - no big deal if those get lost or left behind, but a sturdy reusable one will stand up to travel bumps and banging, and will save you money over buying water every place you go. And learn the local term for "(free) tap water," unless you want expensive bottled mineral water (which can come still or with carbonation). Expect a few stumbles along the way, and roll with them - that's part of travel, and will make for good stories. Have a great time!
