Why do you blog?
I want people to travel! I hope to inspire you. I can describe sights, etc., but nothing is the same as being there. For instance there is no comparison between seeing a work of art in reproduction and in person. People speak wistfully of wanting to go abroad, but they hesitate. Now some folks lack money, or time, or have obligations they can't abandon. But others can still let anxiety about going to another country stop them from having a wonderful experience.
How can I overcome travel anxiety?
You can't entirely. I still feel somewhat anxious when I arrive jet lagged in a strange city and have to get myself to my domicile. But knowledge, planning, and preparation take care of most of the uncertainty.
How can you afford it?
I make travel a priority. It's pretty easy for me to give up other things in order to save money for trips. I recognize that not everyone shares my appetite for history and art . . . and food.
I don't like to travel alone. How do you manage?
Just fine. Having a good travel companion is nice. It's usually cheaper, safer, and you have someone to watch your bags while you run to the toilet. It's pleasant to have someone to talk to in parks and cafes and with whom share the experience. But a bad travel companion is much worse than being alone. Hint: Don't travel with someone who hates to travel or who has no tolerance for difference. Foreign countries are--well--foreign. Some of us relish the new experiences and differences. Other people feel dreadfully uncomfortable because they genuinely feel that doing anything different from the way they do it is Wrong. If your travel companion is unhappy, that's an experience they will share with you.
What do you have against tours?
They are right for some people and necessary in some places, but they are too insulating. Tourists interact with the guides and experience the country in carefully controlled situations. Getting around in Europe is easy, and traveling independently gives one so much more choice of accommodations, food, and sight seeing. It's generally cheaper, and one can stay longer. A little research will reveal sights and activities most appealing to you.
But, Pil, you already know the history.
Well, yes I do. And I love doing research. Nevertheless, city tours, walking tours, and various day tours can be wonderful, and I love to take advantage of them. One can go places and learn things that tourists usually can't do on their own.
Seriously, aren't you anxious being by yourself?
No. Europe and especially the cities are safe--safer than the city I live in. But all travelers should practice simple prudence. I don't go wandering around after dark or in dubious areas.
Yeah, but you speak [insert foreign tongue].
Er--no. I'm an American. I speak English, and so do many other people in the world. English speakers are especially thick on the ground in major cities and tourist areas. Otherwise folks are usually patient and happy to help those who who display no attitude. I know how to greet people and say please and thank you and make simple requests. It's also good--and any decent guidebook will have this information--to learn food terms. When all else fails point and smile.
But don't you get lonely?
Sure. Although less so since I started traveling with a computer. That's another reason why I blog. One of the pleasures of having a travel companion is sharing the experience. That's also why I'm grateful for comments and disappointed that there are not more.
I'm too shy to comment. Must I?
I'm grateful for readers, too. You can always send me email if you have a question or want to tell me something. If we are not acquainted click on contact me. I'm pilgrimsoulthetraveller@gmail.com
I'm afraid of being ripped off. How can I avoid it?
Research will usually alert you to common scams. Guidebooks and the internet are your friends. If it feels wrong it probably is, and you can extract yourself politely. There are people who make a living preying on tourists, and Americans are a favorite target because we are perceived as being both arrogant and naive. On the other hand, most people are doing their jobs and going about their business. Many in the hospitality trades are eager to share their culture with those sincerely interested. Some of the people you run into want to be reassured that you appreciate their country and its culture.
Won't they hate me and be rude because I am an American?
No! I have never been hassled because of my nationality. I have been importuned by beggars, which is another disadvantage of traveling alone. Europeans (and I think it's fair to say All People on Earth) value courtesy. If you are a guest in their country, you play by their rules. It's as simple as that. I am humble and appreciative, and I have found nothing gains good will faster. A good guidebook or travel websites can alert you to local customs. Most Europeans (fill in Asians, Africans, Latin Americans) are far too well bred to take out their personal annoyance with U.S. policies on a tourist. The only rude people I have encountered abroad have been my fellow Americans, and very mortifying it has been to listening to loud complaints and displays of willful stupidity. Given what they have to put up with, foreigners are remarkably patient with us.
What should I do then?
At least learn greetings and please and thank you in the local language. In Europe as the custom is I always greet the proprietor when entering a shop. They can hear my accent and be psychologically prepared for whatever idiotic thing I am about to say or do.
How do you choose where to go, and be honest. To what extent does food influence your decision?
It's a factor, I admit. But first I look at the art, history, and day trips to castles and gardens available. Then I research food and drink I want to try and how easy it is to obtain same.
You seem to do nothing on these trips but eat, yet you return as slim as ever. How do you do it?
I walk it all off, mes amies. European cities lend themselves to walking. Even on a slow day I walk at least three hours.
How do you find these apartments you rent?
The internet is my friend. Also I get a guidebook and look at the recommendations. Frequently there are reviews on Trip Advisor. Renting an apartment is a growing trend, and I highly recommend it especially for families.
Expensive?
Well, yes. But more cost effective for couples and families than a single traveler such as yours truly. One can always spend more, but it’s possible to spend less than I do. It’s just that I like high speed Internet and satellite TV. I prefer to deal with businesses rather than sublet from an individual although that is possible, and AirBNB is an excellent source.
What do you do in Europe besides eat?
Many things!--most of which involve history, art or both. In addition there are parks, gardens, stately homes, various fun museums and shopping. Please join me!
